It’s too late to order a gift for Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you have to show up empty-handed. For moms who are nearly impossible to shop for, a gift card can be the perfect present — especially as we get closer to May 8. It may not be the most inventive idea, but at least Mom will get to pick out something she’s guaranteed to actually like. (Plus, gift cards are especially convenient if you won’t be seeing your mom in person for Mother’s Day, since you can email them right up until the last minute.) To that end, we’ve rounded up 36 gift cards that will appeal to all sorts of moms. Whether she’s a world traveler, a book nerd, an amateur chef, a plant fanatic, a skin-care obsessive, or something else entirely, you’ll find an excellent option below.
Clothing and jewelry
If your mom is into handmade jewelry, an Etsy gift card will let her choose the perfect piece.
When we tested a bunch of direct-to-consumer jewelry brands, Mejuri was one of our favorites, making it the perfect place for your mom to pick out some everyday gems.
Catbird specializes in jewelry but also offers a unique assortment of beauty products and home accessories.
Perfect for the mom who wants to refresh her wardrobe with new clothes, jewelry, or shoes.
Any mom who is interested in conscious shopping will love this sustainable and size-inclusive denim brand.
Give the gift of a linen shirt, shorts, or a tote bag she’ll use every single day.
Whether your mom is an elite athlete or just loves athleisure apparel, Lululemon has plenty of options.
You can never go wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s. The wide variety of sizes, cuts, and washes means your mom is bound to find something she likes from the historic denim brand.
Perhaps your mom could use a Strategist-approved padded laptop sleeve, a sleek leather bucket bag, or a classic reusable nylon tote. The choice is hers!
If your mom could use some elevated basics, it’s well documented that Strategist staffers love Buck Mason T-shirts. The brand also features a wide range of outerwear, shirts, and trousers to choose from.
With a gift card from Madewell, your mom can shop for a tried-and-true pair of jeans or pick up the brand’s leather Transport Tote, which made our list of women’s wardrobe essentials because cool ladies we know swear it’s a great bag for work and everyday life.
Beauty
With a Sephora gift card, Mom can stock up on her favorite skin-care products or try some new makeup to experiment with her look.
If your mom is into K-beauty, look no further — Soko Glam carries dozens of different brands.
If your mom prefers natural beauty products, Credo has an extensive collection.
Poet Hanif Abdurraqib counts this Black-owned line of natural beauty products among his favorites, and recommends the H2Oil Night Treatment Hemp x Hibiscus Night Oil.
Golde offers skin-care products as well as supplements to give Mom a nice glow.
Entertainment, books, and hobbies
Criterion’s streaming catalogue boasts a wide and ever-changing selection of classic and foreign films that will be especially appealing if your mom is a cinephile.
An Audible gift card is a great choice for bookworms who don’t have shelf space for another hardcover. Membership will get your mom three titles per month (one audiobook and two Audible originals) plus 30 percent off any additional titles.
With a Bookshop gift card, your mom can pick up a new page-turner and support a local bookstore at the same time.
Whether your mom is into virtual yoga or Pilates, a ClassPass gift card will offer the fitness experience of her choice.
If your mom loves arthouse cinema but doesn’t live near New York City’s Metrograph theater, a “Metrograph at Home” membership will get her access to virtual screenings with one-night-only introductions by special guests, as well as an assortment of films curated by the theater and available on demand. A gift subscription costs $50 for one year (or you can sign your mom up yourself for $5 monthly).
For the mom who picked up knitting during the pandemic.
Keepsake Frames allows your mom to have photos from her phone printed, placed in a beautiful frame, and mailed directly to her home.
Home and décor
If your mom is always in search of new and interesting home goods, Yowie offers vases, miniature lamps, and many other options.
Parachute offers the gift of comfortable bedding, and the brand’s plush mattress topper is a Strategist favorite.
If Mom is more of a Brooklinen fan, we suggest the brand’s classic linen sheets.
If your mom has a green thumb, the Sill carries a number of statusy plants.
Food and kitchen
Moms who like to cook will be wowed by Food52’s expansive selection of curated cookware and souped-up pantry staples.
If Mom’s a foodie, she’ll appreciate a chance to order from some of the country’s best restaurants (no matter where she lives).
Winc’s wine-delivery service is a thoughtful idea for a mom who loves a glass of good red, white, or rosé.
Fly By Jing’s chile crisp is a Strategist favorite and recommended by Ghetto Gastro co-founder Jon Gray, who says, “It’s just delicious. A friend introduced me to it, and it sat in my cupboard for a while before I cracked it open and tried it. Then I was hooked.” Gray also mentioned that he noticed his friend Samin Nosrat, who wrote Salt Fat Acid Heat, had Fly By Jing out on her kitchen counter.
A subscription to Thrive Market, which carries sustainable and organic products, is a perfect gift for any mom who loves to keep her pantry well-stocked. The grocery company matches every paid membership with a free one for a student, teacher, veteran, first responder, or family in need (all of whom can apply here).
Travel and outdoors
If your mom needs a nudge to take some time off for rest and relaxation, an Airbnb gift card might inspire her.
With an REI gift card, your mom can pick out all of the outdoors and camping gear she could ever want.
Patagonia Baggies shorts are a Strategist favorite that we’ve written about many times. But the brand also offers fleeces, rain jackets, and other outdoor gear for the more adventurous moms out there.
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.
