Mother's Day is next Sunday, and to help you find a truly wonderful gift, we've consulted two internet-famous grandmas: content creator Shannon Nelson and Gail Rudnik, co-host of the podcast Excuse My Grandma. Their advice ranges from sentimental gestures to practical presents, ensuring your mom feels special.
Send the Crappy Flowers
For Rudnik, it's the thought that counts. "My son always sent me flowers. The vase was always broken and the flowers were always frozen. But I knew they were from him. It's a very nice feeling when your children remember," she said. For a delivery option sans broken vase, consider lavender flowers with chocolate-covered strawberries.
'Mom' Is Not a Strictly Biological Identity
Nelson emphasizes that dads should also acknowledge the maternal figures in their lives. "She's not your mother, but she's doing a lot of work," she said. A simple text to a maternal figure can go a long way.
Tiny Gestures Can Bring Big Delights
Rudnik loves receiving animated birthday messages on her phone. "Those little messages where the birthday candles explode – I think that's cool," she said. Remember: You can't spell 'gift' without gif.
If You Are in Town … Put on Your Chef's Hat
Both grandmas enjoy being cooked for. Rudnik recalled her husband's memorable Mother's Day dinner: "It was a can of salmon alongside some cottage cheese and a banana. The most memorable Mother's Day dinner I ever had."
Keeping the Peace Can Be the Best Gift of All
Rudnik advises staying away from tricky subjects. "Try to be in a mood that honors your mom or your grandmother. Mother's Day is just a time to be together for generations. It's just nice sharing with the ones you love," she said.
Grandmother's Picks: The Best Mother's Day Gifts
- See's Candy Pretty in Pink Box ($14.75 at See's Candy) – Nelson loves flowers and chocolate: "Something fragrant and chocolates. That does it for me every time."
- Hershey's Kisses Mother's Day Box ($15.49 at Walmart) – Rudnik is a candy freak: "Candy Kisses from the drugstore."
- Bombas socks ($15 at Bombas) – Nelson recommends these comfortable socks in eight colors.
- Hair salon gift card (from $5 at Ulta Beauty) – Rudnik would like a day at the hair salon: "Having somebody pay for that would be a treat."
Product of the Week: Field Company No 5 Pan
This cast-iron skillet is lightweight (2.2 lbs, 7.25 in diameter) and on sale for Mother's Day with code MOM15 for 15% off ($106.25). Filter editor Karen Yuan said it "fixed everything I hated about cast iron."
Filter Favorite: Sony Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds ($219.99 at Amazon) earned top marks across sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and call quality after testing 42 pairs.
Plastic-Free Living: Anydeli Containers
Anydeli's silicone containers ($46 for mixed set of 3) are non-toxic, platinum silicone with handy measurement lines, perfect for storing food and reheating leftovers.
Put to the Test: Laptop Backpacks
Tech journalist Adam Doud tested laptop backpacks for months, recommending The North Face's budget-friendly model for its simple, roomy design.
Best of: E-readers
Kobo e-reader ($199.99 on sale) offers convenient access to Google Drive and Dropbox, a large library, and personalization options, helping read over 50 titles per year.
