Practical Mother’s Day Gifts She’ll Actually Use (That Aren’t Boring)

While fancy sheets doesn’t feel like the most *exciting* gift, it’s one that she’ll always go back to — especially when they have a 480 thread count. In this set, she’ll get a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The way these sheets are woven give them a silky, luminous finish that’s ideal for year-round. Our favorite part of Brooklinen: their fitted sheets have the long and short sides labeled. We have an inkling these will constantly be in the wash just because of how much she’ll use them. ($135.15+, Brooklinen)

Hear us out. Tissues might not be something you'd think to grab as a Mother's Day gift, but these are some of our favorites. They're made of 100% bamboo and the bright, punchy designs will look so cute on her countertop. Not to mention, they're biodegradable. ($20/12 boxes, Who Gives A Crap)

This anti-scratch holder is covered in bright hydrangea print she’ll love. The base is weighted, so she can add her favorite pair of glasses and they’ll have a secure place to be stored. We love this piece because it isn’t just for glasses. She can use it to hold pens or any other items. ($41.80, Amazon)

This pad will immediately make dishwashing feel “high-tech.” One end is made of a quick-dry stone that anchors to one end of the sink. The other end is a silicone-wrapped drying rack that’ll provide ventilation and speed up the drying process. It’s ideal for anyone that could use even more counter space. We love it simply because it’s design-forward and actually cuts down on drying time. ($75, Dorai)

Papier is all the rage right now because of their colorful, customizable paper goods. We’re a big fan of the brand since their planners are unmatched in quality. This one is undated so she can use it on her own timeline at any point in the year. You can customize the front with a name, initials, or a nickname, and pick from countless fonts and colors. She’d never think to buy this for herself — even more reason to treat her to it. ($28, Papier)

Graza’s olive oil is perfect for the mom in your life that can’t get off her “make the dressing from scratch” soapbox. The squeeze bottles make it easy to use and the packaging looks great on her counter. This set comes with both a cooking and finishing oil. She can use them for delicious dressings, roasted veggies, or any other base for whatever she’s cooking. This is pure, intensely flavored olive oil that doesn’t have any added filler oils, or chemicals (which means it tastes better and is far better for her). ($37/set of two, Graza)

Organized suitcases for the win. One editor’s mom claimed that this set is the best thing that’s ever happened to her (besides her kids, of course). It comes with three zippered mesh packing cubes of varying sizes and a mesh laundry bag. This set is ultra-spacious and covered in Rifle Paper Co.’s classic peacock botanical print. The best part? The handles that make them easy to grab. ($54, Rifle Paper Co.)

She can cook two different dishes at the same time with this air fryer from Drew Barrymore’s homeware line. It can air fry, roast, dehydrate, bake, and broil a plethora of dishes up to 450 degrees  – which means it can really do it all. Depending on her cooking preferences, she can also remove the center divider to cook one full meal at once. The inner baskets, dividers, and nonstick crisping trays are all dishwasher-safe, but we love these liners for easy cleaning. Pick from six chic color options all with gold accents. ($139, Walmart)

She can never have too many. This one is compact enough to fit in most bags, and the adorable pale blue color means she’ll always be able to spot it. It holds up to two whole charges and it’s perfect for quick bursts of power on errand days, nights out, and of course, during long travel. Plus, the price is too good to pass up. ($8.98, Walmart)

PSA: Old Navy is back. This cozy ribbed T-shirt is their latest budget-friendly bestseller and is ideal for those gifting on a budget or if you’re giving to the mom who has everything. It comes in 18 shades, hits right at the waist, and is under $15. Stock up for yourself too while you’re at it – you both can never have too many T-shirts. ($14.99, Old Navy)

And she can, since they’re under $25 per pair, even though they look just like much more expensive brands. These are available in sizes XS–4X and in 10 colors and patterns. Of course, if you’d rather treat yourself to the luxury version, we’d support that too. (PS: They’re also perfect for nursing.) ($21.99, Target)

Because we know how much she loves her daily walks. This pair of Hokas are lightweight, but have a chunky, yet supportive sole. They come with a OrthoLite insole and their cushioned step absorbs impact and evenly distributes weight. These shoes are so comfortable (our editors can attest) and they’re cute enough to wear out and about. ($165, Nordstrom)

She might be new to the belt-bag trend, but allow yourself to enlighten her. This belt bag from Lululemon is definitely worth the hype. I always take one on my walks — the varying mesh compartments are wonderful for keeping me organized. It’ll hold her AirPods, phone, keys, a small wallet, and a lip balm. Plus, it comes in countless colors, too. ($38, Lululemon)

We stand by giving Birdie alarms as gifts because again, it’s something your giftee would never think to buy for themselves. She can keep the Original Birdie clipped to her bag at all times, no matter the time of day. The alarm is super loud to create a diversion and it comes in a ton of bright colors so it’ll be easy to spot in her bag. To activate it, remove the top pin. (Pop it back in to turn it off.) The updated version, the Birdie+, has internet connection that provides 24/7 access to an emergency dispatch line, sends fake “excuse-to-leave” calls, and can alert emergency contacts of her location.

Raise your hand if your mom has ever “stolen” your beauty products. For us, Supergoop’s Glowscreen always seems to be the product that magically disappears in her presence. If that’s you too, get her this sunscreen discovery set from the brand. She’ll get a mini version of the brand’s bestselling Glowscreen, their Glow Stick (for the face), and their Glow Oil (for the body). It’s a great way for her to test out products before she buys the full size or for when she’s traveling. ($44, Sephora)

If she’s committed to her hard copies through and through, this portable book light is a must-buy for her. It clips onto any cover, can act as a bookmark, and has five brightness levels and three light colors to protect her eyesight. It’s the handiest gadget to keep on her bedside table or in her bag. Plug it into a USB port to recharge. ($12.09+, Amazon)

This trio from Courteney Cox’s home product line, Homecourt, comes with a surface cleaner, a hand soap, and the fanciest dish soap she’ll ever try. Their fragrances are nontoxic with skincare-grade ingredients that are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand’s hero Cece scent has notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and vetiver (and she’ll definitely be able to tell that their scents are crafted by expert perfumers). ($70, Homecourt)

Our editor was recently gifted this toiletry bag from State and on first look, it was pretty unassuming. But when she started to pack for a week-long trip, she was surprised by all of its spacious compartments and how much it could hold — all while compactly fitting in her suitcase. If your mother figure is a jetsetter, upgrade her toiletry bag. This one has four compartments to keep her organized and the nylon material wipes easily. ($78, State)

Whether she loves to travel or is constantly panicking about losing her keys, an Apple AirTag is an essential. This tortoise-inspired keychain is an elevated way for her to hold on to it. All she has to do is pop it into the case and attach it to any personal item she’s wanting to track. It’s one of those hacky accessories that allows tech items to seamlessly blend in, which she’ll love. ($15, Anthropologie)

It’s MagSafe-compatible, sleek, and does just about everything. She can attach this vegan leather piece to the back of her phone and it’ll act as a cardholder and a phone stand. Perfect for everything from having easy card access to watching a show on her phone. ($39.99, Satechi)

The gift of organization is the gift that keeps on giving. This little bag from Monos is made of water- and scratch-resistant vegan leather. It’s lined with cotton twill, has slots for products, and a smaller pouch you can use for cotton swabs or hair ties. This is the ultimate, practical makeup bag upgrade. It’ll store a ton, it’s compact, and it’ll keep her bathroom drawer tidy. ($95, Monos)