No More Guessing: The Ultimate Guide to Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Generation of Moms
Although love for their children unites mothers of all ages, origins, and demographics, there is no denying that each generation boasts its own particularities. Yes, individuals can’t be reduced to the year they were born, but mothers born in the same generation and culture generally share similar ideas and mindsets.
When it comes to Mother’s Day gifting, the generation your mother belongs to might tell you one or two things about her preferences. Knowing what moms her age love and appreciate might also help you find the ideal present. Or, at the very least, they’ll offer cues and narrow down ideas.
Below, FIERCE rounds up the best gifts for moms across generations. Find the most suitable presents for the mothers in your life, from Baby Boomers who have received all sorts of gifts throughout the years to Zoomers just stepping into motherhood.
Baby Boomer Moms
Those born between 1946 and 1964 belong to the Baby Boomer generation. Mothers from this generation are known to have experienced a lot in their lives, from personal experiences to historical events. That’s perhaps why they favor familiarity and comfort.
When looking for a gift for your boomer (not derogatory) mom, one of the safest bets is to opt for her holy grail products. Get her those things she has repeatedly used or worn for years without any intention of changing them. You can also replace those worn-out items with a new or similar set.
Additionally, boomer moms appreciate gift experiences and objects that make their lives easier and more comfortable. Don’t rule out items that help them keep up with the times or align with new interests they might have recently developed. The key to purchasing a good gift for your boomer mom is finding a healthy balance between what she wants and what she needs.
Loungewear and pijama sets
Although this might sound like a boring or repetitive idea, loungewear and comfortable pajama sets are classic and always necessary purchases. To find the perfect set, look at your mom’s taste and personal aesthetic. Bulletproof tip: You can never go wrong by choosing her favorite textures, textiles, and colors.
You can get her an Ekouaer Lounge Set for $37 or a Satin Set for $32.
Bedwear
Comfy sleepwear can only be improved by pairing it with cozy bedwear. Sleep, after all, is essential for body and mind health. And, surely, we want our mothers to be healthy and well-rested.
Our idea? A Bedsure Boho Duvet Cover Queen Size for $41.
Home Appliances
Any home appliance that makes your mother’s chores easier and her tasks more enjoyable is a big yes for her. A compact dustbuster or a robot vacuum, for example, are great tools to help minimize her housework load.
How about a Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo for $130?
Alternatively, a portable screen where she can watch her favorite telenovela while she engages in other activities will surely bring a smile to her face. This Desobry 10.5″ Small Flat Screen Portable TV for only $90 is just perfect.
Cooking Tools
Making our mothers’ lives easier also extends to finding tools that help them prepare their meals. If she doesn’t own one yet, an air fryer for only $90 is the go-to option.
Beauty and Wellness
All moms love pampering themselves, but boomer moms enjoy straightforward ways to elevate their beauty and wellness. Gifting them easy-to-use products, such as massagers or all-in-one skincare, is the way to go. You can also opt for tea samplers so she can indulge in a warm cup as she relaxes with her favorite book.
Generation X
Born between 1965 and 1980, Generation X mothers exemplify the convergence of tradition and modernity. They were the first generation to discover technology as we know it today, but they also experienced life the old-school way. Probably that’s why they don’t shy away from discovering newness, but are also nostalgic for the past.
The best gifts for this generation are practical. These mothers appreciate luxury and are open to incorporating new products into their daily lives, as long as they serve a purpose. They don’t refuse to learn how to use new gadgets or amp up their beauty game either.
Skincare
Gen X loves trends that actually bring something to the table. While they might not be using the new viral lip gloss on TikTok, they will certainly be receptive to the latest developments in skincare. High-quality viral products and innovative formulas that cater to their skincare needs make perfect gifts for these moms.
Maybe an Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream? How about a Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Aging Moisturizer?
Hair Tools
If your Gen X mom enjoys dressing up and playing with different hairstyles, chances are she’s open to discovering new hair tools. The range is wide and can go from simple hair brush dyers to multipurpose sets.
This Wavytalk 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set and REVLON’s One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer are our choices for this Mother’s Day.
Slippers and Robes
Regardless of their generation, all mothers deserve to be spoiled. Get her a pair of comfy slippers she can wear after a tiring day out. Or gift her a robe that she can change into to relax at home. Bonus points if you get her both.
Home Decor and Appliances
Gen X mothers won’t ever say no to decorations and appliances with a touch of tech. Objects such as smart lamps, digital frames, ambient diffusers, and wine chillers are novel and interesting gifts for moms who love hosting people at their homes and decorating their spaces.
Millennial Mothers
People born between 1981 and 1996 belong to the so-called Millennial generation. This demographic is today one of the largest generations in America. Approximately one in five mothers in the United States is a millennial, and projections suggest that 80% of millennials will become parents within the next 10 years.
Confident, independent, and internet-savvy, millennial mothers seek the perfect balance between quality and price point when shopping. Along with Gen Z, this generation is also very nostalgic for the 1990s. Although that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy trends. In fact, according to a survey by Klarna, this age group enjoys discovering beauty items on social media, albeit not obsessively.
Gifts best suited for millennial moms will be meaningful and original. Skincare, trendy objects that will withstand the test of time, and nostalgia-driven presents are bulletproof options. They also appreciate personalization and brands that offer added value.
Bath and Body
Millennials are big on self-care. Pamper the millennial mother in your life with bath and body products, such as luxurious bath sets, unique body care products, or a stylish bathrobe. Take a page from the millennial book, and look at what’s trending on the internet for cues on what to purchase.
Activewear
If you know millennials in real life, chances are you know that a high percentage of them engage in fitness and health activities. According to Statista, the millennial generation flaunts the most participation in fitness sports. If your millennial mom enjoys fitness or is very active, a no-brainer is gifting her activewear sets, sports shoes, or even a pair of trendy sneakers.
Our choices? ANRABESS Women 2 Piece Outfits Sweatsuit for $60 and Adidas Women’s Courtblock Sneaker for only $80.
Trendy Skincare
Is your millennial giftee a skincare enthusiast? Then, the trendy beauty products on social media might be a safe bet. But there’s a caveat: you need to carefully research the products that are genuinely effective and cut through the noise.
We recommend the INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum and La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm with our eyes closed.
Nostalgia-driven Presents
Millennials are constantly looking back to the past for inspiration, whether it is for fashion, decoration, or simply aesthetic appeal. If the mom you’re shopping for belongs to this category, find retro-infused tech or brands that perhaps remind her of her childhood and teenage years. Digital cameras, pop culture merch, or even that trendy bag that she didn’t get as a teen, but now is making a comeback into the mainstream, will do it for her.
Our suggestions? Nikon’s Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera, Coach Soho Shoulder Bag 25, and UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot.
Gen Z moms
Yes, you read that right, Gen Z women are now mothers. It is not surprising, considering that the oldest people in this generation are already 28, but it seemed that just yesterday, Gen Z were mostly teenagers.
Of course, Gen Z moms are the youngest among all generations, so that means they’re learning the ropes and discovering motherhood. Naturally, chances are the Gen Z mothers in your life will appreciate gifts that help them during this transition.
Don’t forget that Gen Z individuals are conscious consumers who appreciate sustainability and social responsibility. Similar to millennials, they also enjoy customization and are very likely to buy things they see online.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are bulletproof gift ideas for Gen Z mothers. Moms with younger children will always need a spacious tote bag to carry both their personal items and their children’s belongings. Observe your Gen Z giftee’s style and make sure to buy something that aligns with her wardrobe and needs. It can go any way, from a practical diaper bag to a fashionable leather tote. We asked our Gen Z mom friends for their recommendations, and these products were their favorites:
- BAGSMART Bag for Women for $27.
- sqlp Large Work Tote Bag for $39.
Belt and Baguette Bags
Yes, yes, we know, more bags. However, because of their practicality, fanny packs and small baguette bags have become Gen Z’s go-to accessories. Moms are not exempt from this style craze. These items can be useful and practical, as they help keep the most essential items safe and always at hand.
Take a look at Latmap’s Fanny Pack or Baggu’s Medium Nylon Crescent Bag.
Beauty and Makeup
Among all generations, Gen Z is particularly beauty-savvy and enjoys skincare, beauty, and makeup. According to surveys, their beauty purchases are generally inspired by TikTok. In 2023 alone, Statista reported that more than 80% of Gen Z women purchased beauty products recommended by content creators on social media platforms.
So, if the Gen Z mom in your life belongs to that percentage of women, you can’t go wrong with viral makeup and beauty products, such as the Sol de Janeiro fragrance mists or the latest K-beauty products.
Personalized Jewelry
Finally, Gen Z is among the most idiosyncratic and original age groups, so it makes sense that they would enjoy gifts tailored to their preferences. Customized jewelry with her name or a personalized message will make Zoomer moms feel appreciated, seen, and special, all at once.
And there you have it — your ultimate cheat sheet to picking the perfect Mother’s Day gift, no matter which generation of moms you’re celebrating. Now go forth and shop with confidence — because the perfect gift is already waiting for her.
