Mommy Issues

5 Bad Gift Ideas for Mother's Day (and What to Get Instead)

Put down the fuzzy slippers and slowly walk away.

By Sarah Rufca Nielsen May 4, 2017

Skip: Costume Jewelry

Hey, maybe she loves Kendra Scott. But the average piece of costume jewelry is cheaply made (these earrings are gold-dusted glass), it becomes just another trendy bauble on her vanity. Alex drop earrings, $55 at Kendra Scott.

Photography by courtesy Kendra Scott

Give: Something Precious

"Your love is more precious than rubies," is just so much more believable when it comes with timeless, high-quality jewelry made that's designed to be worn for decades (even if that means saving up and picking your moments). Rebecca Lankford pearl and white sapphire earrings, $374 at Rebecca Lankford Designs.

Photography by courtesy Rebecca Lankford Designs

Skip: Mom Gear

No matter how adorable a diaper bag is (and this one is pretty nice), there's something about a gift that involves taking care of the kids that seems to miss the point. Like, "You know all the insane crap you have to keep up with as a mom? Here's a washable tote to put it in." Thank...you? Hayden Lasher nylon tote, $500 at Hayden Lasher.

Photography by courtesy Hayden Lasher

Give: A Girl's Night Out

A nice clutch, with the instruction to take it out on the town with a friend, is more than an accessory, it's an acknowledgement of how hard she works and how much she deserves to do things for herself, too. Ostrich leather clutch, $695 at Lucchese.

Photography by Courtesy of Lucchese

Skip: Indoor Slippers

What is with all of the slippers and pajamas, as if mom's got nothing to do but lounge all day? Minnie Rose cashmere slippers, $99 (on sale) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photography by courtesy of Minnie Rose

Skip: Cooking and Cleaning Supplies

Caveat: If your mom is an undiscovered Ina Garten who really loves cooking or entertaining, then, a kitchen-themed gift is about supporting her passion. Otherwise, it just says, "Hey, cook something for me." (Although in this apron maybe she'd be down.) Make Lemonade apron, $30 at Kate Spade.

Photography by courtesy of kate spade new york

Give: Drinking Supplies

"Basically having a baby just means drinking at home," a new mom once told me, so what could be more appropriate than chic barware and drinking accessories (and wine)? Herringbone gold wine rack, $69.95 at CB2.

Photography by courtesy of CB2

Skip: Breakfast in Bed

It's a sweet thought, but it's also... awkward? Beds are not ideal for eating unless you have invested in a whole set-up, and who exactly is supposed to deal with the crumbs?

Photography by Shutterstock

Give: Comfort and Style

If she craves comfort, make sure it comes with style—as in these shearling-lined loafers that will give warm fuzzies wherever. Birdies Canary flats, $140 at Birdies.

Photography by courtesy of Birdies

Give: A Spa Day

You want mom to have a chance to relax, and you want her to be fed. This is what spas and post-spa lunches were invented for. (Or, for a budget option, give her a basket of sheet masks, some bath oil, a paperback book and a code for Door Dash, then take the kids and GTFO.)

Photography by Shutterstock

You probably have some ideas of what the mom in your life needs, so when planning for Mother's Day, make a list of those practical mom things — then crumple it up and throw it away. Instead, focus on what she wants, whether that's feeling valued, a day at the spa or an excuse to go out with friends.

Mother's Day, Gift Guide

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5 Bad Gift Ideas for Mother's Day (and What to Get Instead)

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