It's the most wonderful time of the year! But it's also the most stressful. And overwhelming. And exhausting. Finding the perfect gifts for the important people in your life shouldn't be a chore, but when you're unsure what to give someone, the temptation to give up entirely and just hand them over a stack of cash becomes increasingly tempting.
Don't throw in the towel just yet, though. We've taken the guesswork out of the gifting season by creating an expertly curated gift list filled with 50 picks from moms for moms. That's right; we asked moms to send us gift recommendations they'd love to receive, and here's what they chose.
This isn't your typical generic holiday gift guide; this is the real deal. You can thank us (and these awesome moms) later.
I work from home, meaning my feet are always, always cold. But a good pair of wooly moccasins works wonders. I prefer the kind that are all-around leather, as they stretch and wear to fit your individual foot.
- Jane H.
I have horrible eczema and I live in a dry climate with hard water. It is a recipe for disaster. Add in two young boys who require countless diaper changes and are seemingly sick every other week, and suddenly it is no surprise that my hands are cracking and bleeding all the time. This hand cream is a godsend. I use it every single day and it is the best relief. A little goes a long way and it is worth every penny.
- Heidi B.
I love having music on in the house and when I'm away from home. We ski a few times each season and this has been my go-to speaker. It'll be on while we are getting ready for the day and when we get back and need to unwind. The sound is fantastic and the volume gets up so high I have to tell my kids to lower it most of the time.
- Amy B.
I'm a mom and that means I need coffee to survive most days. Some days I need an entire pot of coffee, some days I want a fancy iced latte, and sometimes I just need a quick cup. This Ninja coffee maker lets me do all of those things. I've had it since my daughter was a baby and I use it multiple times a day.
- Sydney S.
This mom works from home, and a standing desk is absolutely essential. It helps keep us healthier, allows for better circulation, and takes away the constant sit down/stand up cycle that comes with working and running a household simultaneously. With this converter, you can easily switch from standing to seated, it just goes right on top of your existing desk. Best of both worlds!
- Carrie G.
Moms can always use a little extra luxury (and sleep), and a silk pillowcase is the perfect gift to show them you care. My sister gave me one for Christmas two years ago, and it's one of my favorite products. At the end of the day after the kids are in bed and things are cleaned up, it adds even more joy to the moment my head hits the pillow.
- Kate M-W.
I LIVE for these planners! Not only do they keep me organized, but they are filled with motivational sayings to keep your daily and weekly outlook positive. I love that you can buy additional notes pages and meal planning sheets to pop right inside thanks to the disc style binding. It also has areas for planning monthly goals, to-dos, and weekend adventures. For the moms who love stickers, you can also buy the Happy Planner sticker packs to go along with this useful and fun gift. I'm going on a decade of having these in my life.
- Heidi B.
I love to read, but just never have time anymore, so I've turned to audiobooks I can listen to while driving, gardening, cleaning, etc. I haven't made the jump into Audible specifically yet, but am secretly hoping my wife will put this under the tree for me.
- Jane H.
I always loved building things with my kids but as they got older they stopped needing my help. This is cute enough that once it's built I'd actually like to display it on my bookcase. Plus, orchids are notoriously hard to keep from dying and this will never make me feel like a bad plant-parent.
- Amy B.
When I have to take my three big dogs out at 6:30am and it's 45 degrees, effortlessly being able to slip these on and not worry about socks (or having cold feet) has been a lifesaver. These are cozy and warm. Plus, they really do last. I've had mine for five years (and my daughter had them for a year before me; she outgrew them and I took them!) Come to think of it, I should probably put this on my wish list for this year.
- Amy B.
This was on my wish list for so long and I finally received it last Christmas. Before I had this, my almost brand-new sofa was covered in milk stains that just would not come out. I'm telling you, I tried everything. This got all those milk stains from baby days out and now it allows me to stay on top of all the crazy messes my toddler makes.
- Sydney S.
Power tools aren't just for the masculine folks, you know. I love DIYing and have a few 100+ year old buildings I maintain, so a good power tool is one of the few "get it because I need it" gifts I love. I got the DeWalt miter saw a few years ago and it's saved me countless hours on projects, allowing more time with my family and kids.
- Jane H.
For the moms who value comfort, but also want to sport something more presentable than yoga pants, this sweater set is the perfect gift. My husband bought these for me, and I immediately told him to buy me more. They are long, warm, cozy, stretchy, and comfortable. I'm 5' 10' and got a medium and they fit perfectly. They work for on the go and at home, they don't shrink in the wash, and they are perfect for winter!
- Heidi B.
For the moms who love to read, have an affinity for science related topics, and love to laugh, this is the book for you! It is one of my absolute favorites! Mary Roach gives a hilarious take on the uses of the human body after a person passes. I buy it for everyone and I have never gotten a bad review. My grandmother in-law would call me crying laughing after every chapter. This can be a great escape from the stresses of daily life if science is your favorite topic.
- Heidi B.
This laptop stand has changed my life. I am on the computer all day and knew I was not sitting ergonomically correct because my body would ache every night. This is fully adjustable and is super narrow so I can use it with my laptop on the same desk where my husband keeps the desktop. I am able to tilt the laptop in such a way that my hands are lower and angled (which is how they 'should' be positioned) and I am still eye-level with the monitor.
- Amy B.
I use this at least four times a week. It's light, exceptionally easy to use, and honestly, just makes me happy. I can quickly clean up any dog hair, dust bunnies, and crumbs that otherwise would have had me lugging out a heavy vacuum. It also sucks down stubborn bugs that like to hang out near the ceiling!
- Amy B.
It can feel a bit cliche to get something kitchen-related for moms, but the truth is I love to bake and never would have splurged on this myself. My KitchenAid mixer is awesome, and really saves me time and muscle for those harder-to-mix pastry recipes. Definitely a must-give if you have a mom who loves to bake in your life.
- Jane H.
This lunchbox is amazing. The ice packs are built right into the walls of the bag. This means that everything stays cold and you essentially have a portable refrigerator on your hands. This size is perfect for short road trips, visits to the beach, or a picnic in the park. The bag collapses when you go to freeze it so it doesn't take up a ton of space in the freezer and it has a convenient outer pocket for storage. For a mom with multiple kids, who is always on the go, this is a very practical gift that will get lots of use.
- Heidi B.
This is, without a doubt, the best gift I have ever gotten. We have it plugged near our kitchen table and it turns on at 7am and off at 9pm, every day. All day long it plays a slideshow of whatever photos anyone in our family has uploaded. At least once during dinner, every single night, someone at the table will call everyone's attention to a photo that pops up; then we all get to relive the memory. I love this so much I've gotten it as a gift for multiple people, some of whom I log into their account so I can continue to upload photos for them.
- Amy B.
When my daughter was a baby, I would take walks at the park while she napped in the stroller. Now that she's an energized three-year-old, those walks just turn into trips to the playground. I recently splurged on this walking pad, and I'm obsessed with it. I can get some movement in, catch up on a show, and then neatly roll it under my bed and out of sight.
- Sydney S.
I've got snacks to make and nap times to muddle through, I don't have time for perfectly styled hair all the time. Which is why my baseball cap collection continues to grow. I love that this one has a satin lining so I'm not left with even worse than I started with.
- Sydney S.
This smells like a dream! It's invigorating and gives you that little pep boost that you need first thing in the morning, before you face the day - I usually use it as a quick face wash over the sink. It's just scrubby enough that you feel clean and exfoliated but not like you've washed with sandpaper. Note that it *is* a small container, but you only need to use a small amount.
- Carrie G.
I love a DIY project, but the things I make are usually for other people. An aromatherapy oil kit is a great project that's just for me. Plus, it's fun to experiment with different scents and see what you like.
- Kate M-W.
Any busy mom needs one of these. It keeps you from having to reheat your coffee or tea every 30 minutes or so. It also keeps cold drinks cold, and doesn't sweat so no need for a coaster. The handle is high enough that it will still rest safely in the car cup holder too.
- Carrie G.
As a mom, I'm always driving kids around to school, lessons, volunteering, and a million other things. Sometimes a cup of hot coffee or tea makes another car trip feel like no big deal. I love my Yeti mug. I actually have two of them so if one is dirty, I still have one to use.
- Kate M-W.
This calendar has been a life-saver. There's room to write in multiple appointments or activities each day, no more squinting to see what's going on that day. There's a dinner menu section at the bottom for each day too, that helps with meal planning and shopping, and there's also room each month for notes and reminders. The stickers are fun as well!
- Carrie G.
There is just something so cozy about this sweater jacket. It's warm enough to wear outside but you don't feel ridiculous if it's a little chilly in the house and you want to put it on. I got one size up because I love the feeling of being wrapped up. Plus, there is a color for every mom out there.
- Amy B.
For religious moms, I love this devotional journal. I juggle work, two young boys, two dogs, and all the workings of our daily life and I still manage to squeeze this in. Each day comes with a bible verse, a short interpretation, and a question for you to answer, with space for you to write it out. This is a great tool for finding insight into your troubles, uncovering hope when things are hard, and discovering joy in the things you typically overlook.
- Heidi B.
If your kids are like mine, getting a family photo — or even just a nice picture of one of our kids — can mean war. So, someone with the foresight to print one on a canvas frame would mean the world to me. If you give your mom a hard time about photos, give her a break and a canvas portrait she'll cherish.
- Jane H.
It's weird, but I can't help but love those deeply ugly Christmas sweaters — and I always, always forget to get one for myself in time for the holidays. If your mom does the same, consider one you can customize, like this one with pet faces. She'll proudly deck the halls in it all season long.
- Jane H.
I LOVE WoodWick candles. Not only do they smell amazing, but as advertised, they crackle, which creates a fun ambiance. I have also never had a problem with the wick breaking, which happens a lot with the cotton wicks that come with most other candle types. These also last a lot longer than other candles. I work from home so I burn candles all day long and these are the best bang for your buck! Lavender is definitely one of my favorite scents, but they have a lot of other amazing options as well.
- Heidi B.
I got this because we'd just gotten back from London and my son wanted to invite his friends over for biscuits and tea. I have since pulled this out for everything from brunch to Thanksgiving to Summer BBQs. It always makes me feel a little fancier and I always get compliments on the display. Plus, it breaks down after use so it only takes up as much room as three plates.
- Amy B.
In my opinion, a woman always looks fabulous in black. Plus, Onyx is a protection stone traditionally given to people to ward off bad energy and keep them safe. Everyone in my family gets Onyx jewelry for this reason, showing them we love and want them protected.
- Jane H.
We are still in the very early stages of homeschooling, but I still use this planner every single day. You can set monthly goals and create schedules for each individual child. It even has a place for meal planning. I don't use this for the homeschool schedule aspect as much as I do for the overall organization of my life.
- Sydney S.
I love making mimosas, especially when my sister comes over, but it's kind of a hassle sometimes to muddle the mint and try to get creative with the additions. These Minute Mimosa sugar cubes (especially the shimmering ones) would be an amazing way to have an instant fancy drink to offer when people are over. They come in amazing flavor combos too.
- Kate M-W.
No matter who your mom is, I know she has a favorite holiday. Mine happens to be Halloween, and every year I'm fighting back urges to over-spend on decorations for it. If your mom loves Channukah, Christmas or even Halloween, like me, consider gifting her a fun and slightly extravagant piece of decor. She'll get to remember your thoughtful gift and enjoy her favorite holiday for years to come.
- Jane H.
My husband has worn Dearfoams for years (10+), and about three years ago, I figured I would give them a try, and now I will never look back! The memory foam insoles make it feel like you are walking on a cloud. They keep your feet warm, but don't make them sweat. The rubber soles allow busy moms who forget what is on their feet at times, to walk out the door without ruining the slipper. I also absolutely love the price. It is hard to beat!
- Heidi B.
I work on a computer all day and to unwind, I watch my programs. This means I take in a lot of screen time. As someone who suffers from ocular migraines, these have made a big difference in my day to day. They are lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and most importantly, affordable. My two boys test these often and it takes a lot for them to break. When they do, I can replace them without breaking the bank. They also have a lot of styles to choose from, which I appreciate.
- Heidi B.
I know this seems like such a simple item, but I use it every single day. As a busy mom, I rarely get to enjoy my coffee when it's hot. This insulated mug lets me actually do that without sacrificing the satisfaction of sipping from a cute cup.
- Sydney S.
My wife got them for our bed a few months ago and they're great! They really do help you stay cooler throughout the night.
- Jane H.
Fleece pajamas are always a great gift! These ones are cozy but not too thick, so I don't overheat. They're super comfy for sleeping or wearing as loungewear around the house. The fit is just a tiny bit big, but since they do shrink a tiny bit after the first wash, I recommend ordering mom's usual size.
- Carrie G.
Is there anyone who is on their feet more than mom? This foot massager is great - it has three settings, the foot inserts are machine-washable, and it gives a really good massage for tired feet. I thought this might end up taking up space in the closet, but I actually use it several times a week.
- Carrie G.
I have four of these North Face fleeces in different colors and basically rotate through them all the time. They're one of my very favorite gifts to receive (so cozy, so soft), and they're also my go-to gift for other moms in my family. My mom and mother-in-law love their just as much as I love mine.
- Kate M-W.
There is nothing worse than going to the beach and struggling to get your umbrella to stay (securely) in the sand. Either it won't standup straight or at the slightest wind it gets blown away. This base screws into the sand like a drill and anchors your umbrella so you don't have to think about it.
- Amy B.
My husband gifted me this shoulder massager the Christmas after my daughter was born. Funny how the person you parent with knows how much tension you're carrying from new motherhood struggles. I still use this multiple times a week to help me relax at the end of the day so I can get a good night's sleep.
- Sydney S.
For moms who love to bake, this is a really fun book. B. Dylan Hollis has great social media accounts where he tries different recipes from the past (right up to the 80s), and a lot of them are familiar from our own parents or grandparents. I really want this book so my kids and I can make some of the recipes together, and I can share stories of the food I used to have at family gatherings when I was their age. Might have to skip the weird gelatin salads though.
- Carrie G.
Last year, I gave my mom this Rifle Paper Company umbrella, and she uses it all the time. It's the perfect combo of cute and practical, and the goose head handle is super charming. It packs down small enough to slip into a purse, and it expands to cover more than one person (important when you're out with kids).
- Kate M-W.
My family and I travel a lot and love visiting the National Parks. We buy stickers for our cargo box to show off where we've been, but I love the idea of having a personal National Parks sticker collection. The bucket list water bottle is the perfect way for moms who travel to display the places they've been with their families.
- Kate M-W.
With kids and pets running around, lit candles aren't always a safe option (plus a busy mom can forget there's one going sometimes). These warmers are so great - they hold any size jar candle, and you get the warm glow and scent of a candle without a live flame burning. I'm asking for two of these this year, one for the living room and one for my bedroom. It'd be a thoughtful addition to a candle or bath gift set too (hint, hint kids).
- Carrie G.
My daughter got me this last year and I absolutely adore it. It made me cry! It's not expensive, which I can appreciate since it can be hard for kids to afford jewelry. The forever rose is also beautiful and sits on my desk, where I can see her every day.
- Jane H.
I LOVE THIS RAIN JACKET! It is sleek, breathable, warm, but not too hot, and it comes with a hood. It is perfect for a mom on the go. It also doesn't wrinkle so you can throw it in the car and grab it when you need it. The pockets are large so there is plenty of room for hands, keys, phones, pacifiers, and whatever else you are toting along with you.
- Heidi B.
Sometimes you get something because it just makes you smile. That is how I ended up owning this. I was walking in a small town and saw this in a shop. I bought it and put it in my front yard. Every time I look at it, it just makes me happy. It's well-made and if I know we are going to have a blizzard, I'll just put it in the shed.
- Amy B.
Sometimes the shower is the only place that mom really gets to be alone! I love music, so this thing makes shower time a little more like "me time." And the sound quality is much better than expected. It's also compatible with your phone via bluetooth, so when you're out of the shower and doing your daily stuff, you can use it hands-free to talk on the phone. This would be a perfect stocking stuffer for Mom!
- Carrie G.
Every year, my 10-year-old gets me a new fuzzy blanket, and it's one of my favorite gifts to receive as a mom. He knows I tend to be chilly, and there's just something so comforting about a really soft throw blanket. It's a great gift from a kid to a mom.
- Kate M-W.
It may be strange to ask for a label maker for Christmas, but that's exactly what I'm doing this year. Between major "mom brain" and all of the extra stuff in our home these days, I'm longing for some serious organization. I love how detailed this label maker is and connecting it to my phone would make the process even easier.
- Sydney S.
A hat might not seem like the most exciting gift, but this cashmere beanie is luxurious and practical at the same time. It's on my wish list because cashmere is just a perfect thing. Plus, it's cute and casual enough to wear with anything.
- Kate M-W.
Since becoming a mom, I tend to wake up with a puffier face. I'm not sure if it's age, sleep deprivation, or just one of the many wonderful things that happen to your body after children. I've used a lot of qua sha massage stones over the years, but this one is my favorite. It helps tremendously with the morning puffiness and helps me add a small thing to my routine to practice a bit of self-care.
- Sydney S.
This steam mop was actually gifted to me before my daughter was born. My mom knew what she was talking about because keeping floors sanitary when you have a dog and a baby learning to crawl is a challenge. I'm so thankful she thought of things I would want to prioritize as a new mom.
- Sydney S.
This is at the top of my wishlist! I cook a bunch of food over the weekend and eat leftovers for lunch, so being able to plunk lunch in this and have it ready to go when I have a break between meetings will be a huge help. No more grabbing a yogurt or a handful of almonds because I don't have time for anything else! And the insert goes in the dishwasher too. Score!
- Carrie G.
If you're a mom, your hands get a lot of abuse. I don't even know how many times a day I get mine wet or use hand sanitizer, but it's a lot. I love getting a really good quality, really pretty smelling hand lotion as a gift because you can put it on before bed and feel like it's a little moment of luxury that's just for you.
- Kate M-W.
