gifts they might actually want

53 Birthday Gifts for Every Type of Mom

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

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Buying a birthday gift for your mom — whether that’s your own mom, a mom figure in your life, or a mom you love — can be stressful. As a rule, moms are generally hard to shop for. On top of that, they have a habit of saying they don’t want or even need anything. To help you find the perfect birthday gift for your mom — whether she’s a party animal or homebody — we’ve rounded up over 50 gifts (lots of which we’ve written about before) for practically every type of mom out there. And to make it even more stress free, most picks can conveniently be found on Amazon.

Under $25

For the competitive mom

If Mom’s tired of wiping the floor with you all at Catan, here’s a lesser-known alternative, recommended by Strategist contributor Laura Guidry. She says it’s like a speedier, far more energetic version of solitaire. “I’ll persuade my husband to play a few hands between meetings as we both work from home and are slugging through the day,” she says. “The dopamine hit from a two-minute game gives me a euphoric separation from the stress of my Outlook inbox.”

For the mom who misses her six-step skin-care routine

We love this gift for frazzled new moms, which soothes and depuffs your face. Sonya Li Casino, a senior account director in public relations, told us she “bought one for myself and like three other people I know. It’s very, very addicting and makes me feel so refreshed.”

For the cat mom

Cat experts we spoke to said this little banana shaped toy was a favorite among cats, and cat parents, alike.

For the mom who always asks for socks

I thought low-cut socks that didn’t budge were a myth, until actress Lauren Graham put these on my radar. A lifelong problem solved.

For the mom with a discerning nose

If mom’s looking for subtle living room air freshener, she might like these incense sticks that actress Natalie Morales can’t live without.

For the mom who layers her necklaces

With space for rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, and a handy little mirror, this case is perfect for organized moms on the move.

For the mom who made you send thank you notes

Bright and jolly note cards for moms who keep up on their correspondence.

For the mom who knows her soba from her udon

Some spoons that are perfect for slurping from.

For the mom who was already has everything else from Aesop

Aesop’s highly-giftable hand sanitizer leaves a rather lovely waft of mandarin and rosemary.

For the mom who has a monthly spa day

For the mom who loves a good seaweed wrap, Camila Alves McConaughey thinks this stuff is just as good as what they use at the spa – and she says it’s great for those with sensitive skin.

For the mom who likes your tattoos more than she thought she would

If she was surprisingly enthusiastic about your new ink, she can play around with some temporary tattoos of her own.

For the mom who never leaves the house in flats

These squishy inserts — that one personal assistant told us she buys on repeat for her influencer boss — alleviate some of the pain that comes from clip clopping around in heels all day.

For the mom who has ‘good’ soap for the guests

This particularly pretty bath soap will fit nicely within her sweet smelling collection — and it gives back, too: a contribution from each purchase will be given to the New York Botanical Garden’s conservation efforts

For the mom who loves a natural look

Photo: retailer

“You’re never going to put it on and look like a clown,” Jennifer Garner tells us. “You can use it to give some color to the apples of your cheeks, your lips, your eyelids, wherever.” It’s sure to look good on a variety of skin tones, and your busy mom will appreciate a one-and-done product.

For the mom whose skin is perpetually parched

$16

We dubbed this oft-recommended moisturizer the best for mature skin, thanks to its barrier-reinforcing ceramides and inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture.

For the mom who has read all of Bridgerton

Ripped Bodice booksellers recently told us about their favorite romance novels. This contemporary story they recommended caught my eye. “Alexis Daria writes characters that are very family oriented so there’s always some complexity surrounding that,” says bookseller Haruka Iwasaki. “I think that anyone whose families are important to them or they have contention with them can relate.”

For the mom who wants to exercise her green thumb

If your mom is limited on space yet has decided she wants to grow a so-called victory garden, gift her this vertical wall planter. It’s suitable for planting flowers, vegetables, strawberries, and hanging plants and is homesteader approved.

Under $50

For the mom who likes to stay organized …

Beloved by three staffers, this planner is a Strategist firm favorite. It’s customizable, so Mom can use it to optimize her own schedule, and it looks rather handsome, too.

… and the mom who struggles to do so

As you might guess, moms only need to commit five minutes per day to set intentions, track positive moments, and keep on track.

For the CleanTok mom

This electric scrubber (which she’s probably already spotted on CleanTok) is ideal for hard-to-reach places like behind the faucet.

For the mom makes her own pesto

This olive oil, which is featured in our roundup of the very best, is ideal for dipping.

For the mom who’s always running errands

Originally made as a martial arts shoe, sensible moms and stylish moms alike will appreciate this addition to their shoe rack.

For the mom who never says no to bubbles

$45 for 4

We named this our favorite champagne coupe, ideal for swilling, swirling, and mixing a champagne cocktail.

For the mixologist mom

$26 for 6

These stylish glasses might inspire a new favorite cocktail.

For the mom who’d rather uncork a nice red

She can serve it from this traditional Spanish wine decanter that looks way more expensive than it is. The vessel doubles as both décor and an olive-oil dispenser, according to restaurant stylist Amy Morris.

For the mom whose home office could use some light

This mustard yellow desk lamp that Shannon Retseck, founder of textile and home-goods line Cuttalossa, told us about is way more affordable than it looks. (And it’s a stylish way to brighten up her WFH space.)

For the mom whose bedroom gets too much light

A Strategist favorite, this silk eye mask is also something designer Karen Walker can’t live without. Most importantly it’ll block out the street lamp outside her window.

For the mom who’s always achey

She won’t even need to leave the comfort of the living room to soothe the knots in her back with this handy tool.

For the mom who gets chilly

The heating pad that Nicola Peltz Beckham takes to her in-laws is soft, fast-heating, and machine washable.

For the mom who always has a snack

We’ve been fans of the Takenaka bento box since 2018 — but Marie Kondo also recently gave it her seal of approval, meaning that it officially sparks joy.

For the mom who refuses to upgrade her phone

With this Anker, she’ll be fully juiced whenever you dial in for an impromptu FaceTime (no matter how ancient her phone battery.)

For the mom who says she doesn’t like to celebrate her birthday (but doesn’t mean it)

No matter her interests, she’s sure to appreciate a soothing candle with a relaxing scent to unwind next to.

For the mom who reads The Cut

Any mom with a New York Magazine subscription will have read Leslie Jamison’s viral personal essay in early February. And if mom doesn’t have a subscription? Throw that in the cart, too.

Under $100

For the mom who scrapbooks

She’ll have stacks of photos to choose from with this compact printer, which receives pictures directly from the camera roll.

For the mom whose kid won’t let go

Like a fanny pack with a cushy saddle for a little one, the Tushbaby is a hip seat carrier for moms whose babies have outgrown their slings (but not being carried).

For the mom who wants a better way to listen to her podcasts

Three Strategist staffers own (and love) this portable speaker for podcasts and music, with one saying the sound always comes through “crisply.”

For the mom who’s over Ray Bans

A classic cat-eye pair from Le Specs will go with everything from her North Face puffers, or her cashmere coats.

For the mom who always finds the photo booth

Veteran beauty writer Linda Dyett swears by this glycolic serum that leaves her skin “radiant and energized” — a.k.a. perfect for the high-glare flash of the photo booth.

For the mom who scrolls through Zillow

Budding architect moms and discerning Property Brothers moms alike will appreciate flicking through Thomas Kligerman’s body of work.

For the mom who binges the Great British Baking Show

Completely cord-free (and kid-friendly), this mixer can whip up batters, creams, and frosting.

Under $200

For the mom who always wants a dance party

The next day, her tired feet will surely appreciate this foot massager, which has been a favorite of Strategist readers for two years.

For the mom who is loyal to her Birks

From $140

If she’s mourning her summer Arizonas, make the transition a little easier with these comfortable, cool, autumnal options.

For the mom who makes you take your shoes off at the door

Swap out her house slippers for something snugglier. The thick, plush soul and fluffy trim on this pair looks supremely inviting.

For the dog mom

$126

This expert-recommended memory-foam dog bed from Casper will show her that you know how much her precious pooch means to her — and that you have no hard feelings about it.

For the mom who can temper chocolate

If your mom treats her cooking as an artform, here’s a gift from French brand Mauviel that the head chef of New York’s Gem restaurant told us he often gifts to fellow chefs.

For the mom who always has coffee with her cake

According to the baristas we spoke to, the Bonavita is the go-to coffee maker for industry folks.

For the mom who covets Gucci

For footwear-obsessed moms, these Sam Edelnman loafers are reminiscent of Gucci, for a fraction of the price.

For the mom who makes café-level matcha

This tea-maker is a good option for the mom who makes her matcha lattes at home or the recently-relocated mom who misses the ones from her local café.

For the mom who already buys herself flowers

Photo: Courtesy of the Vendros

This clothbound coffee table book should give her inspiration (and crucially doesn’t need to be thrown out after a couple of weeks).

For the mom who winds down with yoga

From $134

This yoga mat has an added bit of cushioning, making it extra-plush for moms who stretch out every day.

For the mom who never leaves the house in heels

Fitbit Luxe
$109
$109

If she’s an active mom, this FitBit covers all the basics, meaning she can keep track of her sleep, her heart rate, and boast about her progress.

For the mom who goes bare-faced

Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand
From $95
From $95

Contributor Diksha Basu told us that, at 40, her skin has never looked better — and it’s thanks to the red-light therapy of the Solawave.

Over $200

For the mom who has a beach-day cupboard

She’ll appreciate the Shibumi, a parachute tunnel that seasoned beachgoers Ruth Baron and Kayleen Schaefer use to keep their families shaded on sunny days by the sea.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

53 Birthday Gifts for Every Type of Mom