What Moms (and Dads!) Really, Really Want

We’ve got Your back

Mark your calendars for May 12th (or bribe a sibling to do it), because it’s once again time to celebrate the angelic beings who helped raise us—hi, mom! Maternal figures come in many forms, and we’ve laid out gifts for all types, just for you. And, since Father’s Day is alarmingly close on the tail of Mother’s Day, we’ve thrown in a few options for dad, too.

This year, ditch the wilting flowers and pick a gift that truly says, "Thanks for not losing your mind completely while raising me."

The Girl Scout

This goes out to the one without whom all things would fall apart. We know it’s not fair, but we appreciate your energy, organization, and CIA-worthy preparedness for everything—from the calendar to the post-birthday thank-you notes.

1. Andie Swim Augusta One Piece - Go from the coffee shop to the pool with this versatile swimsuit that doubles as a bodysuit (just add shorts…or not); 2. Westman Atelier Cream Blush Stick - The most beautiful swipe of color in a convenient tube for fail-proof application on the go; 3. Dear Elouise Personal Stationery - You know she writes at least one gracious note a week. Now she can do it on the world’s most beautiful stationery; 4. W&P BYO Lunch Bundle - A daily-use product for Zoë, these compartmentalized food containers are lightweight, sustainable, and as chic as bento boxes come; 5. Poketo Project Planner - Not just any planner: This guy breaks down up to 100 projects into task lists, deadlines, and monthly time blocks.

The Style Icon

There’s nothing more inspiring (or annoying) than having a mom chicer than you. Alas, she still deserves a lovely gift, and you can’t go wrong with these picks that work for most ages and style persuasions.

1. Jennifer Meyer Initial Necklace - A joint gift, perhaps? This classic, delicate necklace accommodates up to eight initials, so you can include the dog, too; 2. Tuckernuck Toile Silk Scarf - Possibilities abound in this silk scarf from our friends at Tuckernuck. Use it as a head covering, scarf, or purse ornament; 3. Loeffler Randall Headband Set - Nothing fixes a bad hair day like a headband, and this chic, slim style feels elevated, not juvenile; 4. Red Small Ganni Bou Bag - Petite yet bold (remind you of anyone?). Zoë received Ganni’s Bou Bag as a gift and has been using it ever since. Bonus points: It’s made of recycled leather; 5. Cara Cara Floral Midi Skirt - Just in time for spring, this floral skirt from Cara Cara boasts a flattering cut and major comfort.

the Homebody

When you’d rather eat glass than go out and it suddenly occurs to you, “Am I turning into my mother?,” the answer is yes. And who says that’s a bad thing? Lean in (to the sofa) and snuggle up next to mom with these gifts.

1. Pink Botanical Mahjong Tiles - No, it’s not dorky…especially when your Mahjong tiles look this cute. You’ll stay up into the wee hours trying to best your mom with this set; 2. Avocado Camel Cashmere Throw Blanket -This super luxurious cashmere blanket feels good in more ways than one—all Avocado blankets are made sustainably; 3. Rejuvenation Copper Watering Can - She’s your mom but she’s also a plant mom. This copper watering can with a slim nozzle looks cute enough to leave out; 4. Daydreamer Boyfriend Crew - You’ve never felt a softer sweatshirt, and the design gives vintage collegiate vibes. Throwback to just a few years ago, right mom?; 5. Sharland England Breakfast Mug - A set of hand-painted mugs feels thoughtful and gives you the chance to make the coffee for once.

THE Design Lover

Pinterest is her game, Design Lover is her name. Add to her collection of where-did-you-get-that pieces, fatten up her reading material, and maybe, just maybe, introduce her to a brand she’s never heard of.

1. Warby Parker Drew Eyeglasses - A design-y pair of glasses make the perfect accessory for her next trip to the museum.; 2. The DeVOL Kitchen - Add this to the design book canon and explore the process behind DeVOL’s perfectly British kitchens and homewares; 3. ZF x Mitzi Batya Table Lamp - Shameless plug: The Batya lamp from Zoë’s collection with Mitzi gives midcentury color-block vibes at a great price point.; 4. The Expert Consultation - Your mom called, she wants to talk. To Zoë. Give the gift of face time to solve her stickiest design quandaries with a pro; 5. Esencial Hogar Embroidered Placemats - We can’t get enough of the artisan-made linens from El Salvadorian tabletop brand Esencial Hogar (fun fact, owner Celina Wright was Zoë’s former assistant!).

the LifeStyle Guru

She likes to kick, she likes to stretch, and she likes to send you articles about microplastics. Thank goodness, because you plan on your mom living forever. Feed her mind, body, and soul with some mood-boosting resources.

1. Tocca Eau de Parfum Florence - This Tocca scent is classic, just like your favorite lady. It’s floral without being sweet or overpowering, and has a timeless earthiness; 2. WalkingPad Lightest Foldable Walking Machine - Sedentary work life, be gone! This walking pad is slim enough to slide nicely under a desk and folds away when not in use; 3.The Class Digital Studio - The Class is part interval training, part energy work, and you never know which one is happening. A subscription will leave her mind blown; 4. Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Top-notch headphones for the self-improvement book she’s undoubtedly listening to (while she’s on the walking pad); 5. 50 Years of Ms. Essays- Inspire her with a collection of the best essays published in the iconic Ms. magazine, and “borrow” it when she’s done.

The Number One Dad

You didn’t think we’d forgotten about dad, did you? A demographic that is categorically tough to shop for, we went beyond watches and hot sauce subscriptions. These selections will level up his style, cooking, and love for his favorite child.*

*You

1. Barbour Olive Wax Holdall - When’s the last time you saw your dad’s luggage? Guarantee it’s forgettable at best, tragic at worst. This chic Barbour carryall will become his work trip go-to; 2. Large Hardback Photo Book - Cue heart-eyes! This customizable photo album has an elevated, totally un-cheesy design that’s perfect for the coffee table; 3. Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Short - He’s not like a regular dad, he’s a cool dad. Give him the subtle nudge to replace the 1980s Speedo trunks with something a little more current; 4. Goodee Dog Bed - Honor man’s best friend, and now mom’s best friend, with an adorable woven pet bed beautiful enough to go in the living room; 5. Schmidt Bros. 15-Piece Cutlery Set - Schmidt Bros. has high-quality knives with equally great low-profile storage. The brand’s magnetic wall bar is a favorite, as is their super slim knife block.