Life

19 Gifts Your Mom Actually Wants This Year

by Erin Reimel

When you've got the best mom in the world (and don't we all?), Mother's Day is one of the most special days of the year. But sometimes, knowing where to get gifts for Mother's Day can seem nearly impossible. Raising you and your siblings may have gotten her flowers, candy, and a nightgown that said "Number One Mom" back in elementary school, but you're a grown adult now. You want to get a clever, thoughtful gift your mom will be delighted to unwrap — something that actually reflects her interests and everyday needs.

So if she's a breakfast food enthusiast, get her the ultimate waffle iron. If she's into recording every single moment of your family vacations, it's time you got her a selfie stick. Even if your mom is amazing at keeping in touch with everyone via snail mail, there's a luxuriously designed calligraphy stamp for adding a finishing touch to letters. It doesn't hurt to hit it out of the park with a useful item that shows you noticed more about her than the fact she was always on time for carpool. Think about the things she loves already, and you'll be able to find a great gift in no time. In case you need a little extra help, though, I've compiled a list of some pretty awesome mom-approved gift ideas.

Help Her Customize A House Fragrance

Urpower Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser , $44, Amazon; Pure Lavender Essential Oil, $14, Amazon

If your mom has already jumped aboard the essential oils trend (and even if she hasn't yet!), this essential oil diffuser and humidifier is the coolest gadget to dramatically improve her favorite room. Not only is it a No. 1 best-seller, but the artfully crafted wood grain piece provides a calming and relaxing aromatherapy session wherever it disperses your mom's favorite fragrance into the air.

Remind Your Mom How Much Your Bond Means To You

What My Mother Gave Me: Thirty-One Women on the Gifts That Mattered Most , $12, Amazon

Your mother has probably given you more gifts than you can count, so let her know how much they mean to you. What My Mother Gave Me is a collection of short stories by daughters giving accounts of the amazing gifts their mothers have given them. Give back to your mom with this heartwarming gift she'll definitely appreciate — celebrating the special bond between daughters and mothers from all walks of life, from broadcast journalists to Pulitzer Prize winners.

Give Mom A Smoother & Tastier Cup of Coffee

SterlingPro French Coffee Press, $30, Amazon

If your mother needs a strong cup of coffee to get her day going, improve her routine with a cup from the SterlingPro French Coffee Press. It's a No. 1 best seller because it makes the smoothest cup of coffee — it's the first French press to feature a double screen filtration system (meaning no need for Mom to settle for grounds in her mug). It looks beautiful stored on a counter top, and the plastic liner fitted around the lid keeps this press from burning Mom's hands, unlike many other ones on the market.

Level Up Her Cheese Plate Game

Fox Run Brands Marble Cheese Slicer , $24, Amazon

The family loves to gather around your mom's expertly curated cheese plates before dinner. Make the gathering seamless with a cheese plate that dices cheese into super-even slices, essentially doing all the work for you. Not only does the white marble keep cheese chilled (with rubber feet that prevent sliding), but it comes with two stainless steel replacement wires for keeping the slicing sharp as ever. Pick your preference from black or green marble options, too!

Save Mom Time With Handmade Calligraphy Return Address Stamp

Self-Inking Hand Calligraphy Font Return Address , $27, Amazon

If mom's pen pal game is unrivaled (or she's just great at keeping in touch), show her you notice and want to make the process a little easier for her. Handmade in Sonoma County, California, this stamp is crafted with microporous material that ensures ink is deposited only where the letters are — no pesky square outlines of the stamp to be found. The ink is matte black, and one fan of the stamp said, "Beautiful, easy to use self inking stamp. Highly recommend. Will be ordering more."

Give Her A Pretty Way to Display Jewelry Or Store Keys

Gold Foil Confetti Lucite Tray , $32, Amazon

Whether your mom is always hunting down the car keys or dealing with an overflowing bracelet collection — gift her the pretty customized tray that lets her display everyday necessities right where she can find them. Created by Le Papier Studio in Virginia, this tray's gold lining is also removable for easy cleaning, and you can pick your preference from three different sized trays.

If Gold Cuffs Are Her Staples, Add A Personalized Touch

Personalized Hand Stamped Brass Cuff, $50, Amazon

If your mom regularly rocks a few gold bands in her everyday style, add a little twist. These high polish handmade cuffs can be stamped on the inside or outside of the band (up to 60 letters), and you get to pick the phrase, lyrics, or line that means the most to the two of you. The cuff arrives in a ribbon-tied box all set for gifting, and it even comes with a polishing cloth to keep tarnishing at bay.

Give Mom's Herb Garden A Boost

Click & Grow Indoor Smart Herb Garden, $60, Amazon

If your mom loves tending to the garden, bring a little piece of it inside! This LED light planter helps mom take gardening to the next level: Automatic water and light sensors ensure herbs get the perfect blend of nutrients, which speeds up growth and makes sure Mom has a fresh batch on hand for about three months after sprouting. Plus, if any issues arise, you're able to exchange the the gardening gadget for an entire year after purchasing.

If She's Always On Her Feet, Give Her Relief With An At-Home Pedicure

Amopé Pedi Perfect Electronic Pedicure Foot File, $37, Amazon

I've got to tell you: My mother swears by this thing. After years of wearing high heels, Amopé Pedi Perfect Electronic Pedicure Foot File is the ideal solution for dry, callused feet. It's a No. 1 best-seller because it keeps your feet nice and smooth, so your mom won't have to constantly go to the salon for a pedicure. If you really want to make her happy, offer to give her a pedicure at home.

If She Needs A Spa Day, Neutral Polishes Mean At-Home Touch-Ups

Zoya Nail Polish Naked Manicure Starter Kit , $13, Amazon

Treat your mom to an at-home spa sesh: The Zoya Nail Polish Naked Manicure Kit is perfect for Mom because it comes with a base coat, tip perfector, and topcoat for a healthy and natural-looking manicure you can do together — while having a mother-daughter night watching movies at home.

Get Her Organized With Email, Calendar, Books, & Movies in One Place

Fire Tablet 7" Display, $50, Amazon

The Fire Tablet is the perfect gift for the mom who wants to stay connected to friends and family. She can keep up with social media, store all of her photos, and read books all on one device with seven hours of constant battery life. It's small enough to fit in her purse, so she can take it to the store to read her grocery list — or even on a flight for family vacation.

Help Mom Print Her Pics Straight From Her Phone & Tablet

VuPoint Solution Portable Photo Printer , $102, Amazon

The mom who's constantly asking you to "say cheese!" can use the VuPoint Solutions Photo Cube mini Portable Photo Printer to hold snaps in her hand as soon as she takes them. The Near Field Communication allows you to launch the printer app from your device and print via WiFi, so you never have to plug in a bunch of complicated cords or send your photos to the drugstore to get printed. You mom can print her favorite pics of the family right from her smart phone or tablet.

Snag Her The Statement Bag That Holds Everything She Needs

Aldo Smile Tote Bag, $50, Amazon

Your mom is always prepared, so she needs a major upgrade from the armful of canvas totes she keeps in the back of the car. Luckily, the Smile tote bag is roomy enough to hold everything she needs while out and about, and it's a great statement piece that will last for years. Its classic red hue and studded details means it won't hit the back of her closet when the trends change again, either.

Make Brunch More Fun With Double The Waffles

Conair Double Belgian Waffle Maker, $99, Amazon

Brunch has always been your mom's favorite meal: Make it even better with this Double Belgian Waffle Maker, which rotates for even baking and beeps to let you know the waffle's perfectly browned. (This one's actually one of my mom's favorite gifts because she can make two waffles at once — and that means she gets to sit down and enjoy our family brunches that much sooner.)

Avid Walker? Upgrade Her Sneaks To Cute-Meets-Comfort

Reebok Skyscape Fuse Walking Shoe , $40-$74, Amazon; Asics Walking Shoe, $50-$68, Amazon

For the mom who can always manage to fit in a walk during her week, this Reebok walking shoe is the ideal style for keeping her going in comfort. This shoe is streamlined for a no-fuss, sleek-looking edge. Users love that they come in a plethora of color variations, so they work for every woman's individual style. Plus, the ultra-soft stretch material will fit snugly to her foot for extra comfort. Asics walking sneaker have a foam cushion footbed with arch support, too, but their mesh upper features an eye-catching pattern that easily goes from workouts to day-to-day wear.

Give Her Daily Reminders She Can Display And Actually Use

Coffee Mug and Kitchen Towel, $19, Amazon

It's stating the obvious, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to see it every day, nonetheless. Plus, starting the day with a little bit of humor by way of your favorite coffee mug is always a good idea when you're about to take on the world. Whether your mom is a Mean Girls fan or simply is of the same mindset as Mrs. George, she'll be reminded on the reg what an awesome job she did raising such a good kid (and gift giver).

Upgrade Her Family Portrait Game With The Selfie Stick

Mpow iSnap Extendable Selfie Stick, $12, Amazon

Your mom can't resist a good family photo, and sometimes, there's no one around to take it for you: That's where the best-selling Mpow Extendable Selfie Stick comes in. Just place your phone in the holder, and use the built-in Buetooth remote control to snap away! (Bonus: An attached wrist strap keeps the gadget from slipping through your hands.)

If She Needs To Retire Her Worn-Out Wallet, Upgrade To Retro-Inspired Design

Fossil Sydney Zip Clutch With Key Fob , $65, Amazon

Your mom doesn't want all the unnecessary bells and whistles, but that doesn't mean her everyday wallet can't be practical and stylish, too. The Fossil Sydney Zip Wallet is big enough to fit bills, cards, and coins with no problem, and the retro pattern is classic but still on-trend — so your mom will love how it looks. It's 100 percent real leather, so it's up to her standards, and metallic hardware adds a subtle flash of fancy. Plus, a matching jewel key fob adds an extra-thoughtful touch.

If She's Your Style Icon, This Signature Scarf Adds Edge

Ted Baker London Adita Floral Swirl Long Silk Scarf, $129, Amazon

This Ted Baker London Long Silk Scarf is great for a bright pop of color — whether she wants to tie it around her neck or onto the handle of her purse. The luxuriously smooth fabric created by the iconic London designer will add a stylish edge to any outfit, and your mom will appreciate the quality of the 100 percent silk.

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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (21)