The Mother's Day Gifts to Stop Giving (and What to Buy Instead)

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Choosing a Mother's Day gift can feel nearly impossible, especially when the mother figure in your life only likes a couple of things (and you've pretty much exhausted those gifts at this point).

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That said, there are lots of ways to integrate their interests into gifts they will absolutely love. To help, we've rounded up some upgrades for traditional gifts that are sure to produce a smile. From experiences that they can share with loved ones to pieces to hold onto forever, get ready to stun your mother figure with your thoughtfully chosen gift this year.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Instead of Store-Bought Flowers: A Houseplant

It's one thing to drop by the store and pick up a bouquet, but a major upgrade would include investing in a houseplant that your mom will be able to add to her collection. If a high-maintenance plant isn't her jam, a succulent in a cute pot will make her smile every time she walks by. Of course, if she loves flowers, going with a dried arrangement is the perfect way to give her a treat that will last for years.

Our pick​: Urbanstems The Charleston, $80

Instead of Decorative Soap: A Trendy Candle Set

Don't get her a generic hand care set — instead try three specially curated candles from the incredible art-laden brand, Otherland. The brand launched a garden party collection especially for mom, and the jars are reusable so she can recycle them into makeup brush cups after burning. They come in a stunning box and feature floral notes alongside herbs and amber so that the resulting scent is absolutely phenomenal.

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Our pick​: Otherland Garden Party Collection, from $36

Instead of Face Cream: A Facial Treatment

If your mom is a beauty-lover, there's no better gift than a facial — especially if she's used to getting one or two products for her typical gifts. This will allow her to experience new treatments and maybe even discover some new products that become forever favorites. Check out HeyDay or another facial bar, or book it at a local spa in your neighborhood.

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Our pick​: HeyDay 50-Minute Facial, $105

Instead of a Bottle of Wine: A Wine Tasting

If you're used to gifting your mom a bottle of her favorite wine, it's time to upgrade that experience with a tasting. Whether you want to go to a nearby winery or even her favorite restaurant, this would definitely take the simple wine bottle to the next level. If you don't live in a place where a wine tasting is readily available, check out In Good Taste, which is offering a Mother's Day special that curates eight different wines for tasting, as well as handmade toffee, a GlamGlow face mask, and a fizzy shower bomb for extra pampering.

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Our pick​: In Good Taste Mother's Day Mixer, $85

Instead of a Generic Card: Photo Memory Book

Not only will this delight her to see photos of her family and loved ones, she can display it on her coffee table or somewhere else in her home. You can choose which format you want to create, and even leave little messages throughout. It's the ultimate thoughtful gift that she'll be able to pick up and look through whenever she's missing you. (P.S. Use code ​MAKEHERDAY​ for 15% off.)

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Our pick:Artifact Uprising Photo-Wrapped Hardcover, $59

Instead of Dinner at a Restaurant: A Cooking Class

Instead of a night out, why not go ahead and splurge on a cooking class from Sur La Table that you know she'll love. Not only would it be fun to give her a couple of slots to let her invite a friend (or you, if you're lucky!), she just might learn a recipe that she will love making for years to come. Plus, the experience itself will be much more fun and memorable than a meal that she could have any time.

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Our pick​: Online Martha Stewart Mother's Day Cooking Class, $49

Instead of Breakfast in Bed: A Trendy New Pan

Actually, don't cut out breakfast in bed quite yet, but may we suggest making it or serving it in a shiny new pan from Our Place? It's all over the Internet — and for good reason — so chances are she's been eyeing it for a while. Make her morning extra special with a two-for-one breakfast special. (P.S. Get $30 off right now with code ​GOODTASTE30​.)

Our pick​: Our Place Always Pan in Terra Cotta, $115

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