28 Useful and Practical Mother’s Day Gifts

So many people on the Strategist staff love Jones Road’s makeup, myself included. And for what it’s worth, my own mom is the one who introduced the brand to me, as it’s made to work especially well on mature skin. This travel set has a collection of favorites to look put-together while away.

More in body care: This oil from Wonder Valley is luxurious as can be. I have an everyday moisturizer, but I can’t be without a bottle of this, too, for when my skin is feeling extra dry or when I want it to look extra moisturized (limbs out for summer and all).

A cozy throw blanket is one of those never-fail gifts. Strategist deputy editorSimone Kitchenshas this one from Morrow, which she describes as hardy but still incredibly soft. In cooler weather, she keeps it on her couch, and in warmer weather will use it outside.

You know, in case someone else does give her flowers. She can use it after the fact for drinks, too.

This small, clip-on utility case can hold AirPods or any other doodads, like hair ties that she always loses at the bottom of her purse.

On the pricier end of the spectrum, there’s this travel tote, which Strategist contributor Katie Stone called “the tote bag to end all tote bags.” You can readall the reasons why, but some highlights: It has perfect-length, comfortable straps, as well as myriad compartments for every single item she could possibly have (a laptop sleeve, a cylindrical area to hold a water bottle or umbrella, zippered pockets for items that need protection, open pockets for easy access to those that don’t, and more).

If she’s set for travel, consider a farmers’-market tote (’tis the season). Again, there are very good pockets: quite a few on the outside for bottles of olive oil, wine, and the like. There’s also a sturdy strap to hold flowers upright, a sturdy bottom so it doesn’t tip over on the commute home, and a key ring inside so she won’t lose hers as she accumulates mounds of produce.

I always find it very helpful to have a box of high-quality blank note cards with paired envelopes on hand that can be used for any occasion (especially those I forget about until the very last minute): birthdays, housewarmings, “thank you”s, baby showers — whatever.

WriterTembe Denton-Hursthas anarray of thingamabobsshe keeps handy when she reads. If Mom’s an annotator or an “I’ll come back to this later” kind of woman, she’ll appreciate the author-approved sticky tabs.

Book darts are also a way to mark pages. I have a tin (that was gifted to me) that I use to keep track of recipes I want to make in cookbooks. I’ve also gifted them myself to both my parents and other friends. People are always delighted.

This is a great saucier, but the small .75-quart is a size she’s unlikely to already have, and that will come more in handy than you might think. It’s great for sauces, heating up single portions of soup or oatmeal, making syrups, and more.

Same goes for this 7.5-inch cast-iron skillet, which has beautiful curved sides. It works great for flipping eggs, swirling sauces, sizzling nuts, and tossing sautés.

These tawashis, or Japanese dishcloths, are handmade from cotton. They’re super effective at scrubbing dishes and surfaces and can be washed themselves when they need a refresh, then hung dry from the little loop. The fact that they’re adorable fishes is just a bonus.

A big stack of affordabledish towelsyou can use, reuse, and wash constantly should be a nonnegotiable in the kitchen — but it’s helpful to also have some that are just for drying hands. Even better if they’re prettier than the rest.

This is a nice-looking and satisfying tool for wiping up coffee grounds, table crumbs, salt remnants, and any other itsy-bitsy dusty pieces that end up on her counter.

This sweet sewing kit comes with pins, a pin magnet, scissors, a measuring tape, and easy-to-thread needles.