SMT Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2025
These are a few of my favorite things!
I have been a mother for almost a decade and YET I have never had jewelry connected to my children. This is my fault, to be sure. The first letters of my three kids’ names spell out…FOE. Didn’t think that one through, LOL. Not exactly the vibe one wants when it comes to a necklace, now is it?
This Mother’s Day, however, I have finally found the most beautiful keepsake, thanks to the wonderful team at Ariel Gordon Jewelry. For a pendant they gifted me — the same one Meghan has! — they suggested engraving my children’s birth months and days in Roman numerals. It’s absolutely gorgeous, something I will treasure forever.
It’s this special feeling that nudged me to do another Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Many of you know by now that the day itself is so fraught for me since the death of my own mother. But I do think moms, and mother figures, deserve to be celebrated — and thoughtful gifts is one way to do that. Below, a few more ideas (all things I own and love myself) including two favorite serums, a spring tote, a book that made me cry and some motivating notepads. Many of these are from small, female-founded brands, which we all know are more important than ever to shop right now.
And here’s my tip for making it through the day, especially if you (like me) find this day difficult: Ask those helping you celebrate, whether it’s a partner, friend, family or your kids, for what you want. My therapist suggests being specific about it, too. Looking forward to breakfast in bed? Great! What would you like to eat? Want a few hours to yourself? Amazing! What time is best? Hoping to receive a specific present? Wonderful! Send a link. I have come to see these asks as a gift to help those who want to support you. Big hugs, friends.
PS: Two mom-centric reads to re-share. First, if you are feeling overwhelmed on this eve of the busy season known as “Maycember,” some words of wisdom from last week that have helped me:
And also, reflections on my own childhood as well as my wonderful mother:
So Many Thoughts 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Like my holiday gift guide, everything you will find below is something I have already in hand. 💗 Which means I can answer any questions you might have! Drop them in the comments.
Please note: I use affiliate links, which means if you click on something below I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting SMT!
1. A book that will make you cry
Click to shop: Tom Lake / Bookshop.org
I had heard wonderful things about Ann Patchett’s novel, all of which are very true! She has such a slow and gorgeous way of reflecting on motherhood, as well as all of the life one lives before having children.
2. White Lotus serum
Click to shop: Mother Science
I do not often shop from Instagram ads, but when I saw The White Lotus makeup artist espousing the benefits of this serum? I had to try it. The glowy skin on that show is #goals. I’ve been using it for several weeks now and have noticed a welcome brightening.
3. Horizontal tote
Click to shop: Cuyana
You know I love a Cuyana tote — this brand is a longtime fave of mine. I wasn’t sure anything could top the vertical version until I got this horizontal style. The shifted shape distributes the weight in a way that makes everything feel less bulky. Also, this one has a zipper, which is very helpful. (My “Ecru” shade is sold out but the “Stone” is a great one, too.)
4. Accountability notepad
Click to shop: Simplified
Emily Ley’s willingness to take on Trump’s tariffs has inspired me! I shopped her latest Simplified drop and picked up this great notepad, which allows you to keep track of your progress in a way that feels fun and flexible.
5. Bigger bucket hat
Click to shop: J.Crew
Since my skincare diagnosis a few years ago, I am a hat devotee. J.Crew’s bucket style has served me well — I find it to be the most versatile and packable. This season, I snapped up the wider-brim option, too, for more coverage. (It’s on sale right now!)
6. Hand-drawn pendant
Click to shop: Aurate
How cool is this? Aurate — another Meghan-worn brand — will take any sketch or hand-written note and engrave it on a pendant for you. I had each of my kids draw a heart! It’s the sweetest. Very excited to add this to my necklace stack. (Note: This will not arrive in time for Mother’s Day but maybe give the drawing as a gift and explain the necklace is coming? Well worth the wait!)
7. Say-it-like-it-is socks
Click to shop: MOTHER
Let’s be honest: There is a lot to be angry about right now in this country and our world. I find a strongly worded style moment to be quite a cathartic. These socks arrived from MOTHER denim — and did the trick!
8. Vitamin C alternative
Click to shop: Caudalie / Sephora
Do you all follow April Lockhart? I adore her (and her style). Back in December, she said she swore by this serum — so I added it to my Christmas list. I have been using it ever since and noticed welcome hydration and evening. PS: April is now featured in the brand’s ad campaign. AHH! Love to see internet friends soar.
9. Hidden message bracelet
Click to shop: Snuggles & Peanut
I first shopped this Etsy brand years ago, snapping up one of their “I’m vaccinated” beaded bracelets. I’ve since gotten to know Snuggles & Peanut’s founder and she could not be nicer! Plus, she donates a part of her proceeds to very worthy causes. I love her latest offerings, which add morse code messages into her bracelets. The blue one says, “I Am Enough.” (Yes, yes you are.)
10. Pretty pouches
Click to shop: Rifle Paper Co.
Nothing says mom life quite like hauling every last possible thing you might need. We’ve moved on from diaper bags (not sorry to see those go!) and now I rely on pouches. I have a pouch for charges, a pouch for toiletries, a pouch for bandaids. Rifle ones are the prettiest I have found!
11. Cheeky notepads
Click to shop: Dear Annabelle Cheery and Cheeky
My endless note writing and list making is improved greatly but a cheeky (or cheery!) saying in gorgeous calligraphy writing. The set comes in a beautiful box that makes it perfect for gifting.
12. Personalized pendant
Click to shop: Ariel Gordon Jewelry (Use code ELIZABETH15 for 15% off sitewide)
You all have heard me go on and on about this one. It is SO SPECIAL, truly. I love how it both makes a statement with its size but it keeps the message subtle with light engraving.
13. Go-to sneakers
Click to shop: New Balance / J.Crew
For all the running around we all do, these are my favorite sneakers. I bought these after seeing them on Meghan in her Netflix series and reach for them almost every day, an unbeatable combination of style and comfort.
14. Splurge-worthy knits
Click to shop: Kilte
Confession: Comfy clothes are a hard one for me to spend money on — which is precisely why they make a great gift! Mother’s Day feels like the time to treat yourself. This cashmere set? I have it in navy and swear it’s like a warm hug.
One more thing: I find waking up in nice PJs helps start Mother’s Day on a high note. My current favorites are by Stripe & Stare. This style comes in loads of colorful prints and is made of super soft, breathable, biodegradable fabric.
Sending love and gratitude to all the moms and mother figures out there! And big hugs to those who struggle on Mother’s Day. Lots of love to you all. 💕
Stripe & Stare pjs and undies are the best!! Have been a fan for years. One note—do follow the washing instructions (delicate wash, line dry). Mine have held up well if I stick to that, but don’t have longevity if you throw in regular wash or dryer.
My husband has been asking what I want for Mother’s Day and I have been holding out for your list :) thank you, it’s wonderfully curated, as usual! 💗