No amount of gifts that moms receive will equal to what these superstars deserve for all they do for their children and their families, and we should use every opportunity to gift them things for this reason. Mother’s Day is easier to shop for, think flowers or breakfast in bed. But the holidays are a bit trickier. While there are lots of lists and gift guides out there that map out what moms do want, we also want to make sure no one gives them things they don’t want (like Crocs!).
A huge myth is that moms love all gifts as long as they’re given with love. Sorry, but did anyone happen to catch the SNL skit “I Got a Robe?” Exactly.
If you find yourself Googling “gifts for mom Christmas” every year, chances are you could use a little guidance. Trying to think of things to buy for Christmas for moms can be hard, but we’d recommend going with something personal — listen when they mention things they like or want, and you’ll end up with the perfect gift.
Moms are humans, too, and get their hopes up for gifts of things they’ve had their eyes on that they won’t or can’t get for themselves. So what are these things? While “bad gifts” for moms may vary person to person, a lot of these we can guarantee moms won’t love to see in their Christmas stockings or for Hanukkah.
Any Basic Mug
Mugs can be clutch to have, especially for moms who are at home during the day, either working from home or doing the job of taking care of the kiddos. And there are really cute or funny ones available. But by now, most people, moms especially, have way too many mugs that have become clutter that stresses them out.
An Empty Picture Frame
A framed photo of loved ones make a special and personal gift for a mom. But just getting an empty picture frame, or worse, a picture frame with the model photo in there, is a big no. The chances of that frame matching her home decor is likely low and she will not have time to print our a photo of her own, in the right size, so she’ll accumulate empty frames forever. When it comes to stuff to get your mom on Christmas, a frame is a no go.
Generic Department Store Jewelry
Jewelry is a great gift idea, especially for a mom. We’re all about that. But what we don’t love for moms is for them to be gifted the not-real, generic jewelry that department stores have in abundance on the middle of the aisles during shopping season. It’s hardly ever mom’s personal style and also, it just feels last minute.
IOU Note
IOUs are kinda nice in theory. They allow the person giving it a way to gift mom something without having to get her anything. That being said, IOUs are a huge let down, especially given that moms deserve so much. And also, if she has to scramble around spending all of her free time to get everyone’s gifts by Hanukkah or Christmas, she deserves that same hustle back.
Store-Bought Card
A lot of people hate Hallmark cards for many reasons. One of them is that they’re generic. The brand mass-produces sentimental cards for various designated groups of people, without knowing them at all. They’re also super expensive and likely be thrown away or stuffed in a drawer. We don’t think it’s worth it unless it’s a card that’s hand-made or shows exactly how you feel about her. Or there’s a gift card in there.
Toasters & Household Appliances
When people become adults and/or parents, kitchen appliances become a hot commodity. We get the appeal of a bullet blender or fancy new slow cooker. That being said, people like to really research their tech and appliances. So unless mom really wants a specific model, don’t get her a random kitchen appliance she might not even want.
Generic Box of Chocolates
Chocolates are yummy, and moms love chocolate, but don’t go the generic box route. Instead, get her chocolate from a shop or store that has handmade choices, or just get her her favorite dessert. Boxes of chocolates have a time and place, mainly on Valentine’s Day. For other holidays, get her something that’s special.
Anything With Glitter
There are not many things in this world that are certain, but glitter being annoying is one of them. We love for kids to make mom thoughtful gifts to give her, but please for goodness sake, do not let them use glitter. Because when mom opens her glittery gift, all she’ll think about is the mess that she’ll have to clean up.
A Plant
Plants are all the rage right now, especially among millennials and Gen Z. And some people have huge green thumbs. But unless mom asks for plants, please don’t get her any. She has enough to take care of each day, and adding another living thing for her to have to worry about is not so much a gift as it is a burden.
Kid-Made Meals
It’s really sweet to bake or cook with kids, and it’s a good idea in theory for the kids to “make” something for mama as a Christmas or Hanukkah gift, but let’s not do that for this holiday. Either have an adult make or bake her something, or buy it (or take her out for dinner). There won’t be a mess for her to clean up and it’ll actually taste good.
Any Cleaning Item (Except Robotic Vacuums)
We’re excluding vacuum robots from cleaning gifts for moms because vacuuming robots will make her life easier and keep her home cleaner. We dig it. But don’t give her any other kind of cleaning gift that basically forces her to clean or do housework to actually use it. Plus, it’s just not a fun gift. It’s more of a Sunday chore item.
Fitness Equipment
Unless mom is into fitness, don’t get her fancy exercise equipment. A commercial about Peloton went viral as it was literally about gifting a woman the famous exercise bike. If mom really wants one, or is super into fitness, fine, get her one. But if she’s not, please don’t. It could put unnecessary pressure on her to get fit or at best just sit there taking up space in the home when she doesn’t use it because running around with children is exercise enough.
Food the Kids Will Want
Kids are adorable and we love them, but they’re damn annoying sometimes. When they see adults or mom and dad have something interesting or something they like to eat, they ask for it. This is why we advise against giving “shareable” gifts to mom when the kids are around because then they will take it before she can have the majority for herself.
Dollar Store Socks
Socks make great gifts if they’re good quality — super soft, fuzzy, and comfortable. Cheaper socks, or socks that don’t make sense to the gift receiver — like ones with avocados for mom when she doesn’t eat avocados — is not a good gift idea. Splurge for a pair that’s a bit more comfortable or more durable or useful (low-rise socks are nice, too).
A Surprise Pet
Please, do not surprise a mom, or anyone, with a pet as a gift. It’s just not good to spring a live animal that requires a commitment on anyone as it results in lots of animals being taken to the shelter. Plus, as the adult in the room, mom should have a say in whether or not the family gets a new pet.
Any Type of Clothing
This writer may be biased, but we don’t think gifting someone clothes is a great idea unless they tell you exactly what kind or style they like and want. If someone gifts mom an item of clothing she would not wear, she’s going to feel obligated to wear it and the gift turns from a nice gesture into an obstacle.
Nothing
Last but not least, the worst gift of all to give mom is no gift at all. Not everyone’s love language is gift-giving, but even so, the holidays are such a big tradition and a big time of year to let people know how appreciated and loved they are. Please get mom a gift. She thinks she’s getting one, and she’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t.
