Illustration by Richard Parry
Gift ideas that go beyond the flower bouquet
If you were to ask your mom what she wants for the holidays, she’ll likely tell you “nothing” — followed by something equally unhelpful like “your happiness.” That’s because moms can be loving, selfless superheroes who often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own. While admirable, that also means you’re not going to get much help from them when it comes to buying the perfect gift, especially if you want to beat the upcoming shipping deadlines and pick something out that will arrive on time.
Thankfully, we’ve gathered plenty of great presents you can surprise your mom with. We’ve included a monthly candle subscription for those in need of some relaxation ($10), as well as a transparent pot for saplings ($30) and an annual pass that allows for unfettered access to our national parks ($80). And for the fitness enthusiast, we opted for the Apple Watch SE ($270), a smartwatch that is — lucky for you — more affordable than other Apple wearables.
Below, you’ll find other gifts that cater to all kinds of budgets and passions, ranging from books and instant cameras to Apple’s latest desktop. Peruse the list and see if there’s anything on here that might resonate with your mom this holiday season.