2023 Mother’s Day Gifts for All

Mother’s Day gifting used to be a formula: flowers, chocolates and a heartfelt card. Not bad — who’d turn down flowers or chocolate? — but now it’s become a more challenging situation as social media and retailers push newer options. Time to level up the gift list with beauty and fashion items Mom craves instead of the usual suspects. From elevated tees to a workout dress to must-have handbags, here are ideas for all. If the mom, mama or madre in your life …

(Left to right) Chico’s Ribbed Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Tee in Classic Navy; J. Crew Factory Gauze Button-Up Shirt in Sweet Briar; Loft Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Tee in Deep Periwinkle; Gap Crinkle Gauze Shirt in Black

Chico’s; J. Crew; LOFT; Gap

1. … needs a wardrobe reset  

Pick elevated tees and airy button-down shirts that pair easily with jeans and ankle crops. Decorative sleeved tees like the Loft Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Tee in Deep Periwinkle or Black ($35, loft.com) or Chico’s Ribbed Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Tee in Classic Navy ($49, chicos.com) are stylish choices if Mom is trendier; cool cotton gauze shirts like the J. Crew Factory Gauze Button-Up Shirt in Sweet Briar or Emerald Island ($47, factory.jcrew.com) or Gap Crinkle Gauze Shirt in Black ($60, gap.com) suit more classic styles. Hint: consider color here and buy neutrals or brights depending on her favorites.

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(Left to right) Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Forever for Women; Philosophy Amazing Grace Bergamot Spray; Ellis Brooklyn Florist Eau de Parfum

Walgreens; Target; Sephora

2. ... loves fragrance

Whether she shops at Saks or Walmart, getting a “you smell fabulous!” compliment makes her day. Though a new bottle of her usual signature scent is always a welcome gift, Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity for an update. For moms who prefer light citrus-y florals, try eau de toilettes like Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Forever for Women ($60, walgreens.com) or Philosophy Amazing Grace Bergamot Spray ($60, target.com). Those into clean beauty who prefer a cruelty-free vegan scent or any mom who adores lush florals will appreciate Ellis Brooklyn Florist Eau de Parfum ($108, sephora.com), a blend of tuberose, gardenia and honeysuckle. All new, all guaranteed to snag compliments and a huge thank you.

(Left to right) Athleta Retreat Linen Jogger in Coffeeberry; Old Navy PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress for Women in Blackjack; J. Jill Double-V Elbow-Sleeve Maxi Dress in Cerulean Blue; Garnet Hill Favorite Maxi Knit Skirt in Burnt Henna

Athleta; Old Navy; J. Jill; Garnet Hill

3. … makes comfort a style priority

No problem! Everything from active sports clothes to the trendiest skirts and dresses combine fashion and ease. How about a stretch cotton maxi skirt like the Garnet Hill Favorite Maxi Knit Skirt in Burnt Henna or Deep Navy ($99, garnethill.com) with fold down waistband and front pockets or a long T-shirt dress like the J. Jill Double-V Elbow-Sleeve Maxi Dress in Cerulean Blue ($99, jjill.com) or the loose leg Athleta Retreat Linen Jogger in Coffeeberry ($89, athleta.gap.com) with a body-skimming fit? All look great with sneakers now, sandals or clogs ASAP. And if Mom’s a pickleball fanatic, give her one of the new sports dresses like the moisture-wicking Old Navy PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress for Women in Blackjack or In The Navy ($50, oldnavy.gap.com) with built-in shelf bra and bodysuit. It’s comfy but contouring, and it solves the shorts issue too.