Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11. The shipping window to receive gifts on time is quickly closing, so now’s the time to buy. But a last-minute gift doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. Below, I’ve found 29 tasteful last-minute Mother’s Day gifts on sale that only look like you spent a lot. I’ve double-checked that everything should arrive by Mother’s Day; Amazon is your best bet for fast shipping on most items, but places like Nordstrom, Best Buy, and Michael’s are still offering two-day shipping and in-store pickup, too. And if you just want to get flowers, plenty of those can still arrive before or on Mother’s Day if you order now.
If you want even more on-sale options, we also have guides for on-sale Mother’s Day gifts under $50 and beauty gifts on sale. And if you need even more ideas, we found several more last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that will arrive in time. (And if all else fails, we’ve got plenty of e-gift card recommendations, which are never late.)
Updated on May 8, 2025
Removed several items that will no longer arrive on time, and added a few new items that will, including a New York Times crossword book, a waffle-weave robe, and some photo frames.
You can never go wrong with a luxurious robe. This one’s waffle weave is light enough for summer (but plenty cozy for winter, too).
If your local florist is all booked up, this bouquet of assorted roses will still arrive on time. It costs an extra $12 to have these delivered on Saturday, May 10, but Friday, May 9 is extra-fee-free.
Some blooms that won’t wilt (and can be built together, if you please).
The cherry-blossom stems are even cheaper, and also quite chic.
Now she can have her flowers — and her phone charger, too.
For the mom who’s sworn off the nail salon, Butter London’s nail strengthener — which is a dupe of Dior’s for half the price — will keep her tips in tip-top shape.
An at-home spa treatment, now under $20. The salt granules, which are said to have nourishing properties, are from the Dead Sea and are on sale in relaxing lavender, reinvigorating eucalyptus, and unscented.
You can really pamper her with a Spafinder gift card, and you can get a $50 card for $10 off right now. She’ll be able to go to a place of her choosing, for the service of her choosing, whenever she’d like.
Or she can treat her aches at home with this set of Chirp massage wheels. They’re hollow, slightly springy, and have a middle groove to help align with your spine.
The mom who’s never dressed without a red lip — but who takes good care of her skin — will appreciate this lip tint infused with SPF.
Our favorite red lipstick is under $20, if she prefers a punchier lip. (This arrives in two days if you create a free Nordy Club account.)
If she’s into all the latest beauty gadgets, get her the TheraFace Pro. “It offers so many different therapies, such as LED light, hot and cold rings, various face massagers, and, of course, a microcurrent attachment,” says one aesthetician we spoke to.
Skylight’s digital picture frames make a great gift for the long-distance mom. My family purchased one for my grandmother, who recently moved into an assisted-living home. Now we send photos from across the country via an app.
But giving her nicely framed physical photos is always a good idea, too. You can order this frame online and pick it up in-store, if you live near a Michaels, or get it delivered in one day for $8.
An even simpler option (available in 17 colors and ten sizes).
And a nice burnished gold option, if that’s more her style.
Chocolates are the perfect treat for the mom who’d rather not be gifted more “stuff.”
A very good deal on a personal blender from Nutribullet, a brand we recommend in our blender guide, for the mom who lives off smoothies during the summertime. (I know mine does!)
Make sure her phone never runs out of juice with this magnetic battery pack from Strategist-favorite Anker. Plus, the built-in foldable kickstand means she can watch videos while charging.
Outdoorsy moms will love this tiny dust- and sandproof portable Bluetooth speaker. “In my testing, it managed to sound clear and vibrant even with outdoor sounds like waves and wind in the background,” says tech writer Jordan McMahon. Its battery lasts up to 12 hours, and it comes in a variety of colors.
AirPods are always a good gift, no matter the occasion.
And an over-ear pair of Beats, in pink for Mother’s Day.
After Strategist associate editor Jeremy Rellosa got this motion-sensor bird feeder (which snaps pictures and videos of visiting cardinals and swallows) for his parents, his family group chat has been consumed by bird photos and updates. (His parents love it, in other words.)
A must-have for the voracious reader. Note: This arrives on Sunday.
For the voracious reader who prefers physical books (and has yet to read Ina Garten’s memoir). It will arrive on time.
As will Emily Henry’s latest romance.
Pairs well with a book (perhaps Garten’s, perhaps another one; the choice is yours).
For the mom who’s ready for a new challenge (weekday puzzles are too easy!).
The gift that keeps on giving and arrives at the tap of a button: MasterClass annual subscriptions are half off. There are classes on how to get better sleep, how to take care of your skin, how to design your home (taught by Joanna Gaines), and much more.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
