when your mom is literally the best

not your typical Mother's Day gift guide

(editor’s note: if motherhood is a sensitive subject for you feel free to skip this one)

I am very lucky to have a great mom, something I’m increasingly grateful for as I get older and especially when I entered the world of motherhood myself 19 months ago. My mom’s name is Betsy Best, a name, to me, that is equal parts southern and chic- two words that describe her perfectly. Her style was my earliest fashion inspiration, and I can think of countless times when she’s had her nose on something before it became mainstream- like when she took my sister and I into the Bottega store fifteen years ago and bought a bag she still has today (that, let’s be honest, probably now sells for 3x the price) even though my sister and I naively declared the store “boring”. She is known for being a wonderful host and having a beautifully decorated home and on top of all that, she’s also an incredibly thoughtful person.

So, what the heck do you buy someone like this for Mother’s Day?! It’s hard! I know if she could have *anything* in the world it would involve her two daughters (and namely, granddaughter) live much, much, closer than we do now. Or maybe another trip to the Chanel store in Paris! (@ my dad on that one).

I have *mixed* feelings on Mother’s Day gift guides because while I know no one deserves a badass gift more than a hardworking mom (and really, do you know any that aren’t?), I also know there’s just so much that can’t be wrapped in a pretty bow.

BUT- you should still get your mom a gift! So here’s a few ideas.

First of all- a harsh truth. Please don’t be mad at me. If your mom doesn’t specifically ASK for a candle or bath bomb, please get her something more original. SORRY! I know that sounds harsh and kind of is, but moms do a LOT and assuming you have a positive relationship with her and intend on buying her a gift, make sure it’s something she will actually use. If your mom IS, however, into baths, I recommend these.

Okay, moving on. Spa certificates are great, IF and only IF your mom is a spa type of girl. One thing my mom and I have in common is that we can hardly stand to sit still for a manicure. She does NOT want me to pay $250 for her to be touched by a stranger. She just doesn’t. That money would be better spent literally anywhere else. On the other hand, my husband sent me to the Four Seasons for a massage last year and I thought it was great because I really needed some relaxation.

At the end of the day what so many moms want is a little recognition and for us to put time and effort in the way they do everyday. So if your mom wears a matching silk set to bed every night, buy her some fancy pjs and have them monogrammed. If she’s a Gwyneth fan, buy her some Goop (specifically, this moisturizer). If she’s the outdoorsy type, send her some of these sneakers (she won’t care that all the girls in Soho are wearing them but might appreciate a new pair). If she’s a flower child, get her some flower sunnies and maybe some gummies! If she’s a vintage fashion lover, get her a TRR gift card and an archival Prada coffee table book. If she’s a Tibi fan, sign her up for Amy’s newsletter (free!) and buy her a tee or a new pair of jeans. If you’ve seen her use the same bag year after year, get her a new tote for summer (ideas here, here, and here). If she loves to host, here’s a beautiful tray. If she needs to unwind, get her a bottle of her favorite wine and some pretty glasses. If she’s into astrology, get her a chart reading. If she’s a reader, introduce her to substack! Chances are, some of her favorite writers are on here.

Jewelry is great, and typically a crowd pleaser, but if you’re a (straight) man reading this I want you to look at your wife/partner/mother of your child or mom and observe whether she’s wearing silver or gold and shop accordingly. I know I mention them in almost every newsletter, but Dorsey makes some really timeless pieces (this necklace is my latest fave, and I wear this one almost daily).

So, what am I getting my mom? Well, she reads this newsletter, so I will just say a few things I know she’d never buy herself and, in a few weeks, a quick trip to Florida with my husband and daughter (the part of that trip where she’s babysitting for us is more of a gift for me though, so thank you, Mom!).

As a Mom myself, I asked my husband for family time, flowers, and a gift card to one of my favorite stores (we are moving in a few weeks and I am not trying to accumulate a lot of new things before then).

If you’re lucky enough to live near your mom (or are able to visit), pick up some flowers and give her these gifts over a nice brunch or dinner.

Lastly, on behalf of all moms everywhere, I want to remind you that wherever you’re going today you might want a light jacket, smoking is bad for you, don’t forget to moisturize your neck and put SPF on your hands, and please don’t stay out too late :)

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, moms-to-be, hopeful moms, and mother figures!

Love you, bye!