I asked moms what they do and don't want for Mother's Day — here's the dirt

Yahoo

06-05-2025

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Moms know best. They always seem to have the answers — and when they don't, they'll do everything in their power to track 'em down. And while I consider myself a bit of a gift-giving expert (it's my job!), I went straight to the source to get insight into what they actually want for Mother's Day in 2025 — and more importantly, what they don't.
Speaking of which, all of the moms in question agreed that the tired Mother's Day clichés have got to go. Another coffee mug with a punny message? Skip it. "My mug cabinet is starting to feel like a booby trap and since all of my mugs are sentimental I can't get rid of any of them," commerce editor Janelle Randazza tells me. In the same vein, forgo anything — jewelry, frames, random trinkets, you name it — that says "mom." Sure, she's happy to bear the title, but Jeanine Edwards, our director of commerce initiatives, makes it clear that motherhood isn't her entire persona. "If you want to get me something with writing on it, let's go with Gucci or Chanel."
What about fresh flowers? Some moms (including mine) love 'em, but commerce editor Saundra Latham says they're a hard pass. "They are pretty, yes, but ... they just die. I'd honestly rather get a simple handwritten card that I can hang on to forever," she tells me. Perfume and costume jewelry (like those ubiquitous Pandora charms) also made their do-not-buy list — unless, of course, your mom told you she wanted them.
With that out of the way, let's dive into the Mother's Day gifts that some of my fave Yahoo moms are eyeing this year. From a chic $17 picture frame to a Dutch oven built for two, these picks have range — just like Mom!
The Mother's Day gifts Moms actually want
Amazon Handicrafts Home 5" x 7" Picture Frame
"Like so many moms, I have approximately seven zillion pics of my kids sitting on my phone. But I miss printing pictures! I want to get some of those photos off my phone, and I feel like a beautiful frame like this one would give me the nudge I needed to start printing again. The bone inlay looks elegant and unique, but the white is neutral enough to match the decor in any room in my home." — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives $17 at Amazon
Mejuri Mejuri Organic Dôme Pebble Necklace
"I don't wear a ton of jewelry, nor do I tend to think of buying it very often (which makes it all the more appreciated as a gift). But I still like having a few classic pieces on hand, and there's just something about this pebble-inspired pendant that I find really eye-catching, and perhaps more importantly, versatile." — Saundra Latham, Commerce Editor $148 at Mejuri
Amazon Manduka Align Yoga Strap
"Last year, I got a robe and have been using the belt as my yoga strap. I'd like to feel a little more together with this sturdy yoga strap, which happens to be our health editor's favorite." — Janelle Randazza, Commerce Editor $20 at Amazon
Explore More Buying Options $20 at DICK'S Sporting Goods
Amazon Marimekko Cotton Makeup Bag
"Marimekko is one of my favorite brands; the prints are like happiness on sight! I rarely leave home without my 'mom kit' — band-aids, hand sanitizer, small snacks, a hair tie... and this pouch would be perfect for storing all those on-the-go essentials. But that's not all: It also works well for makeup, writing utensils and more. Who doesn't love a multitasker?!" — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives $66 at Amazon
Vosges Haut-Chocolat Vosges Haut-Chocolat Carmels et Chocolats
"Sign me up for anything chocolate and caramel. This tube of bonbons is exactly the kind of thing I would immediately hide in the pantry from the rest of my family because MINE MINE SPECIAL ALL MINE. It's also a nice upgrade from the sea salt caramels we buy at Costco (no shade intended, as they're delicious)." — Saundra Latham, Commerce Editor $28 at Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Great Jones Great Jones Dutch Baby
"People are always appalled when I tell them my partner buys me cookware for special holidays. 'Don't you want a massage or jewelry?,' they inevitably ask. Yes, those gifts are great, but as someone who loves to cook, I also really enjoy receiving fancy, gorgeous cookware that feels like too much of a splurge to buy myself. I have the larger version of this Great Jones Dutch oven and I'm secretly hoping to complete the set with this smaller option that's easier to maneuver and better-suited for dinner for just one or two. Hint, hint, whoever is reading..." — Jeanine Edwards, Director, Commerce Initiatives $165 at Great Jones
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