The 40 Best Gifts For Southern Mamas—According To The Women Who Raised Us

Moms are hard to shop for—not necessarily because they’re picky, but because it’s hard to find a gift that truly shows them the thanks they deserve. Like so many of us, I happen to have an extra-special mother to shop for, so I always want to recommend gifts that will make moms feel loved and appreciated. 

For insight on what makes a great gift for moms, I went straight to the source: my own mom. “An ideal gift for Mom is one that shows that her children know her well, including what brings her joy,” she says. (Thanks, Mom!)

Keeping this advice in mind, I curated a list of products I have given my mom in the past as well as products I have personally used that I think would be a guaranteed hit, whether you’re shopping for a Mother’s Day gift or for your mother-in-law. I also picked the brains of my fellow Southern Living editors on gifts they’ve given (or want to give) their moms. Finally, I included products we’ve tested either in our lab or at home that would make great gifts for moms, no matter the occasion.

$50 & Under

Preppy Prodigy Printed Personalized Recipe Cards

A personalized gift is often more meaningful, and my mom loved it when I gave her this set of personalized recipe cards from Austin-based Preppy Prodigy. “It includes all the information I want on a recipe card,” says my mom. “My mother had personalized recipe cards, and I enjoy having them too! They remind me of my mom.”

Olrom Collagen Recovery Eye Mask

This pack of under-eye masks include four types—each with a different formula to target skin concerns. It’s a great gift to enjoy with your mom, like senior digital editor Rebecca Angel Baer did: “When I head home to visit, my mom and I like to spend quality time together just relaxing at home, often watching scary movies because I’m the only person who loves them as much as my mom does. So on a recent visit, I wanted to make that time a little more special and I brought my mom this eye mask set,” she says. “Mom had never used these before so we had fun looking in the mirror and giggling. Then we let the masks do their magic as we watched a movie. It was a little bit of pampering that my mom deserves but never takes time to give herself.”

Zkano Cushioned Roll Top Crew Socks

“Sometimes the simplest gifts make the biggest impression, like the cute socks by Zkano I gave my mom last Christmas," says Lisa Cericola, deputy editor. “The company’s socks are made in Fort Payne, Alabama, with locally grown organic cotton, so each pair is extra soft whether you like them plain or in fun patterns, like my mom.”

REDUCE Cold1 Stainless Steel Tumbler

My kitchen cabinets are overflowing with an embarrassing number of tumblers, but if I could only have one, it would be the Reduce Cold1. I named this my favorite tumbler, because it weighs less than other stainless steel tumblers of the same size, has an open-ended handle that fits more cup holders, and includes interior ounce markings for tracking water intake. On top of all that, it’s extremely affordable and will help Mom stay hydrated while on the go.

County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Pitcher

This mason jar iced tea pitcher is sure to remind your mom of the one Grandma used to make sun tea, just with some agreeable upgrades. It comes with a lid with silicone ring for an airtight seal, and a thick handle with a large pour spout for fast pouring. It’s a great pick for the mom who always has freshly brewed sweet tea in the fridge.

Skye Art ‘Love You Mom’ Clay Pears

My mom has always had pear decor in her kitchen in some form or fashion, so when I saw this handmade set of pears that read “love you mom,” I knew I had to get it for her: “It's like receiving a hug from my daughter a state away each time I look at the mini pears!” says my mom. This Etsy shop also offers the same design on apples and birds, too.

Papier Cornflower Notecard Set

My mom is the one who taught me to always send a thank-you note, so a set of personalized stationery just makes sense. This set from Papier is one of our favorites. It has an elegant cornflower print and can be customized with her name on one side and initials on the other.

L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil

“This luxurious shower oil from L'Occitane makes a great gift for moms who deserve to be pampered, and I’ve gifted it to both my mom and my grandmother,” says Jenna Sims, senior digital editor. “It cleanses while also helping to nourish and smooth skin and features a warm scent that’s a mix of vanilla and almond, which are two of my mom’s favorite scents.”

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil

“My mother loves to cook, and so I always love to treat her to more special versions of ingredients she already uses,” says Kaitlyn Yarborough, editor. “‘Fancier' olive oil is one of her favorite gifts, since she uses it for salads almost every day. This small-batch olive oil from Texas has been her favorite for a few years—it’s delicious!”

In The Curious Kitchen Cheese Board Jam Collection

Many Southern mamas are natural-born hostesses. If yours fits this description, then this set of jams is perfect for her next charcuterie board. Founded by Kentucky native MK Hennigan, In The Curious Kitchen produces Southern-inspired products based on heritage recipes. This set includes Strawberry Jalapeño, Bourbon Blueberry, and Apple Bourbon Butter jams.

Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Box

“Like most moms, mine has a slew of family recipes scattered throughout her kitchen in shuffled binders and boxes. This recipe box is both pretty and practical, giving her an opportunity to organize those beloved recipes from caramel rolls to barbecue chicken,”  says Lily Gray, senior editor. “And I’m selfishly looking forward to going through them together as a family.”

Courant 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker

It's likely your mom already owns a slow cooker, but a mini version could be the kitchen appliance she didn’t know she was missing. Mini slow cookers are ideal for holding warm dips on game day or cooking for one to two people. In our lab tests, the Courant Mini Slow Cooker was the best we tested, heating cheese dip to ooey-gooey perfection without ever scorching the cheese.

Nécessaire The Body Wash Discovery Collection

I love Nécessaire's The Body Wash—it’s a great example of an elevated essential that Mom might not be inclined to purchase for herself. Choose from eucalyptus, olibanum, santal, hinoki, and fragrance-free.

The Recipe Preserve Personalized Platter

I gave this personalized platter with my grandma’s handwritten cornbread dressing recipe to my mom for Christmas, and it was a huge hit. But don’t take it from me: “I use my mother's handwritten cornbread dressing recipe every Thanksgiving,” says my mom. “Having it on a platter in my mother's handwriting is very special. Sentimental and practical in one!” The platter itself is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, making it useful for more than just display.

Golden Rabbit 2-Quart Colander

“Years ago, I gifted my mom a set of enamel berry bowls like this one. Those are starting to show their age, so I want to update her set with these pretty spongeware-inspired ones,” says Betsy Watson, senior home and features editor. “They’re practical, but they’ll also look cute on the breakfast table.”

$100 & Under

Emily Ley Weekly Simplified Planner

Moms are planners by nature, so a planner or calendar is a gift she’s sure to get use out of. This one from Emily Ley is among our favorites for its stylish cover designs and helpful features, including color-coded tab dividers, 31 note pages, and much more.

Katie Kime Dallas Toile Tea Towel Set

Austin-based print design studio Katie Kime is known for its whimsical patterns and bright colors. This tea towel set has a Dallas-inspired toile that’ll look great in her kitchen. The brand offers the tea towels in various Southern city and state designs, including Florida, Charleston, Atlanta, and more.

Luminara Moving Flame LED Taper

If Mom is still using real candle sticks, it’s time to upgrade her to the flameless kind. Out of all the flameless candles we tested, these are our favorite tapered candles because they have a realistic design and produce a warm yellow glow. Plus, they come in a dozen fun colors (we tested them in Iceberg Green).

Smathers and Branson Whino Needlepoint Wine Bottle Coaster

This hand-stitched, needlepoint coaster is just what Mom needs to hold her wine bottles and protect her coffee table. With a “Wine O'Clock” design, it’s sure to be a conversation starter at her next gathering.

VIETRI Hibiscus Glass Vase

Made in Tuscany, this hibiscus-inspired vase is just what Mom needs to display freshly picked flowers from her garden. It’s just the right size for small bouquets, and it comes in 10 different colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits her decor.

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

Mom will need something to keep her hands warm while at kids’ sporting events or in a drafty office. The Puffer Hug 418 is a lightweight and versatile scarf with deep, fleece-lined pockets. And when she snaps the front buttons, it transforms into a vest.

The Sill Small Double Orchid

“As much as my mother loves to receive a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, they don’t last,” says Meghan Overdeep, senior news writer. “Instead, I have started sending my mom potted plants from The Sill. She still has some years later! She says she thinks of me every time she waters them.” This double orchid features two orchid stems with contrasting greenery that’s perfect for gifting. Each one is as one-of-a-kind as Mom is, and with a little indirect sunlight and water, it’s sure to give her years of enjoyment.

Gris Gris Cocktail Magic Gift Set

These New Orleans-inspired syrups make it easy to create craft cocktails at home. My personal favorite is the Basil Habenero syrup, but any of the syrups in this set would be a welcome addition to Mom’s home bar. The syrups can also be mixed with salad dressings or marinades.

Abbot Lyon Custom Heart Birthstone Ring

I gave my mom this custom birthstone ring that includes both mine and my brother’s birthstones, and it made for a very meaningful gift. “My daughter knows that I don't want overly fussy rings, so this is perfect—simple and brings to mind my kids,” she says. “It’s guaranteed to bring a smile.” I have the matching single-heart ring with my birthstone, which makes me feel connected to my mom from a state away.

Bogg Bag Original Bogg Bag

“My mom and I take an annual mother-daughter beach trip every October, so she gets plenty of use out of her beach bag. I decided to update her well-loved bag with something a little more durable that has room for everything we need for a long day on the beach from towels and sunscreen to a packed lunch,” says Tara Massouleh McCay, senior travel and culture editor. “The hardest part was picking a color from their list of a zillion different adorable shades.”

Vinglacé Wine Bottle Chiller

Forget the bucket of ice—the Vinglacé wine chiller keeps wine and Champagne chilled using vacuum-insulated stainless steel. Plus, it’s lightweight, so she can use it to transport a chilled bottle of wine to a friend’s house. You can even customize it with Mom’s initials, name, or a logo.

Estelle Colored Glass Martini Glasses Set of 2

This iconic South Carolina-based brand makes stunning, jewel-toned glassware that’s meant to be put on display. This set of two martini glasses is just what you need for a mother-daughter happy hour—choose from mint green or cobalt blue.

Furbish Studio Mom Rules Needlepoint Pillow

Remind everyone who rules the roost with this hand-embroidered needlepoint pillow from the North Carolina-based Furbish Studio. It is sure to get a smile out of Mom (and hopefully Dad too).

Outer Bug Shield Outdoor Throw Blanket

If Mom’s front porch time is often cut short by mosquitos and other uninvited guests of the flying variety, this outdoor blanket is just what she needs. We named it the best outdoor throw blanket—it features EPA-registered technology that's proven to repel pesky mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies—and it actually worked during testing. Plus, it looks far more stylish than your standard outdoor blanket.

$200 & Under

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

This customer-loved pullover can be worn just about anywhere—whether she’s running errands, meeting friends for dinner, or just lounging around the house. Plus, the breathable fabric makes it a great transitional piece in a Southern climate, and it’s available in more than 15 color options.

Susan Shaw Bulldog Intaglio Necklace

“As a spirited Georgia Bulldog fan, my Mama loves her bulldog intaglio jewelry I’ve gifted her from Susan Shaw. This Southern designer has so many beautiful, classic pieces at an affordable price for the quality! And you don’t have to cheer for the Dawgs to love the jewelry—she has lots of fun designs for everyone,” says Ivy Odom, senior editorial producer.

Southern Baked Pie Company Southern Supper Box

Give Mom a break from the constant barrage of “What’s for dinner?” and ship these ready-to-bake, pre-made gourmet pies straight to her door. This is one of our favorite food gift baskets—each pie had a buttery, flaky crust, and the filling was loaded with flavor. You have the option to choose three pies from the following: Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Ranchero, Pot Roast Pie, Tomato Pie, and a Southwestern option.

Cricut Joy

If Mom is crafty, a Cricut machine will open up a whole new world of one-of-a-kind designs. We love the the Cricut Joy for beginners: It is affordable and compact but offers more than enough functionality for a hobbyist. She can use it to make labels for water bottles and spice jars as well as iron-on designs for bibs and T-shirts. The possibilities are endless.

Sleep Number True Temp Blanket

If she sleeps hot, a cooling blanket can reduce sweating and improve sleep. The True Temp Blanket was one of the best cooling blankets we tested. It has a silky, cool-to-the-touch feel with a medium-level heft that provides weight without the warmth.

Zadro Countertop Towel Warmer

A towel warmer can provide Mom with some of the everyday pampering she deserves. I’ve used this countertop warmer and found it doesn’t take up too much space in my small bathroom but still sufficiently warms towels, PJs, socks, and more.

Tom Beckbe Women's Loxley Quilted Vest

If Mom is always messing with the thermostat, this windproof, insulated vest is just what she needs to keep warm. From the Birmingham-based apparel company, this quilted vest has a flattering silhouette and two interior pockets. Plus, it comes in seven earthy colors.

Crane & Canopy White Plush Cotton Bathrobe

I have this plush robe made from long-staple Turkish cotton—it’s super soft and seriously cozy. It has an elegant shawl collar, turn-back cuffs, and a comfy waist tie that adjusts just right. Plus, there are over 100 monogram options to make it feel extra personal. It’s a little luxury that Mom deserves.

Over $200

Great Jones Double Dutch

“This two-piece Dutch oven set from Great Jones comes in six matte—and very fun—colors and adds a great accent in any kitchen. The enameled cast iron has impressively good heat retention and is safe in the oven for up to 500°F,” says Euna Park, editor. “My mom uses the 6.75-quart Dutchess for making big pots of stew, sauce, and roasts, and the cute matching 3.5-quart Dutch Baby is perfect for sides and two people’s worth of meals. You can mix and match the colors in the set, too!”

Whisker Litter-Robot 4

If, like my mom, she’s a cat owner, then you'll really win the favorite child award with this gift. The Litter-Robot 4 has been a game-changer in my household; it uses self-cleaning technology to provide a fresh bed of litter after every use. This reduces tracking, odor, and—most importantly—scooping.

Rocco The Super Smart Fridge

Far and away the biggest splurge on our list, this wine fridge is certainly going to deliver on the wow factor. I love the isolated temperature zones that let me use one portion of the fridge for soda, beers, and seltzers and another for wine. Plus, it looks way more elevated than the standard mini fridge.

Why Trust Southern Living

Melanie Fincher is an editor for Southern Living who specializes in shopping content. She has been testing and reviewing products for almost six years and has been shopping for gifts for her mom for many more. To come up with this list, she pulled products she has gifted her mom in the past, as well as recommendations from her fellow Southern Living editors. She also spoke with the most trusted source of all—her Southern mama.