Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 7 Easy, Unique Ideas for Online Shoppers

I’ve been thinking a lot about Mother’s Day over the past few weeks. Not being able to browse through the greeting cards to find one with the perfect sentiment or linger in the aisles of the local shops for something unique can make it even more difficult to shop for mom. And unless you know where to look and exactly for what you’re looking, online shopping can be overwhelming to say the least. To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of easy and unique ideas that offer something for every type of mom, from fashionista to foodie, with mostly free shipping to boot.

1. Locally-curated goods. I love shopping local boutiques, particularly when looking for special gifts for holidays like Mother’s Day. And with stay-at-home orders still in effect in many parts of the country, these small shops are relying on their online presence to pull them through, so first and foremost, now is the time to find them. Being based in Chicago, one of my favorites – Winifred Grace - makes its home in the Andersonville neighborhood and is a no-brainer for finding unique jewelry, apparel, accessories and home goods. They even offer thoughtfully-curated “care bundles” and custom stamping on everything from pendants to bracelets for the perfect touch of personalization. Plus, free standard shipping on all domestic orders right now. Don’t forget to consider what shops are local to you and check out their online stores - some may even deliver to your doorstep!

2. Learn from a master. Not every mom will want a gift that comes in a nicely wrapped package. Experiences are one of the fastest growing segments when it comes to gift-giving and if anyone needs some time to slip away and do something for herself, the mom in your life is likely at the top of that list. Now, imagine learning new cooking techniques from world-renowned chef and restauranteur, Thomas Keller, or how to next-level your photography skills from the master herself, Annie Leibovitz. Taking an “online course” has taken on a whole new meaning with the introduction of affordable Masterclasses taught by some of the most respected experts in their fields. From interior design and fashion to tennis and poker strategy, these courses definitely weren’t on your mama’s school syllabus, but one of them just might be the perfect Mother’s Day experience.

3. Build a custom gift box. If you are a fan of giving bundled gift boxes or baskets, the modern gift giving site, Knack, has you covered. You can shop by price or theme, making it easy to narrow down choices to the perfect gift. I love that they have everything from clever and offbeat boxes like the Ruth Bader Ginsberg-themed book and mug set to more traditional options like daily detox spa treatments. And the really cool thing about this site is the ability to create your own gift set with their “Custom Gift Box Builder” and show mom just how well you know what she likes. There are fun ideas here for every type of mom that are beautifully packaged and ready to unwrap.

4. Cue the celebrity cameo. Maybe the traditional greeting card just isn’t your style. Maybe the mother you’re shopping for already has ‘everything’. Maybe like you, she’s has been binging her favorite shows for the last month in self-isolation. If you’re nodding your head to any of these, you might want to consider surprising mom with a special “cameo” this year. The site cameo.com let’s you send personalized video messages from your favorite celebrities. You can see sample messages they have sent to other recipients and some of them are really great. I mean, if I could send my mom a Tom Selleck (aka Magnum P.I.) cameo, I would do it in a heartbeat. From actors and sports figures to pop stars, comedians and reality TV cast members, if you’re looking for an unconventional way to say Happy Mother’s Day, this is definitely one very unique way to do it.

5. Subscription for style. Looking to stay in mom’s good graces and remind her of your thoughtfulness all year? Consider signing her up for a monthly or quarterly subscription service. This concept has been around for a few years now, so you can find options for everything from athletic wear to jewelry to crafts. For moms who are always buying for everyone else and don’t splurge on themselves, I like Hollywood-stylist Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style that she curates quarterly with fresh and classic seasonal basics that include totes, sunglasses, lotions, scarves, jewelry and more. Right now, get free standard shipping on all U.S. orders.

5.  Create a keepsake-worthy card. Okay, yes, technically every Mother’s Day card is worthy of holding on to. And nothing beats a handmade card from your kids or grandkids. However, one of the best reactions I’ve ever received from giving a greeting card was when I personalized it with our family’s own pictures. Now, I’m not talking about the mass-produced holiday cards that go out to everyone, but the same sites you order those from - like Shutterfly - offer sweet Mother’s Day cards that you can personalize with photos of your kids (or photos of you when you were a kid) and your own special message that I guarantee mom and grandma will be adding to their keepsake box.

6.  Not-so-everyday lifestyle essentials. When I say lifestyle essentials, I’m not talking about things we moms need like a new laundry basket or cordless vacuum (although let’s be real, I do love my cordless vacuum). The fact is, most of us are on-to-go, active and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. And while it doesn’t sound like somewhere you would shop for Mother’s Day, outdoor lifestyle sites like REI are one of my favorites for gift giving, even for Mother’s Day. In fact, especially for Mother’s Day. Whether it’s a gift card, pair of sunglasses, summer scarf, beach bag, GPS watch, fleece hoodie, sandals, hat, or a comfy new chair for the beach (or just as likely the sports sideline), you don’t have to be an outdoor adventurer to find plenty of essentials here for mom that she’ll enjoy putting to use every day. REI is currently offering free standard shipping in the U.S.

7. Delivery for the domestic goddess. Williams-Sonoma is another chain store that’s on my list, and if you can’t shop local, it’s the next best thing for finding unique items that will delight any discerning foodie, cook, baker, party planner, coffee snob, gardener, or simply lover of beautiful things in the kitchen. I’m already mentally shopping for myself (and yes, may have already bought myself a pasta maker). The best part is that under the “Mother’s Day” tab, you can shop by category from “Grill Boss” to “Wine Enthusiast” and “Early Riser” with everything from high-tech cooking gadgets to a box of ready-to-bake handmade chocolate croissants. (If anyone in my family is reading this, I’ll take one of those too, please.) Take advantage of free U.S. shipping on orders over $49.