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How do we express thanks to our mothers for all that they do? It certainly isn’t easy; they’ve given us the gift of life, after all––which is hard to compete with. But this Mother’s Day, we’re arming you with some of the best travel-inspired gifts that are sure to surprise and delight her, and express just how much you care.
Keep in mind: it doesn’t have to be a huge gift. Good things come in small packages, after all. We’ve got everything from small skincare items that yield big results, to utilitarian items like a sturdy everyday tote bag, to experiential gifts like a membership at her favorite museum.
No matter what kind of traveler your mom is––the globe-trotting adventure-seeker or the armchair explorer––there’s something in our gift guide that will make her beam. Get the camera ready: we anticipate a lot of smiles coming your way. Our favorite picks, below.
The Gift of an Adventure to Look Forward To
No matter what kind of traveler your mother is, having a special trip in store for her will be the highlight of the year. Travel companies around the world offer gift cards that can be applied to trip planning, so do some research, think of your mom's favorite destination, and get to work. A few of our favorite are Belmond gift cards (redeemable for on-board afternoon tea, a massage, or the train trip in its entirety), the adorably-packaged Relais & Chateaux chèques cadeaux, or a customizable Airbnb giftcard, which will allow her to literally go anywhere.
A Private Virtual Wine Tasting
Give your mom something extra special this year: a private, virtual wine tasting with an expert from Wölffer Estate (an esteemed Vineyard in the Hamptons). We're all about the Rose Package, which includes the Vineyard's Noblesse Oblige Sparkling Rose, Estate Rose, and Summer in a Bottle Rose. Cheers!
To book: $150, wolffer.com
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
If your mom is a haircare fanatic, she will be thrilled upon receiving this lightweight supersonic hair dryer from Dyson for Mother’s Day. The high-velocity airflow means that she can dry her locks in record time, while helping to prevent damage.
To buy: $399, nordstrom.com
Posse Jude Dress
Every mom needs a go-to summer dress, and this airy, linen number from Australian label Posse will become her favorite choice for some well-deserved lounging as the weather improves. Easily dressed up with chic sandals or heels, this timeless piece will occupy prime real estate in her wardrobe this summer, no doubt.
To buy: $167, theposse.com.au
Gucci Brixton Convertible Loafer
You simply cannot go wrong with a chic yet utilitarian loafer. And the Brixton Gucci loafer is not only luxuriously comfortable and iconic, but it can convert from a loafer to a slide, thanks to a foldable back. Getting through security has never been easier––or more comfortable.
To buy: $730, nordstrom.com
Otherland Candles
Who doesn't love a good candle–especially when its very fragrance transfers you to a sweet daydream? Otherland candles come in enticing scents like Daybed, Kindling, and Rattan.
To buy: $89, otherland.com
Goop Instant Facial
Even if your mom isn’t a skin care guru, she is going to love the goop Instant Facial—a favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow’s (who is a mom herself!) and many others. This is the secret to Paltrow’s glowy skin that everyone raves about—and this is the product she claims to use the most.
To buy: $125; goop.com
Hermes Rouge Lipstick
Add to her (hopefully) already hearty collection of Birkin bags and silk scarves with French fashion house, Hermès' newest venture: lipsticks. The 24-strong collection of Hermès Rouge lip colors range from ultra-vibrant oranges to demure reds. They might be the most covetable, aesthetically pleasing lipsticks on the market right now.
To buy: $67, hermes.com
TOD's Gommino Driving Shoes
Crocodile printed leather, exposed hand stitching, and a rubber pebble outsole make these Italian-made driving loafers an ideal chic gift for your mom—she'll wear these versatile slip-ons for years.
To buy: $495, tods.com
Wolf Zoe Round Travel Jewelry Case
It’s always fun to give your mom a present that she wouldn’t buy for herself—something useful, but also plain pretty! This beautiful travel jewelry case from Wolf Zoe is the perfect combination of utility, function, and pizzaz. Embroidered with a delicate yet playful floral design, this zip-close, velvet exterior case is compact, but will fit plenty of jewelry in the spacious interior.
To buy: $99, neimanmarcus.com
Shhh Silk Black Travel Set
Does it get better than a silk pillow? The answer is: no. If your mom has a hard time falling asleep on planes or during long car rides, this silk pillow travel set, complete with a 100 percent mulberry silk-filled pillow and luxurious silk eye mask, will ensure that she has restful travels from now on.
To buy: $179, shhhsilk.com
Bialetti Moka Express Coffee Maker
For the espresso-loving mom in your life, this Italian stovetop coffee maker from the iconic brand Bialetti is perfect for on-the-go moms who might need more than one cup before heading out the door.
To buy: $25, amazon.com
Red Tuberose Diptyque Candle
This candle is the epitome of luxury. The smell is intoxicating, and summons images of lazy afternoons spent wandering around a rose garden in the South of France.
To buy: $98; diptyqueparis.com
UGG Tasman Slipper
We’re positive that every mom deserves a pair of soft, warm, sheepskin slippers to slip into after a day of work, or maybe during a long plane ride. Both lightweight and durable, these suede slip-ons can be worn both inside and outside.
To buy: $100, ugg.com
Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser
This porcelain diffuser is just as beautiful as it is relaxing. If your mom loves to create a calm, relaxing environment, then she’ll love this stone diffuser ideal for in-home aromatherapy—and it makes for lovely decor, as well.
To buy: $119, amazon.com
Membership: The Met (or her favorite museum!)
Sometimes the best gifts are experiential ones, like a membership to your mother’s favorite museum. Take her to her favorite spot on Mother’s Day, and surprise her with express admission by way of her very own membership.
To buy: From $110, metmuseum.org
Jeff Wan Hillside Tote
Every mama needs a good everyday bag. This Italian leather tote is simple, well-made, and sophisticated. Available in four useful colors.
To buy: $395, jeffwan.com
White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
She’s about to have a new favorite accessory. We promise that your mom will absolutely love snuggling up on the couch, in the car or in-flight in this luscious cashmere travel wrap.
To buy: $315, whiteandwarren.com
T.S. Harris, “The Lake” Print
Does your mom love nothing more than long summer days by the water? We think she’ll enjoy gazing at this transporting print from T.S. Harris, inspired by vintage, mid-century snapshots. The piece is printed on a gallery-wrapped canvas, framed in white pine, and arrives ready to hang.
To buy: $180, onekingslane.com