Every year, we run through a frustratingly familiar line of questioning with our moms: “What do you want for [insert holiday/birthday/gift-giving occasion] this year?” And, every 365 days, the answer is the same: "Oh, I don’t really need anything.” Mo-om! Why are you so difficult to shop for? As a person who’s spent her life doing things for other people, she may not have her personal wish list at the ready. Plus, her taste is so specific — you’ve discovered many a previous year’s presents collecting dust in a basement cabinet or stashed, still shrink-wrapped, in a dresser drawer. When it comes to the hard-to-crack giftees in your life, the R29 Shopping team will happily rise to the challenge — and the holidays are one of our qualifying Olympian events.
Using our vast knowledge of the present-scape, we put on our “ungiftable” hats and combed the internet for unique, inventive and useful holiday-ready tokens that have your impossible-to-shop-for mom’s name written all over them. Whether it’s an ultra-soft set of cotton pajamas, a candle reminiscent of her favorite plant, a top-rated reading pillow, or a mighty comfy clog, there’s a crowd-pleasing present ahead that will pass muster with your tough mother.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.