Mother's Day gift ideas in the US

Personal beats expensive

Most moms would rather see the grandkids than open a gadget. The Nixplay frame and Storyworth both turn the family into the gift. The frame keeps updating as everyone sends photos. Storyworth works the other way: she writes, and the family gets a book of her stories at the end of the year.

If you want to spend, spend on something she touches daily. The Brooklinen robe, the Barefoot Dreams throw and the Bearaby blanket all get used constantly by the right person.

Time is the other personal gift. Book a lunch, a garden visit or a morning when someone else is on duty, and write it in the card.

Mistakes to avoid

Scent is the biggest risk. Body care sets and diffuser oils come in fixed scents, and the wrong one sits in a drawer. Check what she already uses. If you cannot tell, the Kinto teapot or the puzzle avoids the problem.

Sizing is the second. The glerups shoes use EU sizes, so check her size first. The third is leaving it late. If you are out of time, Storyworth and the Brightland card can both be sent by email.

From the kids, and what to spend

If you are a partner buying for young children, let them do part of it: pick the photos for the frame, choose the flowers for the vase, or write the card. Adult children can split the cost of the frame or the blanket and give her something better than three small gifts.

Under $50 covers the vase, the puzzle, the cookbook, the scissors and the body care set. Pair the vase with flowers and it feels complete. Between $50 and $150 is the robe, the teapot, the herb garden, the diffuser and the house shoes. Above that, the frame and the weighted blanket are the strong choices.

Order at least a week before the second Sunday in May, and give yourself more if anything is personalized.

Questions people ask

When is Mother's Day?

In the US, Canada and Australia, Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. In the UK and Ireland it is Mothering Sunday, which is tied to Easter and falls in spring, usually in March. If you are sending a gift overseas, work to the date where your mother lives and allow extra time for international shipping.

What do you get a mom who says she does not want anything?

Something personal or something she uses up. A photo book of the family, a framed set of grandkid photos or a cooking class with her kids gives time and memories rather than clutter. Consumables also work: good loose-leaf tea, a candle or soap in a scent she already likes. Avoid gadgets she will need to learn.

What is a good Mother's Day gift under $50?

The Hawkins New York amber vase with a bunch of flowers, the Rare Tea Company afternoon tea set, the Koh Living hand cream trio, a Persephone novel or the Springbok bird puzzle all come in under $50. Pair a small gift with a handwritten card. Most moms keep the card longer than the gift.

What can I send for Mother's Day at the last minute?

Email a gift card. Brightland's digital card arrives on the date you pick, for a mom who cooks. The Dinosaur Designs virtual card works for Australian mums. A Heywood Hill subscription can also be bought late, since the books arrive over the year. Add a printed note with a plan to visit or call.