42 Gift Ideas for Every Type of Mom
March 21, 2021
Allure / Soleil Summer
Of all the people you'll be shopping for this holiday season, coming up with the best gifts for Mom may be one of the toughest. While moms may not always admit it, they love when their kids get personal when it comes to giving holiday presents. After all, who doesn't fancy the feeling of opening up a gift that you can clearly tell had a ton of thought and care put into it? It doesn't have to be anything expensive either: Simply think about your mom's lifestyle and her likes and dislikes, land on a budget for yourself, and go from there.
For instance, if your mom is a huge fan of traveling and loves skin care, why not get her a gorgeous travel diffuser or miniature serum set? Or, if your mom is someone who always has to have her nails done, an at-home manicure kit is an excellent idea that shows you pay attention to all the little details about her. Whatever it is that makes your mom unique, use that as your starting point and it won't steer you wrong.
Speaking of which: To send you in the right direction, we took the liberty of compiling a slew of gift ideas for every type of amazing mom and mother figure out there. Ahead, find 42 Allure-approved picks that will make your mama swoon this holiday season.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palette
The exterior of this stunning marble-style compact makes a statement all on its own — and that's before you discover the gorgeous powders tucked inside. But the highlighters, bronzer, and blushes inside Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palette are more than just pretty to look at. The satiny pigment helps to capture and diffuse light on the skin to give a softer, more radiant appearance, creating a lit-from-within glow.
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La Mer Crème de la Mer Duo
There's nothing that will light up Mom's face — and complexion — quite like a jar of this sacred pampering moisturizer. La Mer's Crème de la Mer Duo comes with a full-size two-ounce jar of the cream, which is laced with hydrating seaweed, brightening lime extract, and the brand's own nourishing "Miracle Broth" for home; and a mini half-ounce travel pot for luxuriating on the go. Mom can enjoy a dab of decadence everywhere she goes and will have you to thank for it.
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Nest Holiday 3-Wick Candle
Nest's Holiday 3-Wick Candle is as decorative as it is delicious, and that's precisely what makes it a standout gift for the most special person on your list. Even before it's lit, the elegant glass jar adds a dose of holiday cheer to any room. As the candle burns (this one lasts 75 to 100 hours) the air is filled with festive and cozy notes of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon. There are also hints of vanilla and amber in the mix to add more warmth and comfort.
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Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer
A salon-level blowout is a gift in itself, but one that can be accomplished at home in a fraction of the time is a real wish list-worthy splurge you'll be thanked for. Bio Ionic's 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer is a powerful, professional-grade blow-dryer that dries even the thickest, longest hair in no time, imparting a healthy bounce and glossy finish you once only thought possible with a visit to a hairstylist.
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Kusshi Everyday Makeup Bag
Many moms will agree that there's no such thing as too many little pouches to help keep life organized. This convenient makeup bag will be a welcome addition to the fleet. The three-sided zipper design helps the Kusshi Everyday Makeup Bag open flat so you can easily see every product stored inside without any rummaging. Plus, it's conveniently machine washable, which will come in handy if any of your makeup leaks.
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Unhide Marshmallow Blanket
Unhide's Marshmallow Blanket combines the cozy comfort of a weighted blanket with an airy softness that will make it an instant favorite for anyone who cuddles up with it. It's cruelty-free, machine washable, and at 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, it's big enough for the whole family to curl up under. Consider this the most perfect gift to warm Mom's soul and toes.
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Brüush Electric Toothbrush
Brüush's sleek, sonic Electric Toothbrush not only looks fancy, but the soft, gentle bristles and six cleaning modes make everyday brushing feel more pampering than chore-like. The device is available in a selection of sophisticated colors (like mauve, hunter green, and soft gray) that are worthy of prime countertop real estate, and while the charging station is equally as modern, it holds a four-week battery life so it can easily be tucked away until needed.
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The Happy Notes Book
Mom's heart is full of gratitude already, but giving her a special place to cherish those everyday moments that make her smile will make The Happy Notes Book the thoughtful surprise she didn't know she needed. The pretty journal combines the convenience of a daily notebook for all of Mom's to-dos and organizing with a simplified "happy notes" gratitude practice she will actually stick with, helping her remember and relive life's sweetest joys.
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Versed Deck the Shelves Best of Versed Gift Set
If you've yet to discover this science-backed, vegan, and cruelty-free skin-care brand, here's your opportunity to dive into a lineup of best-selling favorites and experience for yourself what all the fuss is about. Spoil Mom with a completely new regimen that looks and feels fancy but doesn't hold the lofty price tag. The five-piece Versed Deck the Shelves Best of Gift Set includes a travel-friendly cleansing balm, brightening toner, gel-cream moisturizer, and full-size retinol serum. Mom will be covered day and night, at home and on the go.
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Geometry Tea Towels
A dishtowel may not seem like a holiday wish-list item, but this is no ordinary dishtowel. One wipe with the super absorbent, fast-drying fabric is enough to know it's exceptional. Plus, there's the added feel-good bonus of knowing that it's made using recycled plastic. But the real X factor of the Geometry Tea Towel is its aesthetic. These cloths come in an extensive (and ever-growing) variety of decorative patterns and artsy prints that make a statement piece in any kitchen.
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Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo
You can't exactly gift Mom more hours in the day, but you can treat her to an award-winning concealer to help her look like she was given a few extra taps of the snooze button. The full-coverage concealer is the stick edition of the editor-favorite compact. Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo includes two coordinated shades on opposite ends of a swivel-stick applicator, making them easier — and cleaner — than ever to apply, eliminating the need to dab dirty fingers or brushes into the product. It's available in 16 warm, cool, and neutral shades.
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Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil
One drizzle of this elixir is enough to understand why it earned our coveted Best of Beauty seal. It's that good. The delicate oil, created by singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, may feel light on the skin, but it's packed with rich fatty acids that do a number on dryness. Plus, the soothing formula leaves behind the prettiest, healthiest glow and is scented with calming sage, making it a sensorial moisturizing experience Mom will love.
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GHD Unplugged
The award-winning GHD Unplugged tool weighs less than a pound and replaces the clunkiness and tangled chords of traditional flatirons with a sleek, amazingly portable design for on-the-go styling. The petite, cordless styler is equally as powerful as its full-sized counterparts and goes beyond the job description of a straightening tool. It not only helps to smooth and tame pesky flyaways, but it can also be used to create soft waves and face-framing bends.
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Hanni The Weighted Razor
A single-blade razor may not sound impressive, but the impeccably smooth results that Hanni's The Weighted Razor delivers certainly are. The unassuming tool delivers a shave so close, you can practically hear the satisfying crackle of the hairs being swept away. The Best of Beauty winner also sloughs off that outer layer of dry skin, resulting in the closest, silkiest shave of your life every time you use it.
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Cuyana Top Handle Crossbody Bag
A practical purse in a neutral shade will suit a range of tastes. Cuyana's Top Handle Crossbody Bag is perfectly sized for everyday necessities like a wallet, phone, mask, and hand sanitizer — and has plenty of room for the to-go beauty essentials you might need for a post-drink lip or base touch-up. The bag also features an adjustable buckle strap, which can be worn on the shoulder or across the body. For an extra personalized touch, you can add a monogram.
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Our Place Always Pan
That crusty frying pan that your mom has had for years? It's time to get rid of it. Give her an upgrade with the Always Pan from Our Place, which comes in six colors: Spice, Lavender, Steam, Char, Blue Salt, and Sage. The pan has a modular lid, nesting spatula, and nesting steamer basket, so it's practically an all-in-one piece of cooking equipment.
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State Bags Wellington XL Tote
This carryall, the Wellington XL Tote from State Bags, is practically the magic bag from Mary Poppins — it can fit so many odds and ends. Whether your mom needs a new bag for a weekend (and socially distanced) getaway or perhaps just needs a roomy tote that can fit jumbo-size hand sanitizers in every pocket, this one is the way to go. As an added bonus, this bag is made from 45 percent recycled material and can be personalized for your mama.
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The Citizenry Catalina Boucle Throw
Does your mom love the super cozy vibe all year round? Does she also love unique, handcrafted gifts? Then you really should be shopping at The Citizenry (once you start, you won't be able to stop). This particular blanket was handwoven by master weavers in a quiet mountain village in the Peruvian Andes. Each throw takes up to a week to complete and was made exclusively in a fair trade environment.
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Peg and Awl Bath Caddy
If she can't escape into a luxurious hotel bath (you know, the clawfoot kind that feels super vintage), you can help her elevate her own tub at home with this bath caddy from Peg and Awl. She'll want to soak away the day while reading a good book propped up on this board, made from sustainable and sturdy materials.
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Chappywrap Nantucket Blanket
Founded by a mom-and-daughter duo, Chappywrap offers the nautical-themed Nantucket blanket to transport anyone to warmer days by the water. In a dream world, you'd be on your own private yacht in Martha's Vineyard, but in the meantime, it's the perfect cozy addition to a holiday movie marathon by the fireplace.
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Campo Relax Travel Diffuser Set
Does your mom always have an essential oil diffuser running throughout the day? Well, then why shouldn't she have one to pack with her when it's finally time for adventures again? Campo's take-anywhere Relax travel diffuser fits perfectly into a cupholder or sits on top of a home office lap desk without taking up too much space. All she needs to do is fill it to the line with filtered water, drop in her favorite essential oil, and plug into any USB port.
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Indie Lee I-Recover Body Soak
Sitting hunched over a laptop all day can be very hard on the body, especially if your mom's not getting any breaks to get up for a walk. If she is experiencing back pain as a result of working from home, a long bath at the end of the day may help. Drop in a few scoops of the Indie Lee I-Recover Body Soak into a warm bath and the product will literally start to melt away along with (dare we say) her troubles.
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Circumference Serum Set
For a simplified skin-care routine, this two-piece serum set from Circumference can help make things easier. The Pure Balancing Botanical Face Oil is perfect for moisturizing skin and the Vital-C Antioxidant Day Serum is great for whenever your mom's skin needs a brightening pick-me-up. Not to mention, the serums come in recyclable glass bottles that she'll definitely love.
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Bryan Anthonys To the Moon and Back Necklace
If you're looking for a thoughtful and beautiful gift for your mom, look no further than this necklace from Bryan Anthonys. Each necklace comes with a heartfelt message that will bring your main lady to tears when she opens the box. The jewelry brand was named after the co-founder's brother, whose young life was cut short, and each piece is crafted with purpose and meaning.
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Californians Footwear Bianca Slippers
Your mom will love having these cream shearling slippers under the tree and then on her feet. They're made with a leather-welted footbed and a soft foam midsole.
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NuFace Fix Smoothing Device
This pen-sized NuFace Fix Smoothing Device is a small, but mighty microcurrent gadget that instantly targets the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, lips, and forehead, leaving skin feeling smoother and tightened after three minutes.
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Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
This 24-karat gold-plated sculpting bar from makeup artist Jillian Dempsey mimics the effects of a massage on the skin. It instantly relaxes facial muscles and releases tension, which sounds like a treat since many spas and salons are closed right now.
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Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Now is the perfect time to invest in an at-home sauna blanket if your mom is typically used to going to weekly Shapehouse sessions. This infrared one from Higher Dose helps to break a decent sweat and can be used right on the couch (just lay a towel down first).
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Hey Dewy Portable Humidifier
Dry skin in the winter seems inevitable, but this portable humidifier from Hey Dewy can help your skin feel more hydrated. All you need to do is pour filtered water into the canister and then plug this little guy into a USB charger. The result? A quiet, cool mist that you can set up while working from home.
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Eau de Toilette
For the fragrance-loving moms out there, Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Aqua Celestia Eau de Toilette is a true treat. With notes of uplifting lime, sweet blackcurrant, and cool mint, it's the perfect signature scent for your mom to spritz on all year long.
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Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color
Even though makeup looks right now are trending on the minimalist side, that doesn't mean your mom wouldn't love a brand-new lipstick to add to her rotation. In fact, she may love having a neutral shade like this one, a Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color, to swipe on before FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, or Houseparty hangouts.
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Parfums de Marly Cassili Eau de Parfum
The Cassili Eau de Parfum from Parfums de Marly is a perfect combination of floral and earthy with subtle notes of rose and sandalwood. Your mom can spritz a little on before Zoom meetings and splash on a little bit more before heading to happy hour. And can we just ogle how beautiful the bottle is for a second? Gorgeous.
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Masterclass Pass
In-between meetings, your mom can learn a new skill virtually with the help of Masterclass. We particularly like the session taught by makeup artist Bobbi Brown, where she shares her expertise in step-by-step tutorials. Your mom will learn how to choose the right shade of foundation, do a smoky eye, and avoid common makeup mishaps. There are also myriad other options taught by well-known A-listers like Simone Biles, Shonda Rhimes, and more.
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Bearaby Cotton Napper
Everyone could use a hug right now and this weighted blanket from Bearaby is a safe alternative to a real hug. Choose between nine colors (dark gray, light gray, blue, white, light pink, yellow, eggplant, grape, and orange) and three weights (15, 20, and 25 pounds) that the Cotton Napper comes in.
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Balmuda Electric Kettle
Pour-over coffee-loving moms will truly appreciate this gooseneck electric kettle from Balmuda, which comes in a matte black or white. It's sleek and boils water in just a few minutes, meaning less time between grumpy mom and happy, caffeine-powered mom.
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Blueland Hand Soap Starter Set
Hand soap might not seem like the most personal of holiday gifts, but this starter set from Blueland is great for moms who are trying to cut down on their plastic usage and wash their hands a lot. This kit comes with one glass bottle and three foaming tablets in the scents iris agave, lemon, and lavender eucalyptus. The bottle can be reused forever, saving each household approximately 25 single-use plastic bottles of hand soap.
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Smithey Iron Dutch Oven
Built for soup, braised meat, one-pot pasta, no-knead bread, and more, the Smithey's Iron Dutch Oven would make one heck of a gift. The cast iron provides extra-even heat distribution — not to mention it keeps food warmer for longer. It's induction-friendly, too. And the smooth, polished interior is naturally nonstick for easy-breezy clean-up.
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Naked Cashmere Spencer Headband
What's cute, cozy, and versatile? This 100 percent pure cashmere Spencer headband from Naked Cashmere, of course. It comes in either black or gray and can be worn as an eye mask in a pinch.
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Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine
Yeah, it's pricey, but the Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine is really, really worth it. It can be likened to the boozy version of a Nespresso machine (the capsules are recyclable), making perfectly mixed alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks with the push of a button. To set it up, pour bottles of whiskey, tequila, vodka, and your choice of either rum or gin into the glass holding containers. Pop in one of the freshness-dated, juice-filled capsules and let the machine work its magic. Your mom can become a mixologist in no time.
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Loom and Table Magnolia Tablecloth
Before she gets too carried away with holiday decorations from your childhood, up the ante with this stylish up-to-date table linen that offers a bold and modern aesthetic. She'll also love that Loom and Table offers the ability to order custom cloths for all those odd-shaped tables in her home.
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Smeg Juicer
We are obsessed with Smeg’s sleek and compact designs, but this juicer is not all about looks. In fact, it's high-powered enough to make your daily cup of juice a more regular thing. Not to mention, the juicing bowl pops out and can go straight into the dishwasher for cleaning that's almost literally easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.
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Westman Atelier Super-Loaded Tinted Highlight
We've preached ad nauseam about the new makeup trends in this work-from-home world. It seems like nearly everyone is shifting towards wearing less makeup for their day-to-day. However, a touch of hydrating shimmer from this Westman Atelier's Super-Loaded Tinted Highlight is the perfect multitasking must-have to keep us in love with our makeup collection. Wear it on the cheeks, eyes, or all over the face for a natural glow.
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