Gift Edit 2023

21 Cheap Mother’s Day Gifts That Still Feel Thoughtful

updated Mar 24, 2023
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
Post Image
(Image credit: Marisa Vitale)

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

Of course, what your mom wants most for Mother’s Day is to spend quality time with you, but she also taught you never to show up anywhere empty-handed. So what’s a good child to do? Well, you can’t go wrong with a small token of appreciation that’s fun, useful, and will show your mom that she’s always on your mind. Below we rounded up 21 of the best cheap mother’s day gifts that are still super thoughtful — because gifts can be both wallet-friendly and meaningful. And the best part: They all cost about the same price as that fancy salad you get for lunch every day, give or take. Looking for more ways to spoil your favorite lady? Check out our Mother’s Day gift guides for splurge-worthy luxuries you know she’d never buy herself, flowers she’ll fawn over, handmade and personalized trinkets, and of course, must-have Mother’s Day candles.

1 / 21
Shutterfly
$11.98

Family and personal photographs usually make the most memorable gifts, and this customized photo fridge magnet is one of our favorites because it's so easy to display, too. Upload any photo of your choosing (vertical or horizontal) and turn it into a memory that you mom can revisit every day.

2 / 21
Amazon
$12.50

Everyone's skin becomes more prone to drying out and cracking as they age, so help your mom take care of her hands with this high-quality hand cream from L'Occitane. It has a rich texture, and this one tiny bottle will last a while.

3 / 21
Anthropologie
$14.00

Whether your mom is more of a "mama" or "mum" type of lady, either of these coffee mugs will help her show off her personal style. Some of the ladybugs on the floral pattern have a raised design, which we think is fun.

4 / 21
Amazon
$13.00
was $20.40

You used to draw her pictures of hearts, but now you can do a little better than that. She’ll be reminded of you every time she slips on these colorful (and super-soft) fuzzy house socks.

5 / 21
Amazon
$14.00

One of the best ways to show someone you love them is through your words. With this adoraboe pocket-sied fill-in-the-blank book, you can wax poetic (i.e. fill in the prompts) about why you love your mom. She'll treasure it forever, trust us.

6 / 21
From our partner
QVC.com
$23.05
was $46.20

Moms can do it all so why not gift your something worthy of her multi-tasking prowess? The My Favorite Pan is a gorgeous cooking gift that won't break the bank. Designed to braise, sear, sauté, and fry (all with a nonstick interior for easy cleanup), this colorful pan also comes with a basket to steam veggies and dumplings, make pasta, and more. It's designed to become her favorite pan.

7 / 21
See's Candies
$16.50

See's Candies is beloved for its delectable treats, so why not gift her some truffles this Mother's Day? This box comes with 12 delicious truffles made with only the finest ingredients of dairy-fresh butter, heavy cream, real fruit, and — of course — See's famous milk, dark, and white chocolate.

8 / 21
JCPenney
$9.09
was $12.99

If you're looking to gift your mom luxe bath towels without breaking the bank, these AT Best List winners are the ones. Super soft, plush, and absorbent, one of these 100-percent cotton towels is perfect for her next at-home spa day.

9 / 21
P.F. Candle Co.
$22.00

There's nothing more calming than a home that smells good. Gift mom tranquility in a bottle with this linen spray from P.F. Candle Co., featuring relaxing notes of moss, lavender, sage, lavandin, orange, amber, and musk.

10 / 21
Urban Outfitters
$25.00

Gold jewelry might not be in your price range, but this baking kit (complete with edible gold leaf) certainly is. The kit is all about the quality of ingredients, with each box containing the exact same chocolate used to bake this recipe in The Caker's renowned bakery.

11 / 21
Amazon
$17.99
was $18.99

Making the family dinner every night is a real labor of love. These handy little kitchen tools, with heart-shaped spoon heads and the phrase “made with love” printed on the handles, are a simple way to thank mom for all of those delicious meals.

12 / 21
Crate & Barrel
$7.95

The pretty ceramic bowl is just a stand-in for the real gift — a marathon movie night together. Don’t forget to grab some popcorn kernels, a box of candy, and a bottle of her favorite wine, too.

13 / 21
The Container Store
$14.99

Attractive home decor for $15? Mom will be so proud of your ability to bargain hunt. This classic basket makes a nice home for anything from blankets and throws to reading materials and board games.

14 / 21
Amazon
$5.99

That window of opportunity between the kids’ bedtime and mom's own may be small, but that me-time is seriously necessary for her sanity. Make sure your mom has everything she needs to unwind, including this funny coloring book that pokes fun at #momlife. Some good wine or relaxing tea are also smart gift ideas.

15 / 21
Amazon
$12.00

Bring a bit of the salon back home with a high-end hair mask. With this ultra-hydrating mask, your mom's hair will be left feeling soft and silky — looking healthier and stronger than before.

16 / 21
Target
$13.00

A practical present with a touching message, this cute doormat subtly communicates that no matter how far you are, a piece of your heart will always be at mom’s home.

17 / 21
Anthropologie
$19.20
was $24.00

These lightly scented candles smell like memories, so your mom can be transported back to a family beach trip or a golden sunset. Instant nostalgia sure does make a lovely gift.

18 / 21
Uncommon Goods
$12.00

Still want to get her a flower-adjacent gift for Mother's Day? This sunflower kit from Uncommon Goods comes with everything she'll need to grow her own sunflower garden, including seeds for six heirloom varieties in an incredible range of colors, shapes, and heights, along with a recycled egg carton to sprout them in.

19 / 21
Pottery Barn
$18.50

Everyone needs a reliable and stylish spot to keep the jewelry and accessories they wear on a daily basis, and this stoneware tray is perfect for that. Your mom can put it on her bedroom dresser or nightstand to hold earrings, bracelets, watches, and eyeglasses.

20 / 21
Uncommon Goods
$24.00

Did you know that your birth month has a flower associated with it? Now you can share that fun fact with your mom, too. Choose one of these flowery glasses either for your birth month or for hers and she'll think of you every time she drinks from it.

21 / 21
Uncommon Goods
$28.00

Bath bombs are nice in theory, but these scented shower cubes are much more practical. Your mom can just set one on the ground or on a shelf in her shower and it will release essences of cedar, orange, pine, and other calming aromas.