The best Mother's Day gifts: 68 thoughtful ideas for £50 and under they'll love

The Guardian

20-03-2025

Whether you're 16 or 60, shopping for your own mum or someone else's, Mother's Day gifts needn't be formulaic. In fact, we'd argue that they should be thoughtful, fun or useful (but possibly not too useful), or provide a moment of escape. There's no worse gift than one bought out of obligation, unconsidered and, therefore, underused.
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We hope this carefully curated guide of 68 presents will spark some ideas for the mothers in your life. Whether she's in the first frazzle of parenthood, sitting on an empty nest, or anything in between, we've got Mother's Day covered.
Toast floral print bandana
£45 at Toast
This linen scarf, hand screen-printed in India, is a brilliantly versatile gift. It can be worn around the neck, around a ponytail, Birkin-esque around the handle of a bag or, a la some more adventurous dressers, around the biceps as a little arm scarf. It will elevate an otherwise simple outfit or add another focal point for more maximalist dressers.
Cross-body leather phone bag
£25 at Etsy
If you have yet to succumb to the phone strap movement, allow me to introduce you to this very pleasing leather phone bag. Handmade in the UK, they come in a Rothko of colours and are pretty enough to make up for the fact that they're also a very practical gift.
Keanu Reeves appreciation club T-shirt
£23 at Everpress
Everpress is a treasure trove of T-shirts and sweatshirts, in designs that will speak to – and for – almost everyone: lovers of pasta, pints, nature, freedom and, in this instance, Keanu Reeves. Opt for a design that aligns with the mother in your life and support independent creatives in the process. Keanu would surely approve.
Casio analogue watch
£19.99 at Argos£24.90 at Casio
So long as you're sure that a timepiece won't land as a thinly veiled barb about perceived timekeeping flaws, a watch is a great gift. Yes, watches are sort of obsolete. But that's what makes it a nice thing to receive – you're unlikely to buy one yourself, but it is charming and, actually, practical – one less reason to whip out the phone.
Joan clip in Bleached Buttercup
£28 at Tort
Frivolity and joy are things I would look for in a Mother's Day gift and this buttercup rhinestone hair clip, as daft as it is, has both in spades. It might not come cheap compared with the clips you can buy in Claire's but, having recently bought one from this company, I can assure you they're a superior build. And there's nothing like a good claw to keep the hair out of your eyes on the playground slide/school run/while hounding a teenager out of bed. Ellie Violet Bramley
Red rose bag charm
£12.50 at Marks & Spencer
This cute charm could add a touch of glam to your mum's bag or keys. Plus, 'it looks like it costs about 20 times the price tag,' says Jess Cartner-Morley, who highlighted it in one of her monthly style roundups.
Anyday Hennriette point
£49 at John Lewis
For busy mums, a pair of comfortable shoes is essential, but that doesn't mean they can't be stylish. These Jess Cartner-Morley-approved pumps are both, and Jess says they 'look very classy for the price'.
Perfect Night's Sleep magnesium bath milk
£35 at Marks & Spencer£40 at Neom
This dreamy bath soak is like sleep in a bottle. Packed with sleep-promoting magnesium, skin-calming oat milk and calming essential oils like lavender, it will force its recipient to relax and prepare for deep rest. Pair it with a cuppa and a podcast for the ultimate wind-down.
Aerin Rose lip conditioner
£24 at Selfridges£26 at Estee Lauder
This is without doubt my favourite lip balm, thanks to its rich texture, subtle pink shine and ability to really protect from the elements. It's a little treat that feels special enough to gift.
Deep Relax rollerball
£26 at Aromatherapy Associates£26 at Amazon
Infused with vetiver, chamomile and sandalwood, this pulse-point rollerball promotes instant calm, perfect for your mum's stressful moments.
Jo Malone London Restore body scrub
£50 at Selfridges
Few body scrubs feel like a spa treatment in a pot, but this is one of them. The sugar exfoliator removes dead skin cells, as the rich oils smooth and restore the skin's moisture levels, leaving behind a scented veil of honey, clove and nutmeg.
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine
£37 at Harvey Nichols£31.45 at John Lewis
This hybrid lip balm, gloss and lipstick is the perfect hard-working luxury. It gives lips a moisturising hit of glossy colour and is housed in ultra-chic classic Chanel packaging. I use a little on my cheeks too for a natural glow.
Charlotte's palette of beautifying eye trends in Sensual Sunset
£49 at Cult Beauty£41.65 at John Lewis
Featuring a blend of warm, sunset-inspired shades in shimmer and matt finishes, this suits-all eyeshadow palette is effortless to use, whether your mum is a beauty novice or a pro.
Penhaligon's ladies' discovery collection
£50 at Penhaligon's
This beautiful set of five Penhaligon's fragrances is a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to switch up their scent to match their mood. Definitely try the Favourite for the warmer months and indulge in Halfeti for the cooler nights.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique hand balm
£27 at Space NK£27 at Cult Beauty
Aesop's hand creams are legendary, and for good reason. Infused with sweet almond oil, mandarin rind and rosemary leaf, this rich yet fast-absorbing balm nourishes dry, overworked hands without leaving a greasy residue. Whether kept by the sink, on a desk, or in a handbag, it's an everyday luxury that makes a thoughtful (and practical) gift. Anita Bhagwandas
Espa IsoTonic mask
£32 at Look Fantastic£32 at Sephora
'My favourite self-care ritual is a 10-minute session on a Sunday with this cooling, super-hydrating treatment smoothed over my face and neck, in front of Netflix,' said Hayley Spencer in our self-care gift guide. Encourage your mum to take some time for herself too with this face mask.
Jones Road fragrance rollerball in Shower
£16 at Jones Road
Handpicked by Sali Hughes for our beauty gift guide, this scent is so popular it's normally sold out. Perfect for 'on-the-go freshen ups'.
Dr Glycolic Soft Feet 7-day peel socks
£6 at Beauty Pie
Buy your mum a self-care treat that will leave her feet feeling baby soft. 'They sound gross, but once you try this at-home pedi method you'll be addicted,' says Hayley Spencer.
Turks And Caicos Beach nail polish
£8 at Nails Inc£8 at Amazon
'Cappuccino-coloured nails look great with everything,' says Jess Cartner-Morley. This option from Nails Inc is perfect for busy mums who want a one-shade-fits-all colour to go with every outfit.
Shield ring
£40 at Dinosaur Designs
This ring itself isn't pre-historic; it was made in Sydney, probably very recently. But the tactile, swirling resin jewellery from Dinosaur Designs feels Jurassic. It comes in an Iris Apfel-worthy colour range and, while a lot of the brand's prices, mainly its homewares, would make an Ankylosaurus blush, the rings are a more affordable gift.
Stacking family birthstone ring
From £21.60 at Etsy
It's a cliche that parenthood makes you more sentimental, prone to cry at the sight of a baby photo or unbracketed milk tooth, but it's true. If in a few years, my now three-year-old decided to give me one of these, her birthstone nestled next to mine, I can guarantee I would melt. I would like to think that my usually unsentimental mum would be the same – maybe I will test that theory this year. EVB
Gold heart hoops
£36 at Boden
A cute twist on classic hoops, these heart-shaped earrings are fun but very wearable, and 'just the right amount of cheesy,' according to Jess Cartner-Morley.
Estée Lalonde Sunburst sterling silver chain bracelet
£49 at Daisy£49 at Niche Jewellery
Daisy 'designs jewellery for the everyday', says Emma Spedding in her roundup of affordable jewellery brands. So if your mum's style is more understated, Daisy will probably have something to suit her taste. This silver bracelet with delicate sunburst charms is simple but elegant.
Dotty Vine cream jug
£40.77 at Anut Cairo
This charming jug is hand-moulded and painted in Fayoum, Egypt, by a company that works with craftspeople across the country. The perfect hard-to-find gift. Hannah Booth
Jaipur Rose lacquer tray
£25 at John Lewis
For a gift that feels luxurious at an affordable price, you can't beat high-street collaborations. This tray from a Collagerie collab with John Lewis would make a beautiful addition to anyone's home. Lily Smith
Ceramic plant pot
£16.50 at Oliver Bonas
The beautiful wavy patterned plant pot looks modern but also works in a more traditional home. Buy a small succulent to go inside for an even better gift. Monica Horridge
Limited Edition croissant candle
£40 Earl of East
Nothing beats the comforting scent of freshly baked pastries, and this limited-edition candle captures it beautifully. Housed in a chic diner-style mug to keep, it's made from natural soy wax and offers more than 60 hours of burn time, filling any space with the irresistible aroma of warm, buttery croissants. AB
Ceramic garlic grater
£12 at Etsy
A garlic grating plate is the answer to the tedium of chopping garlic – a life-changing bit of kit for mums who love to cook. Buy a beautiful ceramic one to make it a gift they will cherish.
AeroPress
£35 at Argos£34.89 at Amazon
An AeroPress is a great way to upgrade their morning brew without breaking the bank. They also come in a handy travel case making them perfect for on the go or camping. Check out our guide for more essential kit to make great coffee at home. LS
Denby Halo stoneware mugs
£40 for two at John Lewis
These beautiful-quality handmade mugs feel lovely to hold and are the perfect size for a cup of tea or coffee. Your mum will remember your gift every time she drinks her morning brew.
Ribbed clear glass teapot
£10 at Dunelm
Or, if your mum already has enough mugs, this gorgeous glass teapot will bring some beauty to teatime.
Lakeland fermentation jar
£9.99 at Lakeland
This handy jar takes a lot of the stress out of fermenting at home, with the valve allowing you to burp your ferments as they go. A gift that's good for your mum's guts, and approved by Yotam Ottolenghi himself – in our guide to gifts for foodies, he said this was one of the best presents he'd ever received.
Olive wood kitchen utensils
£32 for four at Grant & Budds
These beautiful wooden utensils will look great on a countertop, and they're perfect if you're looking to replace any plastics in the kitchen. MH
Reading light
£9.99 at Amazon
Whether they're an avid reader or just a night owl, a reading light is a handy but thoughtful gift that means they can stay up and devour a novel without disturbing their other half. LS
Gin glasses
£18 for two at Marks & Spencer
These beautiful art deco-inspired glasses will bring a touch of class to your mum's evening tipple of choice, whether that's a G&T or a glass of squash. MH
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Bulb planting auger
From £6.99 at CrocusFrom £7.99 at Waitrose
For mums with a green thumb, these planting augers make it easier to plant bulbs: a gardening gamechanger.
Niwaki blue steel higonokami folding knife
£36 at Architectural Plants
A good-quality knife is an invaluable gardening tool. Niwaki is known for its amazing gardening gear, and this knife is beautiful enough to make it gift worthy. For more inspiration, see our gardening gift guide. LS
Personalised indoor plant pot
From £27.20 at Etsy
Rather than writing inside a throwaway card, personalise a plant pot so that your message to mum lasts forever. MH
Sweet peas
£19.95 for 120 seeds at Sarah Raven
These seeds can be planted now, and come summer your mum will have a homegrown sweet pea bouquet to brighten up the house.
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Plan International Denmark tote bag
£5.24 at Søstrene Grene
A percentage of the sale of this floral tote goes to Plan International, which helps support girls' and young women's rights. Plus, you can never have too many reusable bags. HB
Highland Fine Cheeses bestsellers box
£25 at Highland Fine Cheeses
Food hampers make a great gift because it's something no one ever buys for themselves. If your mum loves cheese, this would be a delicious and indulgent treat.
Chocolossus Biscuits
£24.95 at Fortnum & Mason
But if they have a sweet tooth – you can't beat a decadent biscuit. Grace Dent rated these Fortnum & Mason ones as the 'best splurge' in her review of the best extra-chocolatey biscuits.
Tesco Finest prosecco valdobbiadene DOCG
£10 at Tesco
Fizz is a classic crowd-pleasing present, but with so many options out there it can be hard to know which one to choose. But don't fret, our expert Sophia Longhi selected this one as the best budget option in our guide to the best bubbly – and it's only a tenner.
LA Brewery sparkling English blush kombucha (non-alcoholic)
£13 at LA Brewery
For a delicious alcohol-free option, this English blush kombucha has flavours of elderflower and rhubarb. LS
Afternoon tea hamper
£20 at Marks & Spencer
If you can't have afternoon tea in person, this postbox package is the next best thing. It features a selection of small cakes and biscuits, as well as teabags to drink with them. MH
Citizens of Soil extra virgin olive oil
£23 for 500ml at Ocado£24.50 for 500ml at Abel & Cole
A bottle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is at least as expensive and as beautifully presented as a bottle of quality wine – and far more useful, particularly for non-drinkers. In our guide to gifts to bring to a dinner party, Clare Finney recommended a handful of brands: 'For my money, Citizens of Soil, Galantino, Yiayia and Honest Toil offer maximum value when it comes to aesthetics and taste.'
Satin pyjamas
£34.90 at Uniqlo
Add some luxury to your mum's loungewear with these satin pyjamas. We love that they have pockets. MH
Ancient + Brave True Nightcap
£25.60 at Ancient + Brave£32 at Amazon
Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this soothing drink. It's filled with magnesium and choline to help you drift off.
Yoga and meditation cushion
£24.99 at Etsy
Self-care is about more than just skin and beauty treatments. Inspire your mum to find some calm with a meditation cushion.
Deep Sleep heavenly candle
£20.80 at Look Fantastic£20.80 at This Works
A gorgeously scented candle can set the tone as part of a bedtime wind-down routine. Just remember to blow it out before getting into bed. This hand-blended candle uses soothing lavender and camomile essential oils and comes in a recyclable glass vase.
Lumie sunrise alarm
£49 at John Lewis£49.99 at Boots
Make your mum's mornings a little brighter with a sunrise alarm clock. This affordable option was rated the top option for a 'gentle awakening' in Pete Wise's review of the best sunrise alarms.
Waffle memory foam slippers
£16 at John Lewis
These waffle slippers have a slight spa hotel vibe, which is always a nice feeling to have at home.
Confetti glass electric diffuser
£30 at Habitat
This electric diffuser looks a lot more expensive than it is, with a lovely warm light that can be switched on or off. We like the Seaside Walk scented oil. MH
Hammam towel
£33 at Mountain Warehouse
If your mum loves swimming, a lightweight and quick-drying hammam towel would make a thoughtful gift. Highlighted as part of her wild swimming essentials, Ella Foote says: 'Cornish brand Ebbflowcornwall has different thickness hammam towels, which means you can get thicker for winter and thinner for warmer seasons.'
Fisherman beanie
From £17 at Finisterre
Ella Foote originally recommended this cosy fisherman beanie for wild swimmers but it would also make a lovely gift for any mum who likes to get outside.
Running vest
£34.99 at Decathlon
This vest is a great upgrade for any regular runners. It features a built-in 5L water bladder and plenty of handy pockets for carrying keys, phones and nutritional gels. MH
Anti-blister running socks
£18 at Sealskinz£18 at Amazon
These Sealskinz socks 'use double layers to prevent blisters, and they'll jazz up your running kit, too', says Melanie Wilkinson in her fitness fanatic gift guide. The brand also makes a pair of waterproof socks designed for cycling, if that's her sport of choice.
Spiky massage balls
From £3.24 at Physique£9.99 for three at Amazon
For pilates fanatics, 'spiky balls are a great way to release muscle tension before working on strength', says Grace Lillywhite, who runs the Centred Mums pilates studio in Hertfordshire. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best pilates kit.
Resistance bands, set of three
£14.99 at Decathlon
Resistance bands 'are the holy grail for anyone and a gentle way to build strength', said Kira Mahal, personal trainer and founder of Motivate PT, in our guide to the best home exercise kit. This three-pack from Decathlon is good value, and pretty enough to wrap up as a gift.
Yoga block
£18 at Lululemon
This Lululemon block is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, allowing for more comfortable yoga practice. MH
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
£17 at the Guardian Bookshop
When has anyone turned their nose up at a great novel? The Americanah author's first in a decade follows four women navigating love, loss, the decision to have children – or not – and the question of where, if anywhere, can be called home. A moving and engrossing read.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
£13.49 at the Guardian Bookshop
A divorced couple is brought together to celebrate their daughter's wedding in this short but wise novel, Tyler's 25th. Beautifully observed and written, this is a treat for her many fans and newcomers alike.
Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
£14.44 at the Guardian Bookshop
Sittenfeld's 2023 novel Romantic Comedy, a Reese's Book Club pick, may have won her a new readership, but this collection of short stories sees her at her funny, insightful best. Tales of women at various stages, both happily and unhappily making their way through life, each one is a joy.
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst
£17.09 at the Guardian Bookshop
The true story of a British couple who gave up their 1970s suburban life to sail around the world – and were lost at sea for 117 days. This gripping nonfiction reads like a novel, as Elmhirst grapples with the psychology of survival and what keeps a relationship alive against all the odds. Charlotte Northedge
Spices and seasonings with recipe cards
£2.50 a week at SimplyCook
The gift that keeps on giving – subscription presents can prolong your mum's enjoyment beyond Mother's Day. This one from SimplyCook will deliver spices, seasonings and recipe cards for £2.50 a week. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best subscriptions.
Treatwell gift card
From £10 at Treatwell
From a deep tissue massage (who doesn't want a deep tissue massage?) to a manicure, the gift of a beauty voucher always goes down well. Perfect for people who need a last-minute gift.
AllTrails+ subscription
£35.99 for a year at AllTrails
Whether they're the adventurous type or they'd like to get outside more, the AllTrails+ subscription will give them access to 450k trails for running, camping and hiking curated by experts. LS
The Molly
£32 at Bloom and Wild
A beautiful bunch of flowers – 19 stems including carnations, tulips, rosemary and solidago – through the letterbox. HB