50 unique gifts your mom actually wants this holiday season - for every budget

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50 unique gifts your mom actually wants this holiday season - for every budget

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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Otherland

Candles make any home smell great, and this fancy candle set from Otherland will look gorgeous in any room in her house.

There's no one who can make you feel better after a bad day or whip up a gooey grilled cheese and tomato sandwich quite like your mom (or grandma, or aunt). She's always there for you, and without ever expecting a reward in return.

So when the holidays come around, there's no better way to return the favor and make her feel special than with a thoughtfully picked gift.

If you aren't sure what to get her this Christmas, you've found the right guide. I've put together a list of 50 gifts all moms will love - even yours - from delicate pearl hoop earrings and beautiful marble-face watches to retro-inspired kitchen gadgets and gorgeous monogrammed clothes and accessories. As a professional product reviewer and as someone who's given her own mom many of the gifts included in this list over the years, I can safely say that your mom will adore them all.

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If you're looking for more gift ideas for her, we have you covered:

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A fancy candle set

A fancy candle set
Otherland Candles The Threesome, $89, available at Otherland

Candles make any home smell great, and this fancy candle set from Otherland will look gorgeous in any room in her house. The set includes three coconut and soy wax blend candles in beautiful glass vessels. Each candle burns for 55 hours — that's a lot of time that your mom can spend enjoying this gift.

The Amazon Echo Spot

The Amazon Echo Spot
Amazon Echo Spot, $129.99, available at Amazon

There's an ever-so-slight learning curve in figuring out what Amazon's Alexa can and can't do, but once that's passed, the Echo can forecast the weather, read an audiobook, order a pizza, tell jokes, or any number of things moms should find charming. As a bonus, the Echo Spot has a screen for displaying information.

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Soft, crisp sheets and bedding

Soft, crisp sheets and bedding
Brooklinen Queen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $187.50, available at Brooklinen Brooklinen Queen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $213, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen's luxe sheets are the ones I always recommend to friends, family, and Insider Picks readers who email me for their affordable price, sophisticated look, and unbelievable comfort.

The company's Hardcore Sheet Bundles have everything she needs to completely makeover her bed — and stay nice and cozy all year long. It includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and four pillowcases. Brooklinen also sells comforters, pillows, candles, and blankets.

A beautiful flower bouquet

A beautiful flower bouquet
The Sill Succulent Trio, $86, available at The Sill

The Sill is a relatively new startup that's making the process of choosing and buying house plants much easier. This succulent trio is just one of many plant and planter options you can choose from — and you can even shop based on which ones are pet-safe. Your order will be delivered straight to her, so you won't have to worry about stopping to pick up flowers on your way there.

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A sous vide for making tender, perfectly cooked meat

A sous vide for making tender, perfectly cooked meat
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Bluetooth Precision Cooker, $89.99, available at Amazon

At $90, the Anova sous vide is an investment, no doubt — but it just might change your mom's life for the better. Not only will it boil and poach eggs with ease, it'll also produce tender, perfectly cooked meat every time. I got my mother-in-law this exact gadget for Christmas last year, and she sends me pictures of how amazing her food comes out every time she uses it.

A smart carry-on

A smart carry-on
Away Carry-On, $225, available at Away

The Away Carry-On Suitcase is an indispensable travel companion. It comes with a removable interior 10,000 mAh battery and two USB ports, so she can easily charge up her phone and other devices before a long flight.

There’s nothing worse than being caught with a dead phone, and this suitcase has saved me from that fate more than a few times. It also comes in a bunch of colors, so you can get it in your mom's favorite. There's even a fancy new aluminum version of the carry-on for $475.

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A custom map poster

A custom map poster
Grafomap Custom Map Poster, from $49, available at Grafomap

Grafomap is a website that lets you design map posters of any place in the world. You can make one of your mom's hometown, her college town, her favorite travel destination, or the place where she got engaged or married — you're only limited by your imagination. You can read the full Insider Picks review here.

A marble watch

A marble watch
MVMT Laurel Marble Watch, $160, available at MVMT

She'll love this unique, marble-face watch featuring gold detailing and a caramel leather band.

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Soft, breathable slip-on shoes

Soft, breathable slip-on shoes
Allbirds Wool Loungers, $95, available at Allbirds

Allbird launched new sneakers made from trees earlier this year, but the wool loungers are still our top pick for moms this holiday season. The Loungers are ridiculously soft, breathable, and supportive — and even machine washable! We tried them and loved them, so we can safely say your mom will adore them, too. They currently come in nine colors and are suitable for indoor and outdoor wear.

A "book of the month" membership

A "book of the month" membership
Book of the Month 3-Month Membership, $44.99, available at Book of the Month

If she loves to read and isn't ready to go 100% digital, a Book of the Month membership is the perfect gift. This gift membership gets mom her pick of the best new books for $12.50 to $15 a month depending on the length of subscription you choose to give her (three, six, or 12 months). She can also request extra books for an additional $9.99 each if she reads more than one book a month.

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A Kindle Paperwhite

A Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $129.99, available at Amazon

On the other hand, if she's tired of lugging around heavy hardcovers, a Kindle Paperwhite is an extremely thoughtful and practical gift. The latest version is waterproof too!

An indoor herb garden that requires zero effort

An indoor herb garden that requires zero effort
Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Gardening Kit, $99.95, available at Amazon and Click & Grow

Every chef knows that cooking with fresh ingredients like basil can make a big difference. The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a self-watering system that allows even the most amateur gardeners to quickly and effortlessly grow herbs and vegetables. We tried it and were impressed with how well it worked and how truly effortless the process was.

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A Le Creuset Dutch oven

A Le Creuset Dutch oven
Le Creuset 5 1/2-Qt. Signature Round Dutch Oven, $340, available at Nordstrom and Williams-Sonoma

At $340, this Le Creuset Dutch oven is the most expensive piece of cookware in my kitchen, but it is undoubtedly my most-used. It also comes in tons of colors.

A cutting board in the shape of the state she calls home

A cutting board in the shape of the state she calls home
Totally Bamboo State Cutting & Serving Board, $30, available at Amazon

Available for the 50 states as well Puerto Rico, Long Island, and Ontario, this uniquely shaped cutting and serving board doubles as kitchen decor.

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A cookbook for "Fixer Upper" fans

A cookbook for "Fixer Upper" fans
"Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering" by Joanna Gaines, $13.73, available at Amazon

Not only does this cookbook contain 125 delicious recipes, in it, you'll also find plenty of personal stories and beautiful photos of "Fixer Upper" star Joanna Gaines and her family.

Pearl hoop earrings

Pearl hoop earrings
Mejuri Pearl Hoops, $59, available at Mejuri

Get your mom a beautiful pair of earrings or an initial necklace she can wear every day. Mejuri is an Insider Picks favorite, and I'm guessing a lot of moms will love this Canadian company's delicate jewelry.

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An Italian leather wallet that can be monogrammed with her initials

An Italian leather wallet that can be monogrammed with her initials
Cuyana Classic Zip Around Wallet, $125, available at Cuyana (+ $15 for monogram)

A sophisticated leather wallet instantly elevates a woman's everyday style and keeps her organized when she's on the go. You can get this Italian leather wallet from Cuyana in six colors. We really love the Stone leather version that has a surprise red lining on the inside for a pop or color (pictured above).

A beauty gift set

A beauty gift set
Fresh Rose Hydration Heroes Set, $73, available at Nordstrom

This skin care gift set from Fresh is made up of a face cleanser, face mask, and super-hydrating face cream, so she can roll out of bed with dewy, glowing skin.

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A box of chocolates

A box of chocolates
Godiva Assorted 24-Piece Patisserie Dessert Truffles Gift Box, $49.95, available at Godiva

Who doesn't love Godiva chocolates? This gift box comes with 24 decadent truffles, with flavors including Tiramisu, Red Velvet Cake, Creme Brûlée, and Chocolate Soufflé.

A Rent The Runway Unlimited membership

A Rent The Runway Unlimited membership
Rent The Runway RTR Unlimited 1-Month Membership, $99, available at Rent The Runway

Perfect for the woman who "never has anything to wear," a Rent The Runway Unlimited membership lets her constantly rotate her wardrobe with the latest styles from more than 450 fashion brands, like Diane von Furstenberg, Tory, Burch, and Tibi. She's able to rent four pieces at a time and swap them whenever she wants — and Rent The Runway takes care of all her dry cleaning, shipping, and insurance costs. We tried the membership and loved it.

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A personalized T-shirt

A personalized T-shirt
Known Supply Personalized Women’s Fitted Crew, $38, available at Known Supply

You can personalize this comfortable Pima cotton tee with "mom" or "mama" — or any other name up to nine characters — in cute, loopy cursive.

A luxurious bathrobe

A luxurious bathrobe
SNOWE Bathrobe, $98, available at SNOWE

A bathrobe will make every shower feel like a trip to the spa.

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A bottle of lavender bubble bath

A bottle of lavender bubble bath
L'Occitane Relaxing & Foaming Lavender Bubble Bath, $39, available at Amazon

This lavender-scented bubble bath from L'Occitane is the best way to relax.

A foam pillow or blanket from a popular mattress startup

A foam pillow or blanket from a popular mattress startup
Leesa Pillow, $75, available at Leesa Leesa Blanket, $99, available at Leesa

Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this luxurious and supportive pillow from mattress startup Leesa. I also cannot say enough wonderful things about the Leesa Blanket, which is equally giftable and all kinds of cozy.

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A retro-inspired electric kettle

A retro-inspired electric kettle
SMEG 50's Retro Style 7-Cup Electric Kettle, $139.95-$159.95, available at Amazon and Nordstrom

With this retro-inspired electric kettle in her kitchen, she'll spend much less time making tea and more time enjoying a cup.

A box set of loose leaf teas

A box set of loose leaf teas
T2 Tea Five Famous Five Assorted Tea Sampler Gift Box, available at Amazon, $34

Let her sit back and relax with this colorful set of French Earl Grey, Fruitalicious, Gorgeous Geisha, Melbourne Breakfast, and Strawberries & Cream teas.

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A Daily Harvest gift box

A Daily Harvest gift box
Daily Harvest 9-Cup Gift Box, $75, available at Daily Harvest

Help your mom stay motivated to achieve her 2019 health goals with Daily Harvest, a subscription service that sends healthy, pre-portioned superfood-packed smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and more to your home either weekly or monthly. The food combinations are developed by a nutritionist and chef, and the company is backed by big names like Gwyneth Paltrow and Serena Williams. We tried the service's smoothies and really enjoyed them.

A Fitbit

A Fitbit
Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, $149, available at Amazon

The Fitbit Charge 3 lets her track her workout in real time on its bright, easy-to-read screen, plus, it has a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking.

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Super comfortable, high-waist leggings

Super comfortable, high-waist leggings
Beyond Yoga High Waist Leggings, $97, available at Nordstrom (price varies by color)

Whether or not she wears yoga pants to work out or to run errands, she'll feel comfortable and stylish in this high-rise pair from Beyond Yoga.

Truly wireless headphones

Truly wireless headphones
Jaybird RUN True Wireless Headphones, $139.99, available at Amazon

Totally wireless earbuds are the future of headphones because of their sheer convenience — which moms will undoubtedly appreciate when running errands, working out, or doing myriad other mom things. We like this pair from Jaybirds a lot better than the Apple Airpods.

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A gift box of gourmet French snacks

A gift box of gourmet French snacks
Bon Appétit Box Provence Apéritif Box, $75, available at Bon Appétit Box

Any Francophile will find a lot to love in Bon Appétit Box's gift boxes filled with savory snacks and sweet treats from France.

A gift subscription to a popular coffee club

A gift subscription to a popular coffee club
Atlas Coffee Club 3-Month Gift Subscription, $55, available at Atlas Coffee Club

If her veins run dark roast, a coffee gift won't go unused. We recommend a gift subscription to the Atlas Coffee Club, which curates a global selection of single-origin coffee that gets freshly roasted and shipped to your house from $9 per bag.

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A Nespresso coffee maker

A Nespresso coffee maker
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker, $199.99, available at Amazon

The Nespresso takes all the work out of making espresso at home, and you can get tons of different flavored pods.

A DNA test kit

A DNA test kit
23andMe Health + Ancestry DNA Test, $139, available at Amazon

This genetic test kit from 23andMe is great for the mom who's interested in learning more about her family history.

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A candy bento box

A candy bento box
Sugarfina Rosé 3-Piece Candy Bento Box, $28, available at Nordstrom

Candy may seem like a simple gift, but Sugarfina's Candy Bento Box is a luxurious and festive alternative to a regular box of chocolates.

A room diffuser

A room diffuser
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Scent Surround Room Diffuser, $98, available at Nordstrom

A more modern alternative to potpourri, a diffuser is a grown-up way to add a subtle fragrance to her home.

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A hardcover book set that doubles as decor

A hardcover book set that doubles as decor
The Puffin in Bloom Book Collection, $37.15, available at Amazon

This hardcover set contains four classic novels — "Little Women," "Heidi," "Anne of Green Gables," and "A Little Princess" — that will enrich her home and mind.

A roomy tote bag with tons of pockets

A roomy tote bag with tons of pockets
Dagne Dover Legend Tote, $265, available at Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover's Legend Tote is a sophisticated and spacious work bag with a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and other thoughtful interior pockets that will keep her organized and always ready to go. You can read the full Insider Picks review of the slightly smaller Classic Tote here, but suffice it to say that the startup's bags are among our favorites for work. It comes in 11 colors.

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A jewelry holder

A jewelry holder
Catbird Swan Ring Holder, $32, available at Catbird

This an ornate swan is a subtle jewelry holder.

A citrus juicer (that comes in fun colors, like pink and pastel blue)

A citrus juicer (that comes in fun colors, like pink and pastel blue)
Hurom CJ Citrus Juicer, $149, available at Hurom

There’s nothing quite like starting the morning with a fresh glass of orange juice, and now, mom doesn’t need to live in a luxury resort for this little luxury. The Hurom Citrus Juicer is hands down the best way to get every last drop of juice out of your orange, grapefruit, or any other piece of citrus she may want to liquify. It's currently available in three colors — silver, pink, and pastel blue.

You can save 25% on all Hurom juicers with the code "HUROMHOLIDAYS" right now.

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An air fryer

An air fryer
KRUPS Air Fryer, $99.95, available at Amazon

Air fryers replicate the taste and feel of traditional deep-fried foods without the use of unhealthy oils, making them a trendy kitchen appliance among increasingly health-conscious consumers.

A summery pair of shades

A summery pair of shades
Warby Parker Hunt Large in Paloma Crystal, from $95, available at Warby Parker

Pair these sunglasses with a surprise tropical getaway for your mom and a plus one and win Christmas.

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A KitchenAid stand mixer

A KitchenAid stand mixer
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, $260, available at Amazon (price varies by color)

A KitchenAid mixer makes home baking a cinch. The powerful appliance can combine wet and dry ingredients, knead bread dough, whip cream, and so much more. And it comes in so many fun colors.

A crossbody bag with a hand-painted monogram

A crossbody bag with a hand-painted monogram
Leatherology Meadow Mini Camera Bag, from $150, available at Leatherology (+ $40 for hand paint monogram)

This leather crossbody bag comes in tons of colors and is great for travel and daytime outings — and for an extra $40, you can have it custom painted by hand with her initials.

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A heart snapshot

A heart snapshot
Minted Filter Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art, from $42, available at Minted

Collect some of her favorite pictures and turn them into unique photo art for as little as $29.

A perfume subscription

A perfume subscription
Scentbird 3-Month Gift, $44, available at Scentbird

Scentbird is a monthly subscription-based service that allows you to choose from thousands of designer fragrances and delivers a 30-day supply right to your door. It only costs $15 each month, and gets progressively cheaper when you choose longer subscription periods.

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Stylish sandals that go with everything

Stylish sandals that go with everything
Thursday Boot Co. Downtown Boot, $140, available at Thursday Boot Co.

Treat her to cute and comfortable boots she can dress up or down this winter. This pair took the top spot in our buying guide of the best women's ankle boots.

A wine subscription

A wine subscription
Vinebox 6-Month Gift Subscription, $158, available at Vinebox

Vinebox lets her try three different types of wine, which are chosen for her based on her personal tastes and preferences, every month.

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A pendant necklace

A pendant necklace
Zoe Chicco 14k Gold Itty Bitty Mama Pendant Necklace, $236, available at Nordstrom

Your mom will want to keep this pendant necklace very close to her heart.

A FabFitFun box

A FabFitFun box
FabFitFun E-Gift Card, $25-$300, available at FabFitFun

Sign her up for FabFitFun, a quarterly beauty subscription box that sends its members full-size products instead of those tiny samples.

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