*cue What A Girl Wants * but replace girl with our moms. They’re simultaneously the hardest person to shop for and the person we want to spoil the most in our lives. There’s no Mother’s Day gift that could ever fully convey all the love and admiration we have for them, so we’re settling for "we really love you and this is the best we can do".
We’ve written numerous gift guides about finding the right gifts for your mom whether she’s a ~fashion~ mom or a mom that’s happy with a simple phone call (but you want to give a lil bit more). This year, we’re flipping the script. We asked our moms what they truly want this Mother’s Day and the results are heartwarming. Sure, no present can say what’s really on our hearts — i.e. “thanks for cleaning up my poo, feeding me, and raising me” — but the following gifts are a start.
Michelle Li, Fashion Market Editor:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mom is stylish and she’s bold with what she wears (I think that’s where I get my style from). She loves comfy things and I can’t think of a comfier brand than Lou and Grey. This dress is easy to wear while still staying true to my mom’s style identity.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? The best gift is hand made greetings I got from you and Danny. I chose this because it is from you.
What’s an item that you actually want? Something easy to wear and simple for the weekends.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? What I don’t like is when you forget Mother’s Day!!! Or [I] don’t get [a] phone call.
Lou & Grey Sunline Maxi Dress, $118, available at Lou & Grey
Jessica Andrews, Deputy Fashion Director:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mom is such a boss! She’s excelled in so many different arenas — as a lawyer, author, and now a Reverend — and it’s so inspiring to me. She’s also my personal style icon. I chose her Coach briefcase because it speaks to her love of fashion and all the power moves she’s made in her career. She’s an accessories fanatic so it was either a handbag or shoes!
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? My favorite Mother’s Day gift was when you in particular treated me to dinner. I also love my Coach briefcase that you, Chris, and Sabrina gave me. I’ve used it for many years as an attorney and as a Reverend. It has so much meaning to me because you all gave it to me.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? I wouldn’t necessarily like a kitchen appliance or tools, because they’re too practical.
Coach Charlie Carryall 40, $425, available at Coach
— PAID —
Eliza Dumais, Lifestyle Editor:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mother loves to video chat — but for whatever reason, she never seems totally capable of actually keeping her face on screen or speaking into the microphone. Fortunately, Portal from Facebook is no mere video chat apparatus. Portal comes with Alexa built in and a smart camera designed to go where she may go — be it in the office, the kitchen, or just about anywhere else in the house — which eliminates the whole "wait I can’t see you!" thing. For moms who have absolutely no time to slow down, it’ll take all the stress out of staying connected.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? I love food. I’m not a huge cook, but I love to eat, so all my best Mother’s Day gifts have been incredible dinners out or home-cooked meals prepared by my kids or my husband.
What’s an item that you actually want? What makes me happiest is time spent with my family, so anything that allows me to enjoy their company is a good gift — whether that’s something that makes it easier to communicate with them when they’re far away or a family vacation we can all enjoy together in one place.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? A book I don’t want to read! If you ask me I’ll give you plenty of titles I’m excited about!
Facebook Portal From Facebook, $99, available at Facebook
Marissa Rosenblum, Senior Shopping Director:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? Honestly, my mom loves gifts — and she deserves them. And up until a few months ago, I worked at Barneys New York so I had a really good, and now sorely missed employee discount. The discount was always extra steep right before Mother’s Day so my mom got gold on a brass budget. I was so happy she loved the Ileana Makri huggie hoops I picked out and my benefactors (my sister and Dad) were pleased too.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? The gold earrings from Barneys that you and Cara got me. I love them. They’re fun but still simple, clean, easy to wear and go with anything.
Why did you choose this item as something you would want? I didn’t request this item so it was a surprise.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? Some sort of practical household appliance like an iron.
Ileana Makri Diamond Huggie Hoops, $580, available at Barneys New York
Mi Anne Chan, Associate Producer and Beauty Writer:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mother is extremely difficult to purchase anything for because like she always just buys what she wants for herself. One year I got her a perfume she’d been eyeing and I think she really liked that.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? My favorite gifts are always what I buy myself because I get whatever I like! But my kids did make me funny coupons for Mother’s Day once and I still have them. I’ll redeem them one day and they’d better honor it.
What’s an item that you actually want? Something made by my kids. It’s special.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? Nothing! I’ll take anything.
DS & Durga Rose Atlantic Perfume, $72, available at DS & Durga
Serena Kerrigan, Associate Producer:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? Lunch at our favorite spot followed by a day at the spa with 90 minute massages (because 60 minutes never feels like enough).
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? When you were little, you gave me coupons that I can use against free hugs from you.
What’s an item that you actually want? Love is the only important thing for me. Material stuff is useless; a solid, loving relationship with your kids is the only thing that’s forever.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? A day alone without my Serena.
Sézane x My Travel Dreams Mamma T-Shirt, $60, available at Sézane
Eliza Huber, Fashion Market Writer:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mom’s been talking about finding a new purse for what feels like 10 years now. Seriously, I think she’s been carrying the same Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody since I was in middle school. She knows she needs a new one, but of course, just like every other mom on the planet, she won’t just go out and splurge on it for herself. That’s where I come in. I think she’d love this bucket bag by Danse Lente because it’s sturdy and despite being small, it can fit a ton of stuff. Also, I love how it’s both on-trend and simple, so she can have it for a long time.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? The homemade stuff. The Michelle Obama card you gave me with the great note. Once, your brother made me a card with tattoo ideas (this was when he was in high school). “Mom, I’m thinking of this design for my tattoo. Or maybe this one." The last page was a heart drawing that says ‘Mom’, and the card ended with “but I love this one best." Oh my, I melted for that one. Of course, he does not have a Mom tattoo!!
What’s an item that you actually want? I need a bag that lasts because if I love it and it works for me, I’m not gonna want to change it anytime soon. This one is cute, timeless, easy to clean — in other words, perfect for me.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? Anything generic from the mall.
Danse Lente Mini Lorna Bag, $550, available at Need Supply
Hannah Bullion, Associate Social Media Editor:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? My mom is constantly working outside in her garden, walking the dog, and running errands. She deserves a nice pair of comfortable, versatile shoes that are nice enough to wear out to dinner, the farmers’ market, and on her summer trips!
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? A Mandevilla plant from my daughter Hannah.
Why did you choose this item as something you would want? I really want UV protected clothing so I can be protected from the sun while I enjoy working in my garden.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? Garden statues of any kind, especially gnomes.
Cole Haan Cloudfeel Espadrille With Stitchlite™, $100, available at Cole Haan
Emily Ruane, Shopping Editor:
Why did you choose this item as something you think your mom would want? I have always been inspired by my mom’s jewelry collection, so it was exciting for me to find something I thought she’d really love.
Mom:
What’s your favorite Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Who was it from? One of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts was from my daughter, Emily. She gave me two unique and beautifully crafted silver charms, which I added to a chain. I love silver and the charms complement a lot of my outlets. It was a really thoughtful gift.
Why did you choose this item as something you would want? I’m a very sentimental person and have collected jewelry all my life, so it was incredibly thoughtful to help me add to my collection.
What do you really NOT want for Mother’s Day? I would never want anyone to spend too much money because I have always tried to instill a sense of thrift in my children.
Honolulu Jewelry Company Sterling Silver Sand Dollar Necklace Pendant, $19.88, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
25 Gifts For The Mom Who’s Not A Regular Mom, But A Cool Mom
Graduation-Friendly Dresses To Commence Your Next Step In Style
Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton Are Anna Wintour’s Dream Met Gala Guests
Source: Refinery29 – Michelle Li