Shopping·10 min read

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $50 That Still Look Expensive

mothers-day-under-50
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon, Sephora, Polo Ralph Lauren
April 18, 2024

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If there’s one thing moms can certainly understand, it’s the power of budgeting — and especially the trend of loud budgeting. Our moms have been teaching us to squirrel away parts of our paycheck for as long as we can remember. On the other hand, she deserves to be spoiled, recognized, and celebrated on her special day. So get her a gift that says, “I love you and I appreciate you, but I have a lot of weddings to attend this year.” She’ll be so proud.

For more of our favorite Mother's Day gifts, click here.

aesop
Aesop

A refreshing mist she can use throughout the day…

This luxurious face mist is made with rose petal, bergamot peel, and chamomile that will hydrate her skin and transport her to the spa. She can take it on the go and spritz when she’s feeling dry, when she’s traveling, or in between skincare steps. The chic bottle is an added bonus. ($27, Aesop)

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hat
Polo Ralph Lauren

The baseball cap everyone’s wearing…

Even Taylor Swift. Polo is back in a big way, and in our opinion (and probably your mom’s), it’s always been in style. This cotton chino hat is great for the beach, but she’ll also feel like a cool mom wearing this to the grocery store. Pick one of several colors and grab one for you too; she’ll be touched you want to twin with her. ($49.50, Polo Ralph Lauren)

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perfume
Oakcha

A perfume that smells just as good as pricier ones…

You're likely not going to spend $400 on Tom Ford perfume, but here's an affordable option she'll love that’s inspired by it. It has notes of vanilla, tobacco, and cocoa for a sultry scent she’ll enjoy wearing every season. Plus, the bright red bottle will liven up her vanity tray. ($40, Oakcha)

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travel-set
Sephora

A travel set by Nécessaire…

Once she starts bringing this set of minis with her when she travels, she’ll never go back to relying on what the hotel provides. It includes a eucalyptus body wash that’ll help her unwind after a long day, body lotion that never feels sticky or greasy, and a body serum that’ll make her believe she actually needs body serum. She deserves to be pampered. ($35, Sephora)

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book
Harmony

A book that’ll give her a lovely morning routine…

We can’t get enough of Cleo Wade. In her latest release, the poet (who’s been deemed the “Millennial Oprah”) discusses how to love yourself in times when you feel lost. The chapters are short, and the balance of prose and poetry feels like heartwarming affirmations. If she reads a chapter or two every morning, it’ll feel like starting her day with a literary hug.

Buy it at AmazonBuy it at Bookshop
slippers
Parachute

A pair of slippers great for traveling…

If there’s one thing our moms taught us, it’s that you never know how clean a hotel room carpet is. Repay her for the life lesson with these Turkish cotton slippers that’ll keep her feet cozy while she’s away from home. They have ribbed rubber soles so she won’t be sliding around when she pads to the ice machine. ($39, Parachute)

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birkenstocks
Nordstrom

Birkenstocks she can get wet…

These are not the Birkenstocks that have been around forever. These are made of flexible, cushioned material that’s waterproof and incredibly lightweight. She’ll wear them to the pool, on the beach, or to get a pedicure. Choose from seven cute colors (including black and white if you have a color-averse mom). ($49.95, Nordstrom)

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necklace
Anthropologie

A bubble letter necklace that looks way more expensive than it is…

It’s all about the bubble letter right now, so if you have a stylish mom on your hands, this necklace will help her get in on the trend without breaking the bank. Each letter is so unique and made with 14K gold-plated brass. She’ll love layering it with her other favorite necklaces. ($48, Anthropologie)

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mug
Anthropologie

A floral mug for her morning hot beverage…

This version comes in three colors with different ways of saying mother on each. Pick one, grab the matching plate to act as a saucer, then invite yourself over to her house to make breakfast. ($14, Anthropologie)

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sweatshirt
Etsy

A custom sweatshirt for the mama bear…

Does it get any cuter than this sweatshirt with everyone’s favorite cartoon bear on it? She’ll love the added detail of her kids’ names on the sleeve, and it’ll keep her cozy whether she’s streaming on the couch or road tripping to see you for the holidays. ($20.99+, Bydreamartee via Etsy)

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coasters
Verloop

Geometric coasters for her next dinner party…

These fun and funky knit coasters are made with repurposed yarn, so they’re a win for sustainability. They’re eye-catching, a conversation starter, and will absorb liquids from sweating glasses in the summer heat. They come in black and blue colorways. ($26, Verloop)

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candle
Nordstrom

A Voluspa candle she can burn every season…

This one is sweet but not overly so and has woody notes that make it unique. The candle is made with coconut wax and comes in a decorative vessel she’ll want to keep when it’s burned out. ($34, Nordstrom)

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lip-oil
Sephora

A lip oil that will keep her lips hydrated no matter her busy schedule…

One editor put this lip oil to the test on a girls weekend to see if it could handle a day that went straight from brunch to dinner to drinks. Spoiler alert: the hype is real. Gift this to the mom who’s always on the go and simply doesn’t have time for flaky lips. Plus, she’ll get major brownie points for using such a trendy brand. ($26, Sephora)

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bookmark
Etsy

A personalized bookmark if she loves to read…

When she saves her place in her current read, she’ll smile seeing photos of her family and a sweet message. You can add up to three photos and choose a tassel and bookmark color. It’s made of sturdy acrylic, so it’ll last for years. ($9.99, USShoppingLand via Etsy)

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coupon-book
Target

A coupon book for the activity mom…

If she’s not that into things, give her the gift of your time and attention. This book has 10 coupons with prompts for everything from her choice of a weekend activity to a chore she can redeem at any time. It’s a fun way to let her know you just want to spend time with her. ($10, Target)

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water-bottle
Nordstrom

A cute water bottle to keep her hydrated…

Say you care the old-fashioned way: expressing concern for her water intake. This bottle will keep her water ice cold for up to 24 hours and never leak on her. It has a straw to make sipping more fun and comes in three pretty colors. ($49.95, Nordstrom)

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tee
Madewell

A pocket tee that’ll go with all her favorite jeans…

The best thing you can do for her? Make getting dressed easy. We love this tee for its perfectly oversized silhouette that’s not too boxy so it still looks polished. It’s also thick but soft enough to tuck in her jeans. Her weekend uniform, solved. ($37.99+, Madewell)

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