The New York Times - Wirecutter-approved Mother’s Day gifts

For my first Mother’s Day five years ago, I received a lovely, thoughtful, and entirely disappointing gift: a framed photo of myself and my daughter in which we both look our worst. I may seem ungracious, but I’m not alone in feeling like Mother’s Day can be a loaded holiday, and one that we may approach with a lot of expectations. And for those of us who have complex experiences with mothers or as mothers, the day can be knotty.

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Which is why the best way to honor motherhood in all its forms has less to do with crowded brunches and saccharine platitudes, and more to do with some simple love and appreciation. Trust me: I’m Wirecutter’s gifts editor and can confirm that the cliché is true.

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And for moms reading this: If gifts are in the picture, there’s a tip I want to share. Ask for what you want. Maybe that’s a day (or a night) off. Maybe that’s a dreamy nightgown, or a meaningful bracelet, or just one perfect bouquet. (All of which are recommendations found in our guide to the best gifts for mom—the best place to start looking for inspo for either sending or receiving.)‌

Mother’s Day isn’t always a simple day, but by easing the search for tokens of appreciation, we hope it’s a joyful one.‌

A little something special for Mom→