Mom has probably said "I do not need anything" for years. The best Christmas gifts for mom are the ones she would never buy for herself. These 7 ideas run from comfy sneakers to a name necklace, with a note on who each one suits and what to check before you buy.
How do you pick a gift she does not have yet?
Listen for what she complains about, not what she asks for. A mom who is always on her feet wants better shoes. A mom who never sits down wants an evening off.
- Comfort: something she wears or uses every day.
- Care: something that gives her a quiet hour.
- Keepsake: something with her name, a date or a memory on it.
The card below matches five common moms to five of the gifts. If you are shopping for a friend instead, see our unique gifts for your best friend.
Seven Christmas gifts for mom.
1. Comfy sneakers.
A pair of white leather or knit sneakers goes with jeans, dresses and work trousers. Choose a plain style with a cushioned sole, since she will wear them for years. For more on what is in style, see our guide to sneaker trends.
Shoes are the hardest gift to size. Harvard Health advises shopping in the afternoon, when feet have swollen, and measuring both feet (Harvard Health shoe-buying tips). It also suggests leaving about a quarter to a half inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Because you cannot fit them yourself, ask for a gift receipt and tell her she can swap the size.
2. A name necklace.
A thin chain with her name or the initials of her children is the classic keepsake. Pick the metal she already wears, and ask the seller what it is made of. Our guide to the biggest jewelry trends shows how to wear one with other pieces.
3. A cozy robe and slippers.
A thick robe and a pair of slippers are the gift for a mom who is always up first. Choose soft cotton or fleece, and check the size and the length so it covers her knees.
The one she will use most
If I had to choose, I would choose the robe and slippers. She will wear them every morning, and she will think of you each time.
4. A candle set.
A trio of candles in warm scents such as cinnamon, vanilla and pine makes a house smell like Christmas. If you are not sure she likes strong scents, pair them with a matching body mist she can try on her own.
5. A photo album.
Print your favorite family photos from the last year and put them in a simple album with a short note under each picture. It costs little and takes an evening, and it will be on her coffee table for years.
6. A tea and treats set.
Put a few loose-leaf teas, a small mug and a box of shortbread in a basket. Then offer to sit down and drink a cup with her, because the time together is the real gift.
7. A delicate bracelet.
A thin gold chain bracelet is easy to wear every day and works with a watch. Look for an adjustable clasp so you do not need her wrist size, and include a gift box and a card.
What if she says she wants nothing?
Take her at her word, and give her something she can use up, such as tea, candles or a good hand cream. A small gift she enjoys is better than a large one she feels she has to keep.
If you are planning for spring, see these gift ideas for Mother's Day too.
Christmas gifts for mom, answered.
What are good Christmas gifts for mom?
Comfy sneakers, a name necklace, a robe and slippers, a candle set, a photo album, a tea set and a delicate bracelet. Pick the one that matches how she spends her days.
What do you get a mom who has everything?
Something she can use up or something personal: tea, candles, a photo album or a necklace with her name or her children's initials.
How do I buy shoes as a gift?
Ask her size in advance, include a gift receipt and choose a plain style with a cushioned sole. If you can, shop in the afternoon, when feet are slightly swollen, and leave a quarter to a half inch of toe room.
