40 of the Best Gifts for Mom That She’ll Love + *Actually* Use

By now, you’ve probably already at least thought about what you want to gift the mom(s) in your life for the holidays this year. Whether it’s a new gym bag for an always-on-the-go mom, a snazzy set of lipsticks for your MIL who’s always hosting parties or a smart home device that virtually connects your empty-nester-mom with her loved ones in a snap, there are a slew of rad gifts out there to consider. Forget about giving (and don’t even consider re-gifting — the horror!) your mom something lame and step up your game this year, because — let’s be real — moms deserve the absolute best (hi, mom!). Here are 40 of the best gifts for mom this year:

1. Please and Thanks Cards Guest Book ($30): What’s a party without a guest book?! Have every guest that attends your shindig sign in and create a too-cute book of memories.

2. Milk & Sugar Geometric Doormat Slate ($50): Give off super welcoming vibes with this sleek doormat. Its geometric design works well with a number of different styles and colors, so you can get a ton of life out of it.

3. Stila Eternally Yours Liquid Lipstick Set ($39): These liquid lipsticks have a cult-like following, so the fact that you can score six killer shades in this set RULES.

4. White Whale Cocktail Mixers ($30): Bring the flavors of exotic herbs and juices into your cocktails with these punchy mixers. These are perfect to keep on hand for your holiday party-hosting duties!

5. Cordillera Delta II Necklace ($50): Sleek and stylish, this necklace can be paired with *so many* styles and colors, making it a perfect gift for the mom who needs a versatile statement piece of jewelry.

6. Moglea Make Today Lovely Notepad ($16): Start the day off on the right foot with this notepad. It’s the perfect place to jot down your to-do list for the day.

7. Real Life Entertaining: Easy Recipes and Unconventional Wisdom by Jennifer Rubell ($13): Inspire the mom in your life to get her Julia Child on with this entertaining-themed cookbook.

8. Jawbone Mini Jambox ($130): Get the holiday music bumping with this colorful mini speaker that packs serious volume. You can use this with just a few guests or pump tunes throughout your entire house. It’s that powerful.

Gift Ideas for the Hostess Mom

9. DESIGN*SPONGE Cheese Board Kit ($50): Give the gift of something that’s both customizable andcheese-related this holiday season. Really, what more does anyone need?

10. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit ($80): Simply put, this is a truly legit makeup kit. From highlighters in golden, peachy and champagne shades to two-toned shimmery powders that will give you a healthy radiance, this set is your one-stop shop to get your glow on.

11. Poketo Ceramic Ice Cream Cone Set ($38): If you’re gonna have ice cream, have ice cream in a cone! This cute set makes ice cream taste even sweeter ;)

12. Upper Metal Class Cross Bar Ring in Bronze ($45): This simple ring can be worn year-round and adds a touch of minimalistic class to anything you pair it with.

13. Prestat Pink Champagne Truffles ($24): Talk about indulgent! These fancy truffles taste as good as the cheery packaging looks. They’d make the perfect after-dinner sweet treat.

14. Corkcicle Air ($22): This four-in-one tool acts as a chiller, pourer, aerator and stopper. It’s basically the only beverage product you need to keep the drinks flowing and your guests happy during the holidays.

15. Draper James Playing Card Set ($38): Bring back the old-school playing card games with this adorable set. Just because this set is cute doesn’t mean you can’t get super serious about Go Fish ;)

16. March Large Suede Pot Holders ($22): These bright blue pot holders are functional and add a solid dose of color to your kitchen at the same time. Oh, and who doesn’t love suede in the kitchen?!

Gift Ideas for the Empty Nester Mom

17. Fujifilm Instax Instant Smartphone Printer ($200): Even though your kids may only be home for the holidays, savor every moment with this fun, modern version of a Polaroid. There’s nothing better than snapping a pic and being able to instantly put it on the fridge.

18. Oliver Yew! Open Letter Ring ($42): Get all sweet and sentimental in a minimalistic way with this precious ring. You can have it customized so it represents something special to you.

19. Herbivore Calm Bath Salts ($20): Let’s face it: Holidays are stressful. Detox and chill out with these relaxing bath salts after your hosting duties are finished.

20. Brit + Co Watercolor Painting Kit ($119): Why not show off a new skill you’ve learned over the holidays? Surprise your loved ones when they come into town and gift them with a unique painting of yours — meaningful and creative gifts FTW!

21. Nucleus Intercom System ($179): Stay connected (21st-century style, duh) with loved ones thanks to this nifty device that brings the power of video and WiFi to the old-school intercom system. Basically, this is *the* smart home device for the mom who values modern communication and safety.

22. Book Riot Subscription ($50): Book lovers, this rad subscription box is for you! You’ll get a book-themed box of goodies (including at least one book) every three months. There’s nothing like cozying up on the couch with a good read, right?

23. All Roads Design Collaged Majida Throw ($148): This stunning throw has such an interesting aesthetic — it’s definitely a statement piece that adds a level of cool design to any space. Bonus: It also looks super warm.

24. PureGuardian Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser ($43): Make your home as inviting as possible for your loved ones and guests with this spa-like aromatherapy oil diffuser. There’s nothing like walking into a house and being met with an insanely good scent.

Gift Ideas for the Active Mom

25. Herschel Supply Co Hanson Backpack ($55): This pinky-purple backpack is perfect for throwing over your shoulder as you’re on your way to the gym (for one of those grueling post-holiday workouts, ugh). It’s big enough to fit your workout essentials but cute enough that you’ll want to show it off.

26. cheero Power Plus Charger Extra Small ($34): If you’re going to charge your phone on the go, why not bring some personality into your power source? That’s what you’re getting with this cheeky charger — it’s so cute!

27. UP3 by Jawbone ($180): The holidays are an especially active time of year, so take advantage of smart fitness trackers that can provide you with data about your health and fitness. You won’t even realize you’re wearing it, but you’ll learn some valuable info from it for sure.

28. Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush($15): This is the perfect brush — that specializes in detangling — to toss in that new gym backpack of yours ;). It’s designed so it doesn’t pull on your hair, but instead gently works through tangles so it’s less painful.

29. Made by Monorail Studio Let’s Climb A Mountain Together Print ($25): Get motivated with this fun print. Come on, how could you not carpe diem if you saw this print every day?!

30. S’well Santorini Water Bottle ($35): Stay stylish while you sip your water. This pretty water bottle will keep your drink hot or cold all day long, so this is a must-have during those crazy-long holiday shopping days (and gym sessions).

31. Bittersweet Flower Design Hair Tie Bracelet ($45): Never be without a hair tie again thanks to this bracelet-meets-hair-tie-holder. It’s pretty enough that only you’ll know it doubles as genius beauty tool.

32. Under Armour Studio Wrap ($100): Snuggle up with this seriously warm (and stylish) wrap that’s the perfect weight to keep you warm without weighing you down — ideal factors for the active mom.

Gift Ideas for the Homemaker Mom

33. A Sensible Habit Custom Address Stamp ($44): Get creative with your holiday cards this year using this customizable address stamp. You can even make the return address say it’s from the North Pole ;)

34. Chemex 6 Cup Coffeemaker ($42): This beauty not only is a means to get caffeine (hallelujah), but also has a truly slick design. It almost looks like a piece of art, even when it’s empty.

35. Found by B+C Bamboo Utensil Set ($15): Brighten up your always-busy kitchen with these punchy (and useful) kitchen utensils. It’s also a sure way to never mistakenly grab the wrong utensil!

36. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Hand Cream ($22): This time of year, your hands (and nails, and cuticles) need some extra TLC in the form of a super luxurious hand cream. This moisture-packed one will leave your hands smooth, hydrated and free of any signs of winter skin.

37. Dot & Bo Mason Jar Dish Towel ($15): Everything *is* better in a mason jar — it’s true. Reinforce this statement to anyone in your kitchen with these fun dish towels!

38. Rifle Paper Co. Citrus Floral Recipe Box & Cards ($34): While we love tech + apps, it’s nice to keep things old school sometimes and hand-write things like recipes. You can pass these down to loved ones and have a sweet keepsake box that looks great on your countertop too.

39. Parrot Flower Power Plant Health Sensor ($60): Welcome to modern gardening, y’all. This connected gardening device gives you extra intel about the health of your plants when you connect it to its accompanying app on your smartphone. Boom.

40. Banjo & Matilda Cashmere Slippers ($175): These ballet slippers are incredibly soft and cozy, thanks to the cashmere, but also cute — look at those little bows and the red stitching on the back. It’s all in the deatils with these!

What are you going to gift your mom this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

You'd think someone with acne-prone skin wouldn't buy viral beauty finds without doing thorough research, but I'm not above trying to recreate all the latest makeup trends at home. All this did was remind me that everything isn't for everyone — and that's okay! Well...it's not okay I fee like I wasted money, but at least I know what to stay away from. And now I'm here to help you figure out what to avoid as well!

Even though this products didn't work for me, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use them. These are just my least faves of the year — take 'em or leave 'em!

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

Amazon

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

I should've known better than to buy this again, but I wanted to see if my skin would react better to it. The first time I tried to use this, I broke out along my jaws in tiny, red bumps. They were itchy and eventually turned into dark spots that took me over a year to get rid of.

Instead of letting that be the red flag that kept me away from this beauty find, I decided to use it in place of my trusted e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer I've been relying on. Two things happened:

  1. It created a beautiful base for my makeup.
  2. I didn't break out, but my faced still felt itchy.

I even switched my makeup brushes and checked to make sure other makeup products weren't expired. The culprit continued to be this primer so it's made it to my overrated list.

Amazon

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

I was initially sent this to test, but I decided to buy it myself to see if I truly like it. While it was easy to add to my skincare routine lineup, I realized I actually didn't need to spend $70+ for an effective Vitamin C serum. The only difference between this serum and the one I truly love are their colors and textures.

This one has a slightly yellowish-orange tint to it while being a little thicker compared to the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum I use. The latter is thinner and 100% transparent, plus the odor is slightly stronger. However, both of them aid in smoother skin, smaller pores, and a healthy glow.

I honestly wouldn't buy this one again just because I can get the same benefits for a lesser price.

Amazon

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

This is a controversial take, but I honestly didn't love the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Although I love the color payoff, it was too sticky for my liking. I saw reviews that mentioned this, but I've purchased lip glosses other people didn't love that worked for me in the past. However, the reviews are telling the truth: the stickiness takes away from what could've been a great formula.

I'll just stick to my Tower 28 Lip Softie Hydrating Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla!

Amazon

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

I know people love this beauty find because it is great. I just didn't think the hype was enough to convince me to buy it again because my essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara gets the job done for $5. I will say I love the washable feature of L'Oréal's version, but it's still not enough to make me willingly spend over $10 for it.

As great of a product as this is, it's overrated to me because of the price tag.

Sephora

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Sigh...it's so hard for me to admit this, but this Haus Labs foundation has become my most overrated beauty find of 2024. It's not that it doesn't work for a few hours, but my skin prefers tinted moisturizers more than anything. I talked about it briefly on TikTok, but skin tints feel like you're not wearing anything on your face.

I'm always really oily after wearing this foundation for a few hours, but I can get extended wear out of the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint I've been wearing. I like to think it's because it has vegan collagen, ceramides, and cactus extract in it whereas this foundation has ingredients like fermented arnica in it.

Both do a great job of calming inflammation, but something about this foundation makes my skin think it's incredibly dry.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for a list of beauty products we do love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

Check out our online newsletter for more 2025 home decor inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.