Oops and Daisies

Connection & inspiration for people who want to create

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Family & Lifestyle
    • Life With Kids
    • Parenting
    • More than Mama
    • Personal Development
    • Self Care
    • Travel
  • Work From Home
    • WAHM Life
    • Interviews with Creative Moms
    • Inspiration
  • Writing, Books, & Resources
    • Book Reviews
    • My Stories and Books
    • Path to Publication
    • Quotes
  • Shop
  • Work With Me

20 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Under $20

April 29, 2016 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

I don’t know about you, but I often find it hard to ask for things that I “want.” So when people like my hubby and mom ask what I’d like for my birthday, or for Mother’s Day, I often gravitate toward the things I need. (Honestly, let’s be real, sometimes I just *need* a nap or a clean house). While a clean home is very much welcome as a gift, I think it’s also important to pamper and shower our mamas with gifts come Mother’s Day. But you don’t have to break the bank to do so either.

So, here’s a list of things that I think any mother would love for Mother’s Day — in addition to the free stuff you can give her too, like homemade coupon books and a nap.

Hint: most of these gifts are about pampering, because honestly, the one thing I know I want (and I’m guessing other mothers do too)? A relaxing day — with a nice balance of alone time as well as time with my little family. (This post contains affiliate links.)

1. Manicure
There’s something supremely relaxing about someone doing your nails (and it’s not just because they often include a hand massage). Plus, pretty nail colors!

2. Necklace
Jewelry is always a welcome gift, but there are ways of making it more personalized. Perhaps give a birthstone necklace, or a necklace made from breast milk (seriously!). Or a necklace etched with the children’s names.

Bubble bath3. Photo book
Create a keepsake using photos from the past year or so with sites like Shutterfly. As I’ve heard (and I agree with), the days can be long, but the years short. And it can be fun to be nostalgic.

4. Movie ticket
Sometimes mama just wants some ‘me’ time and a solo movie ticket is a great way to do just that.

5. Lunch gift card
To go with that movie ticket, perhaps give her a lunch card to her favorite restaurant. After all, the gift of enjoying lunch without being in a rush is priceless.

6. Water bottle with flavor infuser
Keep mama hydrated, no matter how busy she is, with a water bottle. What makes this bottle different is that you can infuse the water with fruit, making it even easier to drink plenty of water.

7. Fun Coffee Mug
Chances are mom’s other fuel is in the form of coffee. Get a fun mug that will also bring a smile to her face. Etsy has lots of options, like a mug that says “mom, you’re a freakin rockstar.”

8. Makeup
Eye shadow. Lipstick. Lip liner. When it comes to makeup, there’s lots of fun and easy goodies to pick out that don’t require color matching!

9. Leggings
If she’s anything like me, she lives in leggings most days. My current favs include Halara leggings — they have pockets!

10. Journal
There are lots of things for mom to remember, and there is a lot she thinks about — her dreams, for her, for her kids, for her family. Give her a place to write it all down with a beautiful journal.

11. Snack box
Moms tend to share food with the little ones. Get her a snack box that’s all hers with something like this from Harry and David.

12. Pasta meal (aka, a night off from cooking)
On Mother’s Day, give her a gift she really wants – a night off cooking. Make some pasta for her and the kiddos, and plan to enjoy it all together.

13. Chocolate
Don’t forget dessert… but maybe give her this gift after the kids go to bed.

14. Bubble Bath
One of the most relaxing things for a mom to do is to take some time to herself. A bubble bath — such as with lavender chamomile — is a lovely way to do just that.

15. Bath Salts
Bubbles not your mama’s cup of tea? Bath salts are also wonderfully relaxing as they offer a variety of soothing smells.

16. Candles
Help your mom set a relaxing mood with a candle or two in some of her favorite scents. Propensity Candles make a great gift; not only are they hand poured but they benefit women who recently were resettled from refugee camps.

17. Bottle of Wine
This one needs no explanation.

18. Stemless glasses
If mom already has plenty of wine, get her some new, cute, wine glasses to go with it like these “Mommy’s sippy cup” glasses.

19. Flowers
Spring has sprung, and a beautiful colorful bouquet is a simple but welcome gesture. That goes well with the wine… or the chocolate. Take your pick!

20. “Year of Yes,” by Shonda Rhimes
Whether she’s a fan of TGIT shows from Shonda Rhimes, this is a book a lot of moms can love. Rhimes’s book, “Year of Yes,” is all about tossing fear out the window, dancing it out, and finding yourself — something a lot of moms can relate to. I know I can.

I hope this list helped you pick out a gift, or two, for the special mama in your life. Have your own ideas to add? Share them in the comments below!

Enjoying Oops & Daisies? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post! Subscribe here.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • More
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

«
»

Filed Under: Family & Lifestyle, Parenting Tagged With: bubble bath, busy moms, gift guide, gifts, makeup, mom hobbies, mother's day

Recent Posts

  • Big News: I Have a Book Contract! May 15, 2026
  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.P. Lee February 19, 2026
  • Stop the Mean Girl Voice in Our Heads: How to Do Affirmations February 11, 2026
  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Kathy Osgood of Little Bear Photography February 4, 2026
  • My 10 Favorite Books From the 59 I Read in 2025 January 1, 2026

Categories

Newsletter

authorlizsanfilippohall

Multi-genre author. 📚BECOMING CHARLOTTE CORDAY, a YA historical fantasy coming spring 2027 from Apprentice House Press

What will my creativity process be like this summe What will my creativity process be like this summer? How much writing will I get done? I have no idea! In my latest Substack, I share how I’m trying to embrace @marieforleo’s mantra of how everything is “figureoutable.” For the full post, hop on over to my Substack!#SummerLiving #MomLife #WritingLife
I normally write in Google Docs (for access on the I normally write in Google Docs (for access on the go), but I’m thankful I didn’t last night because a side quest project I’m working on wanted to be handwritten. #WritingLife #MomLife #AmWriting
When I was a young mom, my dreams of writing felt When I was a young mom, my dreams of writing felt so out of reach. I was being pulled in a million different directions, and I never thought I’d make the progress I needed to. But then I realized that I just needed to reassess my process (and give myself some grace). Gone were the days of immersing myself in my imagination for hours on end… but 5-10 minute writing sessions? That I could do. This guided journal was born out of that process. Grab this 28-day guided journal through the link in my bio 🥰#MomLife #WritingProcess #WritingDreams #GuidedJournal
My writing goals this week are… being realistic. My writing goals this week are… being realistic. Zero camps this week for the kids. Boatloads of free time. Changing routines. Yeah, I’m giving myself some grace. #CreativeWriting #SummerBreak #MomLife
My wild and crazy Saturday night included playing My wild and crazy Saturday night included playing with my black and white drawings. I didn’t know where this one would go… I had zero preconceived notions. But I’m curious - what do you see taking shape? #Drawing #FreeDrawing #MomLife #FunWithArt
Book two in my Charlotte Corday series is underway Book two in my Charlotte Corday series is underway! I actually started in on this book last fall, so I’m about halfway into my “draft zero” already… 40,000ish words that includes a handful of chapters and a whole lot of outlining and world building. I’m having fun figuring out how this story pans out, and that’s basically all I can say without spoiling anything 😜#AmEditing #AmWriting #MomLife #DraftZero
Rejection is so freaking hard… but it’s part o Rejection is so freaking hard… but it’s part of the publishing process. So how can we find ways of tolerating it? In my latest Substack piece, I share some things that have worked for me over the years. #Publishing #WritingLife #HandlingRejection
Even if you have zero intention to write or sing a Even if you have zero intention to write or sing a song, but you love writing, you need to check out this book. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy is entertaining and insightful, and his approach to creativity feels like my own (did I really just write that?! I’m not, I swear, comparing myself to his incredible songwriting abilities). But his words struck a chord with me (pun intended): “Take the time to play with your words. Allow yourself the joy of getting to know them without being precious about directing everything they are trying to say.”But he goes beyond inspiration and encouragement too, and offers some super fun writing exercises… l you’ll just have to read to find them out. 🥳Now please excuse me while I go check out his other book. #AmWriting #BookRec #Creativity #Wilco
Did you know I do manuscript critiques and editing Did you know I do manuscript critiques and editing? Whether you’re looking for a one-time coaching session, or looking for guidance with your writing through written feedback, I have your back. 🥰#WritingPartnership #EditingServices #AmEditing
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...