If you’re reading this, it’s almost too late to get a Mother’s Day gift — the holiday is just three days away, which means today is really the last day for online shopping. At this point, most gifts won’t arrive on time, even with expedited shipping, though in-store pickup is sometimes an option at stores like Nordstrom or REI. If you have Amazon Prime, you can probably get away with same-day or next-day shipping, but only if you order soon — today, ideally.
To help you out, I’ve done some digging in the internet’s sales bins and found a few dozen tasteful and thoughtful gifts that only look like you spent a lot — and I’ve triple-checked that they should all arrive by Sunday. But again, you’ll have to shop today if you want them to arrive on time. If you want even more options, we found several more last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that will arrive in time, and we’ve got a perennial list of e-gift cards, which are never late. But the right gift is always worth the wait, of course, so if you don’t see anything you like below, check out all of our Mother’s Day gift ideas.
Can’t go wrong with a silk pillowcase, which can help reduce irritation, wrinkles, and hair frizz.
And if you’re shopping for a mom-to-be, she’ll appreciate this adjustable pregnancy pillow (which we named the best less-expensive option).
For the mom who’s religious about her nighttime routine, Moon Juice’s relaxation-enhancing magnesium powder is a great choice (and it actually tastes really good!).
If she’s religious about her mornings, the top-rated Breville Nespresso Vertuo Plus espresso-maker is a nice option.
A dress might seem like a funny gift, but this one is very adjustable. (Plus, it’s machine washable!) Diksha Basu recently wrote about it for us — she owns two and is about to buy another.
This lip-and-cheek stain from Jane Iredale is great for the mom who prefers minimal makeup.
If she’s got a “girls’ trip” on the books this summer, here’s a travel-size set of hydrating skin-care essentials from Belif.
This all-in-one K-beauty set makes an excellent gift for the snail mucin–curious mom.
If she uses only Clinique, restock her makeup bag with this set of classics. (Note: Nordstrom orders will only arrive on time if your choose in-store pickup.)
You may not be able to spring for the Dyson Airwrap, but this blow-dryer brush will give her a salon-level blowout.
If her “to be read” list is a mile long, I recommend getting her the Kindle Paperwhite, which we dubbed the “gold standard for e-readers.” And since it’s waterproof, she can take it on your annual vacation to the beach — or just the neighborhood pool — worry-free.
Of course, flowers are always a great gift. This classic bouquet from our Mother’s Day bouquets guide is gorgeous, but if it doesn’t appeal, you can get 20 percent off any bunch at UrbanStems with the code STRATMOM20. Plus, UrbanStems has nationwide next-day shipping until Friday, May 10, at 2 p.m. ET.
1-800-Flowers is offering Strategist readers 20 percent off all orders from now until May 31 with code STRAT20. If you order soon, you can still have these lovely blooms delivered before Mother’s Day — you may just need pay extra if you want them to arrive day-of.
For the mom with a green thumb, this bouquet from the Bouqs Co. includes succulents she can plant. (Most bouquets will arrive on Saturday with $9 express shipping.)
If she prefers faux flowers, here are some blooms that won’t wilt (and can be gifted on May 12).
Outdoorsy moms will love this tiny dust- and sand-proof portable Bluetooth speaker. Its battery lasts up to ten hours, and it comes in a variety of fun colors.
As are the hyped AirPods Max headphones (which almost never go on sale).
For the mom who loves to cook, an actually useful gift (that she just may pass on to you one day).
Chef Vallery Lomas calls this Bundt pan not only beautiful but also “well constructed and reliable.”
If she spends the better part of her morning reheating her cup of coffee in the microwave, get her this temperature-controlled mug that holds drinks at her preferred temperature for hours.
If she misses her years in the city, get her this soy-wax candle, which has top notes of bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit.
I highly recommend these noise-canceling over-ear headphones, which are excellent for travel, doing deep work, or just getting a little extra “me time.”
And if she spends her weekends running or cycling, these headphones ensure she’ll be able to hear traffic and her podcasts. If you choose to buy these from REI, you’ll need to pick up in-store in order to gift these by Sunday.
If it’s her feet that ache, treat her to this top-selling Shiatsu foot massager (a frequent Strategist reader favorite). She probably won’t mind if you use it, too.
Finally, here’s a not-too-pricey personal blender from Ninja, a brand we recommend in our blender guide, for the mom that lives off smoothies during the summertime. (I know mine does!)
There are some truly great deals at Kate Spade Outlet. I spotted this apple-green wristlet — that also comes in black, yellow, pink, and peach — for over 70 percent off. At this point, items from Kate Spade Outlet will only arrive by Sunday if you select in-store pickup.
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.
