When in doubt, ask a mom. So, that's exactly what I did. (Getty)(Amanda Garrity/Yahoo; Getty)
Moms know best. They always seem to have the answers — and when they don't, they'll do everything in their power to track 'em down. And while I consider myself a bit of a gift-giving expert (it's my job!), I went straight to the source to get insight into what they actually want for Mother's Day in 2025 — and more importantly, what they don't.
Speaking of which, all of the moms in question agreed that the tired Mother's Day clichés have got to go. Another coffee mug with a punny message? Skip it. "My mug cabinet is starting to feel like a booby trap and since all of my mugs are sentimental I can't get rid of any of them," commerce editor Janelle Randazza tells me. In the same vein, forgo anything — jewelry, frames, random trinkets, you name it — that says "mom." Sure, she's happy to bear the title, but Jeanine Edwards, our director of commerce initiatives, makes it clear that motherhood isn't her entire persona. "If you want to get me something with writing on it, let's go with Gucci or Chanel."
What about fresh flowers? Some moms (including mine) love 'em, but commerce editor Saundra Latham says they're a hard pass. "They are pretty, yes, but ... they just die. I'd honestly rather get a simple handwritten card that I can hang on to forever," she tells me. Perfume and costume jewelry (like those ubiquitous Pandora charms) also made their do-not-buy list — unless, of course, your mom told you she wanted them.
With that out of the way, let's dive into the Mother's Day gifts that some of my fave Yahoo moms are eyeing this year. From a chic $17 picture frame to a Dutch oven built for two, these picks have range — just like Mom!
"Roxanne Assoulin's charm necklaces are sweet but not in a cloying way — and ideal for wearing with tees and summer dresses. You can choose from a heart or an initial letter; there are no bad options." — Jennifer Romolini, Senior Beauty Editor
"People are always appalled when I tell them my partner buys me cookware for special holidays. 'Don't you want a massage or jewelry?,' they inevitably ask. Yes, those gifts are great, but as someone who loves to cook, I also really enjoy receiving fancy, gorgeous cookware that feels like too much of a splurge to buy myself. I have the larger version of this Great Jones Dutch oven and I'm secretly hoping to complete the set with this smaller option that's easier to maneuver and better-suited for dinner for just one or two. Hint, hint, whoever is reading..." — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives
"I'm approaching my mid-50s, so what I wanted from a gift 10 years ago is different from what I want now. I'm constantly too warm and need white noise to even think about falling alseep. I also have two teenage sons who game late and loudly into the night. If we're all gonna make it out of this stage alive, they should consider getting me this fan. Not only will it drown out the loud outbursts and high-pitched yips they emit as some digital foe is chasing them, but it'll keep me cool (both temp-wise and mood-wise) AND it has soft LED lighting that should wipe a few years off my tired face. It's a win-win-win." — Kris Scott, Commerce Editor
"I don't wear a ton of jewelry, nor do I tend to think of buying it very often (which makes it all the more appreciated as a gift). But I still like having a few classic pieces on hand, and there's just something about this pebble-inspired pendant that I find really eye-catching, and perhaps more importantly, versatile." — Saundra Latham, Commerce Editor
"Last year, I got a robe and have been using the belt as my yoga strap. I'd like to feel a little more together with this sturdy yoga strap, which happens to be our health editor's favorite." — Janelle Randazza, Commerce Editor
"Like so many moms, I have approximately seven zillion pics of my kids sitting on my phone. But I miss printing pictures! I want to get some of those photos off my phone, and I feel like a beautiful frame like this one would give me the nudge I needed to start printing again. The bone inlay looks elegant and unique, but the white is neutral enough to match the decor in any room in my home." — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives
"I want a cute summer sweater to throw on over cutoffs or white jeans in the evenings during all the fantasy beach vacations I'll be taking this summer. [Narrator: She will be working]. This one has the right cut and a cute-classic nautical vibe." — Jennifer Romolini, Senior Beauty Editor
"Sign me up for anything chocolate and caramel. This tube of bonbons is exactly the kind of thing I would immediately hide in the pantry from the rest of my family because MINE MINE SPECIAL ALL MINE. It's also a nice upgrade from the sea salt caramels we buy at Costco (no shade intended, as they're delicious)." — Saundra Latham, Commerce Editor
"Marimekko is one of my favorite brands; the prints are like happiness on sight! I rarely leave home without my 'mom kit' — band-aids, hand sanitizer, small snacks, a hair tie... and this pouch would be perfect for storing all those on-the-go essentials. But that's not all: It also works well for makeup, writing utensils and more. Who doesn't love a multitasker?!" — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives
"I test approximately a million beauty products a year, but if someone really wanted to treat me they'd pick up some amazing body skin care from Osea, like this luxurious shower set." — Jennifer Romolini, Senior Beauty Editor
"I know you're never supposed to give a mom cleaning supplies, but between my stinky dog and my messy kid, I'm desperate. The detect light on the front and the anti-allergen filter are giving me all the feels." — Janelle Randazza, Commerce Editor
Shop Mother's Day gifts: Best Mother's Day gifts for 2025 | Mother's Day gifts under $50 | Unique Mother's Day gifts | Last-minute Mother's Day gifts | Best Mother Day gift experiences | Best Mother's Day flowers
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