The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom

Summary

The Wirecutter Show
Episode: The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom
Date: April 29, 2026

---

Episode Overview

In this lively Mother’s Day special, hosts Kyra Blackwell and Rosie Guerin sit down with Wirecutter’s expert gift writer Samantha Shea to explore creative, tailored gift ideas for every type of mom and maternal figure. The discussion covers thoughtfulness in gifting, practical vs. pampering gifts, rules to live by for picking presents, and how to honor and celebrate the people who mother us—even, or especially, those who claim not to need anything at all.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Acknowledging Moms and Maternal Figures

• The hosts emphasize that Mother’s Day gifts are about acknowledgment and gratitude for everything mothers do, not just the gifts themselves.
• As Rosie puts it:

  "It's not necessarily about the gifts. It's, I think, about the acknowledgement of the role mothers play in our lives and quality time. But it's also about the gifts, you know, sometimes."
  (02:22 - Rosie Guerin)

---

Behind the Scenes: The Art & Science of Being a Gift Writer

• Samantha Shea describes her Wirecutter role as “shopping for gifts and reporting on it all year round,” curating from colleagues’ recommendations, trending finds, and her own taste.
• She acknowledges the expertise across Wirecutter, humbly noting,

  “I just have good taste. That’s it.”
  (06:38 - Samantha Shea)

---

Gift Ideas by Mom-Achetype

1. The New Mom (07:30)

• Focus: Gifts for her, not baby stuff. Luxurious comfort and practical pampering are key.
• Top Picks:
  • Le Bon Shoppe balloon pants (“I am not a new mom, but I wear them all the time.”)
  • Gap vintage high rise sweatpants (“Super cozy, kind of stylish. I have them in hot pink.”)
  • Soft Services buffing bars (“Exhilarating micro-crystals exfoliate and wake you up”)
  • Lanolin nipple cream (works for lips too—a “two for one!”)
• Quote:

  “Put it on your nipples, put it on your lips.”
  (09:58 - Samantha Shea)

2. The Mom-to-Be (10:13)

• Small, meaningful recognition—something that “acknowledges her new status as a mom to be.”
• Doesn’t have to be big or expensive.

3. The First-Time Grandma (10:28)

• Sentimental gifts resonate: personalized jewelry (names, initials, birth flowers/stones from Golden).
• Digital photo frames (Aura) to share grandkid photos from afar.
• For "cool" grandmas: unique literature, like Doris Lessing's The Grandmothers.
• Quote:

  “If the grandma’s far away... it’s a nice way [to stay connected]. I gave one to my mother-in-law. She loves it.”
  (11:34 - Samantha Shea)

4. The Empty-Nester Mom (13:14)

• Hobbies and rediscovered passions: painting supplies (Kuretake Gansey watercolors), book subscriptions, audiobook credits (Libro FM supports indie bookstores!).
• Deliciously practical: gift cards to favorite restaurants.
• Humor: “Don’t Ask Me What’s for Dinner” hat.
• Quote:

  “My favorite cartoon is just a mom with her head in her hands being like, no one told me they had to have dinner every night.”
  (16:16 - Samantha Shea)

5. The Tired Mom (16:36)

• “She is all of us.” Luxuries to aid sleep and enhance comfort: white noise machines, eyemasks, cozy socks, a night away in a hotel.
• The gift of a break or rest is invaluable.
• Quote:

  “Giving moms a break not only gives them that break, but acknowledges everything they’re doing…”
  (00:38, repeated at 16:50 - Samantha Shea)

6. The Outdoorsy or Adventurous Mom (22:29)

• Rugged, practical gifts: Rumple Outdoor Blanket (multi-use, stylish, durable).
• Unique, artisanal comfort: Mira Blackman tie dye cotton beanies.

7. The Sparkle-Loving Mom (23:29)

• Luxurious, fun: Maria La Rosa laminated silk socks (“the shiniest, most beautiful things ever,” an “heirloom jewelry” vibe).
• Timeless jewelry: Quince pave diamond huggy hoops—approachable, stylish, works for everyone.

8. The Foodie or Wine-Loving Mom (25:27)

• Trendy treats: Fish Wife tinned fish gift packs (“so elegant and cool”).
• Practical and beautiful: Emile Henry produce bowl (for storing and preserving fresh produce stylishly).

9. The Crafty Mom (26:43)

• For established crafters: premium materials (skeins of yarn, fabric, beads).
• For dabblers or new recruits: beginner-friendly craft kits
  • Unwind Studios needlepoint (modern, not “corny”)
  • Kate Wyatt embroidery (embroidery kits with beads and botanical themes)
  • JOYN block printing kits (includes all supplies and a tote/pouch to customize)
• Quote:

  “A kit that will enable you to do a new kind of craft from beginning to end. And they're really aimed at beginners… they have them for everything.”
  (27:19 - Samantha Shea)

10. The ‘Save Your Money, I Don’t Need Anything’ Mom (28:54)

• Gift your time and attention; a heartfelt card is invaluable.
• If you must buy something: opt for consumables—fancy food, body oils, box chocolates, or flowers (with a Wirecutter-reviewed delivery service).
• Quote:

  “Give her the gift of your time and attention. Write her a nice card...and don’t forget the card. That’s like the most important part…”
  (29:06 - Samantha Shea)

11. Tips for Two-Mom Households (30:28)

• Mother's Day can be tricky—try splitting the weekend so each mom gets some dedicated appreciation/time.
• “Each mom deserves her special day… take the weekend and split it up.” (31:27 - Samantha Shea)

---

Samantha Shea’s Cardinal Rules for Gift-Giving (19:52)

• Choose gifts that people wouldn’t buy for themselves.
• Don’t add to anyone’s “to do” list (ex: only give a plant to plant-lovers, don't give a cookbook to someone who doesn’t cook).
• The gift of your time and attention is always appreciated—especially by moms.
• Build or assemble gifts for new parents yourself if necessary (ex: toy kitchens) to avoid adding work.

Quotes:

“Do not add to their to do list.”
(20:32 - Samantha Shea)

“The gift of your time and attention is always appreciated, especially by your mom or mother figure.”
(22:01 - Samantha Shea)

---

Self-Gifting for Moms (31:32)

• Give yourself something you wouldn’t normally buy or a small luxury that brings you real joy: quiet time, a facial, a book, flowers, shoes, or simply a few hours alone with a coffee.
• Quote:

  “Treat yourself well. Give yourself a nice gift.”
  (31:43 - Samantha Shea)

---

Samantha Shea’s Most Loved Recent Purchase

• Every Underwear:
  “…possibly the most comfortable...they’re like a revelation to me. ...I pretty much replaced all the underwear in my drawer with these.” (33:12)

---

Memorable Moments & Stray Gems

• The recurring theme: Gifts should express acknowledgment, relief, and celebration (not chores or clutter!).
• Many recommendations can be found in Wirecutter’s gift guides and show notes for easy reference.

---

Useful Timestamps

• 06:38 – Samantha describes her approach and role as a Wirecutter gift writer.
• 07:39 – Gift ideas for first-time moms.
• 10:28 – Gifts for first-time grandmas.
• 13:14 – Empty nesters and how they thrive.
• 16:36 – Ideas for the sleep-deprived or tired mom.
• 19:52 – Samantha’s cardinal rules of gifting.
• 22:29 – Outdoorsy mom gift recs.
• 23:29 – For moms who love sparkles/jewelry.
• 25:27 – Foodie/wine-loving mom gift ideas.
• 26:43 – Gifts for crafty moms.
• 28:54 – What to get “the mom who says they want nothing.”
• 30:28 – Navigating Mother’s Day in two-mom households.
• 31:43 – Gifting yourself for Mother’s Day.
• 33:12 – Sam’s favorite recent buy (every underw underwear).

---

Notable Quotes

• “Giving moms a break not only gives them that break, but acknowledges everything they’re doing…”
  (00:38, 16:50 - Samantha Shea)

• “Don’t give new parents something they have to put together.”
  (21:49 - Samantha Shea)

• “Treat yourself well. Give yourself a nice gift.”
  (31:43 - Samantha Shea)

---

Summary Takeaway

This episode delivers heartfelt, witty, and practical advice for finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift, no matter the type of mom you’re celebrating. The Wirecutter team and Samantha Shea remind listeners that the best gifts are thoughtful, never burdensome, and always show genuine appreciation. With options that span from cozy sweatpants to tinned fish, block printing kits to digital photo frames, their recommendations are as diverse as the moms they honor. Be thoughtful, be specific, be personal—and don’t forget the card!

Transcript

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This podcast is supported by Northwestern Mutual. As someone who trusts expert advice, you should do the same with your finances. So now is the right time to talk with a financial expert about money recommendations. Northwestern Mutual can match you with a financial professional who'll build a plan based on what's important to you, looking out for your blind spots and finding new opportunities to help grow your wealth and protect what you've worked so hard for. Find a better way to money. @nm.com, the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.

[Samantha Shea]

Giving moms a break not only gives them that break, but acknowledges everything they're doing and how much it takes to work and raise a family and be a partner if she's partnered. And it takes a lot. And so I think giving a break is a really loving gift and a way to acknowledge that.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I'm Kyra Blackwell.

[Rosie Guerin]

I'm Rosie Guerin, and you're listening to the Wirecutter show. Kyra, Mother's Day's coming up. Okay, so tell me all the things that you're gonna get your mom for Mother's Day, and we'll bleep it out in post.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Oh, okay.

[Rosie Guerin]

So when she listens, she won't hear,

[Kyra Blackwell]

first of all, happy birthday and Mother's Day, Mom.

[Rosie Guerin]

Whoa.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Yeah, it's a big one.

[Rosie Guerin]

Two fer.

[Kyra Blackwell]

It's a big one for us. I'm gonna get her a really beautiful bouquet of flowers.

[Rosie Guerin]

Love.

[Kyra Blackwell]

And I think I'm gonna get her a book subscription because she has been reading a lot more and I want her to have stuff that's fun to read.

[Rosie Guerin]

I love this. I think you are really thoughtful about how you think about gifting, and I tried to be as well, but, like, there are lots of different people out there wanting lots of different types of stuff. Maybe not wanting things at all, for sure. And I feel like every year the Mother's Day comes around, you want to acknowled or the maternal figure in your life, but it's like, all right, let me dig deep. What are we doing this year?

[Kyra Blackwell]

I mean, even you, you have Mother's Day coming up. You are a mom and also your wife is too. So that's a whole thing. Like, it's hard to navigate because it comes every year. So you have to find a new thing at least once a year. It can feel like you don't want to just tread the same ground all over again.

[Rosie Guerin]

Totally. And to be fair, it's not necessarily about the gifts. It's, I think, about the acknowledgement of the role mothers play in our lives and quality time. But it's also about the gifts, you know, sometimes. So we're going to talk to Sam Shea today.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I love Samantha Shea. She is so gifted at what she does. She is a staff writer on our gifting team and is basically exactly what it sounds like. She literally shops for gifts and reports on it for Wirecutter all year round. So she always comes with surprising and delightful things that you can do for the people in your lives and like it'll really convey your love and your thought for this person. And I really think she's going to come up with some fresh ideas for Mother's Day.

[Rosie Guerin]

So we're going to kick her some personality types and we'll see what she's got to recommend. We'll be right back.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This message is brought to you by Apple Card Spring always feels like a reset, clearing things out, simplifying what you don't need. Apple Card is built with that same idea in no annual fee, no late fees and no foreign transaction fees. No fees, period. Get started and apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today to credit approval. Variable APRs for Apple Card range from 17.49% to 27.74% based on creditworthiness rates as of January 1, 2026. Existing customers can view their Variable APR in the Wallet app [e-mail] Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at

applecard.com when it comes to designing your outdoor space, there's more to it than pure function. You need a space to unwind, make memories and enjoy a meal. You need versatility, style and craftsmanship. Belgard pavers are different. They're designed to elevate your life outdoors. They're design, forward, weather tested and built to last. No matter your style, Belgard can bring it to life. Just a paver. Think again. Learn [e-mail] that's B E L G A R D.com what if you could

replace your windows and doors today and not pay a dime for two years? This May renewal by Andersen makes it happen. For a limited time, get beautiful new windows and doors with no money down, no monthly payments and no interest until May of 2028 with a minimum purchase of six. That's right. Install now and pay later. Way later. But this offer won't last. It ends May 31. Visit renewalbyandersonhome.com today and take advantage of this limited time.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Welcome back. Our guest today is Samantha Shea. Sam is a staff writer on our gifting team, and she's written about some really esoteric gift topics. Gifts for travelers, coffee lovers, pickleball players, co workers, engagement gifts. Gifts for people who love to clean. I love your job, Sam.

[Rosie Guerin]

Are people still playing pickleball?

[Samantha Shea]

My aunt sure is.

[Rosie Guerin]

Well, there you go, Sam. Welcome back.

[Samantha Shea]

Thank you. I love my job, too.

[Rosie Guerin]

We love having you here. It's always really fun.

[Samantha Shea]

I love being here.

[Rosie Guerin]

So we know there are a lot of ways to celebrate Mother's Day. It can be really lovely. It can be a difficult day for people who've experienced loss of some kind, and it can be a great opportunity to acknowledge mothers or, for the sake of our conversation, maternal figures in our lives of any kind. So today we're gonna break the topic of gifting down by type of mom for all of the folks who are listening. We know that your person might not fit exactly into a bo. That's fair. We contain multitudes. But I think this is a fun way to think about gifting for all different types of folks.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, for sure. That's kind of how we approach it. Also acknowledging that we contain multitudes and no two people are exactly alike, but we kind of think about types because we'd want to try and meet as many people as we can.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I love that. And before we even jump into the kind of moms that you've been researching for Mother's Day, Sam, can you just quickly explain what your job actually is at Wirecutter? I mean, gift writer sounds so fun and whimsical, but for those who don't know, who didn't listen to our previous episodes with you, what is that? And how do you interpret Wirecutter's approach to curating gift guides?

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, so we do what you said we do. We spend all year looking for gifts, and a lot of that is combing through what our colleagues already pick out in the pages of Wirecutter. And a lot of it is just being out in the world, being on the Internet, being on social media, being on Reddit, finding cool things. Like, my job is really fun. I look around for stuff I like or stuff I think somebody would like. For some reason, I always say, like, the body of knowledge at Wirecutter is astounding. Like, there are writers who actually know a lot about their topic, and they. I don't know, they can take apart a toaster and put it back together, or they can tell you what emergency supplies you need, and they know how smart TVs work. And, like, I just have good taste. That's it.

[Kyra Blackwell]

And you bring it all together.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Rosie Guerin]

Okay, let's run down some archetypes and Sam, talk about some gift ideas that you think might work. We'll start with the new mom. Let's say a first time parent.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, I actually have done gift guides for the new mom. So I think you start out thinking about the new mom experience as best you can. And she's probably really exhausted and a little overwhelmed. And she's just been through what is a really huge transition, whether it's her first baby or not. And I assume that she's gotten a lot of baby stuff at a baby shower. So I like to think about Mother's Day as really focusing on her and not getting her baby stuff, but getting stuff that makes her life easier in some way, lightens her load, pampers her.

[Rosie Guerin]

Are you trying to tell me that you see mothers as people?

[Samantha Shea]

Well, I mean, they're just extensions of their children really.

[Rosie Guerin]

But Matt feels right.

[Samantha Shea]

No, but I go for kind of like the soft, cozy, luxurious pampering vibe for new mothers. I really love some of the sweatpants we have in our guides, both in our sweatpants guide, and we include them in a bunch of gift guides. She's gonna be in sweatpants and loungewear all the time anyway. So, you know, these can kind of help her be comfortable and also maybe not feel like a total schlub all the time, which I did as a new mom and I know a lot of new moms do. So there's these Le Bon Shop balloon pants. I am not a new mom, but I wear them all the time and I wear them out of the house and they're really cute. And I also, for a expensive version, love the Gap high rise vintage sweatpants that we have all over the place on Wirecutter. Super cozy, kind of stylish. I have them in hot pink. Love, love them. So I just think, you know, who can't use more sweatpants? And then I also think kind of leaning in to self care, but not in the goofy way she doesn't have time to take a luxurious bath. Most likely, like most new moms can't even take a shower. So I like these soft service buffing bars we have just because they're really exhilarating. They have these micro crystals in and you scrub your skin and it exfoliates. But it also just gives you kind of a wake up. And then finally lip balm. And my favorite is lanolin nipple cream, which is like a two birds thing for a new mom because it's designed to put on sore nipples from nursing. But it works so well as lip balm for dry lips. And new moms are often dehydrated if they're nursing in particular. So it's a two for one. Those are my wrecks. It's a two for one exactly. Put it on your nipples, put it on your lips.

[Rosie Guerin]

I like it.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I have a sister in law who is currently pregnant. I'm super excited for my little baby nephew. But she's going to be still pregnant through mother's day. Does that count as a new mother? Should her husband, AKA my brother, hint, hint, get her a mother's day gift?

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, sure, why not? I mean Mother's day gifts don't have to be huge but it would be so nice to give her something that acknowledges her new status as a mom to be and just is a little bit, you know, just a little loving. Oh love.

[Rosie Guerin]

So from mom to be to let's talk about first time grandmother. Big like excited energy.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, I think some new moms kind of have trouble with the adjustment of like it's not just your life anymore and your identity gets can get a little confused and all of that. I think grandmas are just like woo hoo. This is my new identity, you know, for the most part. So I lean a little bit more like sentimental when it comes to grandparents. I love like a personalized piece of jewelry if that woman and happens to be a jewelry wearer that kind of declares or commemorates their new status as a grandma. So like you know there's all these initial necklaces where you can get a disc or a bar or whatever it is or you could get a little birthstone charm or you know, whatever it is. We love this company Golden. I just did a guide to jewelry. So I have jewelry on the brain all the time and I researched a ton of online jewelry brands and golden is really good because they come in different metals and price points. So like if you want to spend 40 bucks you can. If you want to spend 250 on solid gold, you can.

[Rosie Guerin]

And can you personalize stuff from gold?

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, everything's personalized. So you can get names, you can get initials, you can get birth flowers and birthstones and you know there's like kind of something for every taste. So if she's that type, I love that stuff. I also really stand by the wirecutter favorite and old school hit the aura digital frames. These are the frames you can like send digital photos to from afar and they squirrel. So especially if the grandma's far away from her grandkids It's a nice way. I give one to my mother in law. She loves it. I like really scored on that gift. So it's an oldie but a goodie.

[Rosie Guerin]

We gave mine to my mom years ago when my kids were small. And now when we go visit her, they just post up and sit and look at the photos of them when they were babies, which they think was 300 years ago.

[Samantha Shea]

Look how far I've come.

[Rosie Guerin]

Yeah, it's a sweet gift.

[Samantha Shea]

It's really sweet. It's sentimental, but it's not like cheesy. So I really like those. And then for the grandma who is maybe not leaning so much into the like cozy, soft and fuzzy grandma, the cookie baking grandma or whatever that may be, there's a book called the Grandmothers by Doris Lessing, who's a writer that I love. And it's four short novels, shocking and intimate stories of love, passion and uncomfortably honest truth. So that gives you a little taste of what it's about. So it's a fictional examination of grandmotherhood for kind of the uncenso sentimental, like intellectual, artsy grandma. It's not warm and fuzzy, but it's really smart and really great.

[Kyra Blackwell]

For the cool grandmas out there.

[Samantha Shea]

I like for the cool grandmas out there who are grandmas, but they're still like being fierce. Yeah, yeah.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Sam, how about the empty nest moms? What are some ideas that they might really appreciate? Maybe because they're struggling with having their children out of the house or maybe their moms who are experiencing kind of a second youth and loving it, but they do still have an empty house.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah. So that's me. And I don't, I hate to admit it, but I can't like relate to the struggling part because I am the world's happiest empty nester. I mean, love, I love my kids, I miss my kids, blah, blah, blah. But it really has been liberating, let's

[Rosie Guerin]

say yada, yada, yada.

[Samantha Shea]

It's amazing the second you thing really rings true. So I would lean into like hobbies and passions of hers, some of which may have like, fallen by the wayside while she was busy raising children. I know that was true for me. It's true for a lot of people. I know a lot of people, my, who are looking, you know, are about to be empty nesters who are new empty nesters and they're like, oh my God, you know, rediscovering things that they really loved or really made them feel like themselves before everything got busy. I'm on record on Wirecutter as being a huge fan of the Kuretake Gansey watercolor paints.

[Kyra Blackwell]

You love these paints?

[Samantha Shea]

I love these paints so much. I probably have mentioned them every time I've been on the podcast.

[Rosie Guerin]

You use these paints, right?

[Samantha Shea]

I do. I use them, and they've, like, turned me into a hobbyist painter. It's become, like a really meditative, wonderful, creative expression for me. So I'm a big fan of that. If she's a reader, I'm a big fan of a book subscription service, and I say that rather than just giving a book because you get, like, a surprise every month. So it's kind of like the gift that keeps on giving.

[Rosie Guerin]

Sam, I'll always be grateful to you for introducing me to Libro fm, this audiobook service, which you've discussed and recommended on the show before.

[Samantha Shea]

It's wonderful. I love it so much. I'm a big audiobook. So if she's an audiobook fan, get her a subscription to Libro fm and you can buy as many credits as you want. So, you know, you can say, like, here's your next 10 audiobooks or five, or whatever it is you want.

[Rosie Guerin]

I also love with Libro FM that you can support a bookstore that means something to you.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah. So it supports independent brick and mortar stores. It's basically the independent bookstore way of getting audiobooks to you. Great company. And the service is amazing. So for a physical book subscription, I really love. Books are magic in Brooklyn. You can get the subscription anywhere in the country, and they just have great taste. We have a guide for book subscriptions, and depending on your mom or your maternal figure's taste, you'll be able to find one to meet that, whether it's genre or literary or historical, whatever. So I love that gift. I also love, and this is like, a little, you know, moving away from the wirecutter standards, but I like a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant if she likes food. And dinner is a chore. Cooking dinner. I feel like I love to cook. And cooking dinner every single night is a huge chore that I'm happy to be done with. I ate frosted mini wheats for dinner last night.

[Rosie Guerin]

You really are thriving.

[Kyra Blackwell]

She's living it up.

[Samantha Shea]

And then I went out for frozen yogurt and to a movie.

[Kyra Blackwell]

So, Rose, you have something to look forward to.

[Rosie Guerin]

I could cry. I won't, but I could.

[Samantha Shea]

There's also this hat that we just put in the Mother's Day gift guide, and it just says, don't ask me what's for dinner. And I love that because it just captures so much about motherhood in a single sentence. My favorite cartoon is just a mom with her head in her hands being like, no one told me they had to have dinner every night. And that's kind of how it feels. So I love that hat.

[Rosie Guerin]

Speaking of the tired mom, I'd love some gift ideas for her. Whoever she,

[Samantha Shea]

whoever she, she is all of us. She is all of us.

[Rosie Guerin]

She is me.

[Samantha Shea]

Yes, we have a gift guide on the site of people who love to sleep. And on there are all little, like, luxuries and little things. Eye masks and cozy socks and bath soap and white noise machines and all these things to supposedly help people sleep. I'm a huge fan of a night away in a hotel when my kids were like 6 months old. I think I had twins like Rosie, and that's what I asked for. Not for Mother's Day, but I think I kind of broke down crying to my husband. One day is like, I just want one night in a hotel with like cold, crispy sheets. And so it's only one night. But it could be the gift of a good night's sleep. Giving mom a break not only gives them that break, but acknowledges everything they're doing and how much it takes to work and raise a family and be a partner if she's partnered. And it takes a lot. And so I think giving a break is a really loving gift and a way to acknowledge that.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Okay, we're gonna take a quick break, and then when we come back, we're gonna run down some other types of moms, and Sam will give us some ideas for gifts that love.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Be right back. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Spring always feels like a reset, clearing things out, simplifying what you don't need. Apple Card is built with that same idea in mind. No annual fee, no late fees, and no foreign transaction fees. No fees, period. Get started and apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Variable APRs for Apple Card range from 17.49% to 27.74%, based on creditworthiness rates as of January 1, 2026. Existing customers can view their variable APR in the Wallet app [e-mail] Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City branch terms and more at applecard.com Looking for a gift that was

[Samantha Shea]

made to make Mom's Day? Shop Etsy for all her favorites, like personalized jewelry or even custom stained glass artwork. Celebrate the heart of the family with Mother's day gifts on Etsy. Shop the Etsy app.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This episode is brought to you by Nordstrom. Spring calls for a wardrobe refresh, and Nordstrom has the best styles of the season. From dresses and denim to standout tops and accessories, find the trends and essentials that feel right for you. Discover new arrivals from the bridge brands you love, like waif, Princess Polly, Mango, Adidas and free people. Plus free shipping and returns and free styling appointments. Make everything so easy. Shop in [e-mail] or download the Nordstrom app.

[Rosie Guerin]

Welcome back.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Welcome back.

[Rosie Guerin]

Today's episode is all about gifting for Mother's Day and finding gifts for the moms and the mother figures in our lives. Our guest is wirecutter gift writer and expert Samantha Shay. Sam, before we jump back in, I want to know, what are your cardinal rules for gift giving? What are the hills that you will die on?

[Samantha Shea]

Okay, so first of all, get them something they most likely wouldn't get themselves. And that applies to, to almost everyone. Like, if I ask my husband what he wants for any given gift giving occasion, he'd be like, oh, I need new socks and I'm not gonna buy you your, like, stupid white tube socks. That's not really a gift. You're a grown man. Buy them yourselves. And I feel, well, I'm glad the

[Rosie Guerin]

love is still there.

[Samantha Shea]

Well, I mean, I wanna give something, you know, surprising and delightful. So that's kind of a rule is like, get them something they wouldn't buy themselves. My biggest rule probably is don't add to anyone's to do list. Only give someone a plant if they're a well documented plant lover and want plants and like caring for them. Otherwise, it's just another thing for them to take care of. Don't give a cookbook to somebody who doesn't like to cook thinking you're helping them out. Like, just leave them be. They don't like to cook. They don't want a cookbook. My nightmare is a jigsaw puzzle, for example. People love them, just not me. You know, even a book, if the person's not a reader, is just gonna feel like something they should be doing. So that's my basic rule, is like, give them something that's gonna make them relaxed and feel beautiful and smart and accomplished. But do not add to their to do list.

[Rosie Guerin]

My friends, kids I once gifted, they really wanted a toy kitchen. And I, like, could not in good faith drop that box with 174 pieces at their house. Cause they're moms of young kids. And so we visited. And while we visited, I built the kitchen. Cause I was like, I'm not gonna feel good about leaving you with this work.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah. Oh, my God. That's a great example. Don't give new parents something they have to put together.

[Rosie Guerin]

It's rude.

[Kyra Blackwell]

You also added your time, too. Like, you're giving them the gift of, like, you spent the time with them and you built the thing.

[Rosie Guerin]

It is time. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Samantha Shea]

Which is my other rule for Mother's Day in particular, but, you know, works for anything, is that the gift of your time and attention is always appreciated, especially by your mom or mother figure.

[Kyra Blackwell]

We know people and people's personalities don't necessarily fit into neat boxes. But just for the sake of this episode, we're tossing some personality types to you. Sam, let's jump back in with ideas for the outdoorsy or adventurous mom.

[Samantha Shea]

Okay. This is a mom I always or an archetype or whatever I always have in mind so that I don't go like too traditionally feminine and girly on gift guides for women as I try and imagine, like my inner river rafting guide mom or something. I love the Rumple outdoor blanket. You can keep it in the back of your subaru or your rav4 and it works as a picnic blanket. It's warm if you're camping. If you have a baby, it's like the best blanket to spread on the grass to set your baby on. And no matter what mess they make, it's machine washable. It's really cute. So love the Rumple Outdoor Blanket. I'm also a big fan of these super soft cotton tie dye beanies from this woman named Mira Blackman. I discovered these in a boutique in San Francisco. That's part of my job is poking around boutiques, which is really fun. Cause I get to find a lot of, like, small makers and artists that way. And she is one of the. I just love this beanie. It's cotton. It's so soft. It's super cute and crunchy. Moms love beanies. So those are my two racks.

[Rosie Guerin]

How about the mom who likes sparkles? You just finished doing a lot of reporting on jewelry.

[Samantha Shea]

I love sparkles. I love jewelry. But I also love. I'm like a magpie or something. Anything that glitters, I'm in. Okay, so there's these wirecutter famous socks, Maria La Rosa laminated silk socks. And they're kind of ridiculous. No one would ever spend $50 on a pair of metallic laminated silk socks for them.

[Rosie Guerin]

Oh, my gosh.

[Samantha Shea]

These are I wouldn't.

[Rosie Guerin]

Absolutely wild. I'm looking at them.

[Samantha Shea]

I love them so much. They come in all these different colors. They're the craziest little style boost. They're the shiniest, most beautiful things ever. I have a pair. I treat them like a pair of heirloom jewelry. Like, I wash them inside out in a lingerie bag. I love these socks so much. It's hard to describe, but they look like they've been painted with thick metallic paint when you get them. And then, yeah, like. Like they've been gold plated or something. Although they come in purple and pink and all this stuff. And then the first you put them on the laminate kind of cracks. I know. I don't know that I'm doing this justice, but just look at these socks. Look at these socks. I would be the happiest mom if someone gifted me those. And again, they meet. Like, I would never buy them for myself, but they're sparkly. They're a little luxury. They have major style points. So I'm into them. And then, of course, jewelry. There are can't go wrong pieces of jewelry that almost everyone will like. Like, if she has pierced ears, I can almost guarantee like a little. Little pave diamond huggy hoops. They cross all styles. Even crunchy moms, even punk rock moms. You know, anyone can wear these. And I really like the ones from Quince, which surprised me. I didn't think I would like Quince's jewelry as much as I ended up liking it for basics. And I like these. They're little huggy hoops. They're really sparkly. They're well made. They're not going to fall out of your ear. I've been wearing one in, like, my second piercing for years. I never take my earrings out. And you can buy them in singles or in pairs. So if someone has, like, asymmetrical piercing, you can just spring for one earring.

[Rosie Guerin]

How about the foodie mom or the wine loving mom?

[Samantha Shea]

Okay, so I'm gonna get a teeny bit esoteric here because I am a huge lover of tinned fish. Anchovies, sardines.

[Rosie Guerin]

We just did an episode on that, too.

[Samantha Shea]

Yes.

[Rosie Guerin]

So they're getting classy these days.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Yeah.

[Samantha Shea]

Oh, my God. It's like a huge trend. I just wanna say, like, I was way ahead of this trend. Way ahead. But, well, Fish Wife, one of the tinned fish companies that I really love, they do these gift packs and someone gave me this for Christmas, and it was a gift pack and it was like, so elegant. And cool. And it was full of tinned fish and, like, tin fish servers and stuff. And they have a Mother's Day one, which I also love. Cause it has the tinned fish in it, and it has a sardine bandana, and I love a bandana. She's not a little tinned fish fan. We love this Emile Henry produce bowl, which is a big, wide ceramic bowl with a cork lid that also functions as a bowl. So underneath, you put things that need to be dark and dry, like onions and garlic and potatoes and things. And on top, you put your fresh produce and fruit. And so it keeps your produce long. Like it absorbs moisture. And it's really pretty. And I love it so much. So that's a good one for the foodie market.

[Kyra Blackwell]

What about the crafty mom? And maybe this could be a little bit difficult because it's hard to gift within people's established hobbies. So what do you recommend here?

[Samantha Shea]

Well, like, my dad's partner is an incredible fabric artist and knitter and crocheter and sewer and stuff. So, like, I always just give her a piece of beautiful fabric. So if somebody is established in their craft or art, give them something that they can use. Give them a really beautiful, expensive skein of yarn or a piece of fabric or beautiful beads, depending on what it is. If they're just someone who likes to dabble, craft kits are huge right now.

[Rosie Guerin]

What's a craft kit?

[Samantha Shea]

A kit that will enable you to do a new kind of craft from beginning to end. So it has all the supplies and the directions, and they're really aimed at beginners. And I love these things, and they have them for everything. Some of the ones I like, there's a company called Unwind Studios that makes needlepoint kits. And I don't know about you, but when I think of needlepoint, I think of, like, corny needlepoints of ships on pillows and stuff. But these are, like, really cool modern designs. And an abstract needlepoint. It made me want to do needlepoint, which I've never done. And then what I was totally fell for were these embroidery kits from this artist named Kate Wyatt. And they are just crazy beautiful. A lot of them include beads. The patterns are so gorgeous. There's, like, botanical. There's birds. There's all sorts of. There's modern art. There's all sorts of stuff. And then for, like, something easier that's not gonna take a load of patience, there's join J O Y N. And they make block printing kits. And it comes with the blocks, the ink, the roller and then even like a tote bag or a pouch or something. And you can make either traditional patterns or wild modern patterns or whatever you want. You can make a really cute block printed thing. And the, the learning curve is much lower on that.

[Rosie Guerin]

That's awesome. I love that. Those are really unique gifts too, like for people, again, people who are open

[Samantha Shea]

to crafty and also for moms. Like some of these are things if they have older children they could do. Like the block printing kit would be really cool to do with older kids.

[Rosie Guerin]

So then there's the mom we all know and love. The I don't need anything, save your money mom. So Sam, if we suspect she's lying or we want to insist on getting her something, what do you recommend?

[Samantha Shea]

First of all, I would believe her and just maybe get her. Give her the gift of your time and attention. Write her a nice card if you're far away, send her flowers or some other little pick me up you think she would like. And don't forget the card. That's like the most important part of this type of gift. But if you really want to give a material gift, go for something that she can use up and be done with so that she doesn't have another thing in the house. So like a book or some fancy food or wine or you know, whatever she's into a little self care thingy or treat that she can use. I love this body oil and it's. The name is French and I'm going to murder it. But it's like centur d', orient, fleur de oys. Do any of you speak French? Can you help me out here? Anyway, it's this body oil that I absolutely love. It smells amazing. It feels amazing. It smells so good and it makes your, it gives your skin. It's like not greasy at all, but it gives your skin this little glow. I can't imagine anyone objecting to receiving that as a kid.

[Rosie Guerin]

We also have wirecutter reviews for flower delivery services. At your point, Sam, about maybe sending flowers from afar, I also would say if they're a chocolate person. Box chocolates.

[Samantha Shea]

Oh absolutely.

[Rosie Guerin]

We did a whole episode on boxed chocolates and there's some good options I would love.

[Samantha Shea]

I just got box chocolates from my mother in law for my birthday and it was excellent.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Sam, do you have any tips for a two mother household? I'm looking at my colleague Rosie right now actually because not only does she have a two mother household, she also has twins.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, I mean that makes it tricky because you can't palm the kid off on one mom because there's two of them. I think Rosie would be the expert on this, but I do know from talking to her that it can kind of be a drag because Mother's Day comes along, and it's supposed to be a day for both of you, and yet it's kind of not a day for either of you. I would suggest splitting up the weekend, honestly, giving one mom one day and one mom the next day, and whether that means that you're all together on both days, and one gets to go out to breakfast, one gets breakfast in bed, whatever it is that person likes, or if it's time, by herself, so that one takes the kids and the other can do what they will. I mean, I do think that obviously each mom deserves her special day. So the only way I could figure it is you're just gonna have to take the weekend and split it up.

[Rosie Guerin]

We'll have to. We will just have to.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Okay.

[Rosie Guerin]

Finally, what. If you're looking to gift yourself something in honor of Mother's Day, I imagine on that list is a night in a hotel away, but besides that.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah. So I think that this is a moment that moms should, like, give themselves something that they have denied themselves for whatever reason. When my kids were little, I used to ask for a couple hours to go read in the park on a blanket by myself. That was, like, the little gift to myself that I wanted. This year, I'm probably gonna get myself a facial. These are things I don't normally. Well, now I can read in the park till my heart's content because my kids are in college. But when they were younger, that was, like, a really special treat for me. So whatever it is that makes you feel happy and is a little delight and, you know, there's a, like, weekly flower delivery, if that's your thing. Get yourself a massage. Get yourself a pair of, like, you know, beautiful shoes that you've been wanting, but you wouldn't buy yourself. Get yourself the fancy coffee drink. It can be as simple as that. Like, give yourself a gift that makes you feel pampered and loved and fetid in some way and don't make it practical. Don't buy yourself tube socks because you need them. If you are the kind of person, and I know they're out there that really has a hard time treating themselves. Mother's Day is the moment. It's hard. It's thankless. A lot of time. Treat yourself well. Give yourself a nice gift.

[Kyra Blackwell]

This is kind of in the same vein, but it's our final question, which I love asking, but I particularly love asking you, what's the last thing you've bought that you really love?

[Samantha Shea]

Okay, I'm going to talk about my underwear. A friend told me about these and they're called every evry underw and they're like cotton. They're a little bit stretchy. They're the least sexy underwear on the planet, but possibly the most comfortable. And they come in really like, nice, cool, modern colors in addition to, like black and white. And I bought one pair to see if I would like them. And then I immediately went and pretty much replaced all the underwear in my drawer with these underwear. They're like a revelation to me. And I go up to my friends. They're kind of high cut. And I go up and like, pull them them the top from my pants. I'm like, do you want to hear about my underwear? That's how much I like them.

[Rosie Guerin]

Sam the underwear evangelist, you're the best. Thank you so much for joining us. This was really fun.

[Samantha Shea]

Thank you, guys.

[Rosie Guerin]

We will link to all of the products Sam recommended today in our show notes and be sure to check out wirecutter.com for more suggestions and gift guides. That's it for us, Kyra. See you next week.

[Samantha Shea]

Bye.

[Rosie Guerin]

The Wirecutter show is executive produced by me, Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddie Mazziello and Nick Pittman. Today's episode was mixed by Katherine Anderson, original music by Dan Powell, Marion Los Angeles, Elisheva Itu, Rowan Namisto, Katherine Anderson and Diane Wong. Cliff Levy is Wirecutter's deputy publisher and general manager Ben Fruman is Wirecutter's editor in chief.

[Kyra Blackwell]

I'm Kyra Blackwell.

[Rosie Guerin]

And I'm Rosie Garrett. Thank you for listening. Have you heard about the good word?

[Samantha Shea]

Yes, exactly. Somebody asked me about my underpants. Please, Sa.

[Liberty Mutual Ad Voice]

And Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Ad Voice]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Ad Voice]

Anyways, get a'[e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Samantha Shea]

Liberty.

[Kyra Blackwell]

Liberty.