The Best Last-Minute Gifts for Moms
By Julie Chavez and Alizah Salario
In her forthcoming memoir Everyone But Myself, Zibby Books author Julie Chavez goes deep on burnout, anxiety, and being spread too thin. Sound familiar? We thought so. That’s why Zibby Mag teamed up with Chavez to curate the best down-to-the-wire gifts for moms. (Hello, fellow procrastinators!) These memoir-inspired picks are sure to surprise and delight the mother figures in your life, and they’ll be at your doorstep ASAP.
We repeat: do not forget a gift for mom. And if you are a mom, go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it!
Julie’s Picks
To Show Your Mom She’s Appreciated
This book by Anne Morrow Lindbergh is quoted in my memoir because of its timeless wisdom. The world asks a lot of women; it was true in 1955, and it’s true today. The beautiful cover makes this a lovely addition to any bookshelf, and the words inside celebrate the complexities and joys of motherhood.
To buy: Zibby’s Bookshop, $12.04
For the Mom Who Sleeps in a T-Shirt That Should Be Retired ASAP
These pajamas are as comfortable as that sad T-shirt, may it rest in peace. Bedtime is an opportunity to come home to ourselves, and wearing lovely, soft Moonlight Eco pajamas is a gift your mom can (and should) give herself as she sheds the obligations of the day.
To buy: Nordstrom, $59.00
For the Mom Who Needs a JUST A MINUTE of Peace and Quiet
Audiobooks are a mom’s best friend. Being surrounded by people can be a lot, and it’s also a lot when those same people suddenly abandon you to go live their lives. In either case, give mom the gift of escaping into a good book.
To buy: Libro.fm, starting at $30
For the Crafty Mom
Meet the Woobles! These cute animal crochet kits include everything she need, which takes the thinking out of it so she can focus on the fun. Plus, she’ll get the joy of a finished project. Two sets would make a great grandparent gift if there’s a grandchild who wants to crochet (also works via FaceTime!)
To Buy: Amazon, $34.99
For the Mom Who’s Always Prepared
Did you recently need ibuprofen? Did your mom have it in her bag? I bet she did. Help her upgrade her game with this cute little pill case. And if she’s one who carries everything else, too, get her a pouch to help keep her Mary Poppins carpet bag nice and organized. Plus, this one makes me laugh.
To Buy the Mini Pill Case: Amazon, $6
To Buy the Zipper Pouch: Blue Q, $8.99
For the Mom Who Already Has Eighteen Water Bottles
Well, she can throw them all out because this is the one she needs. Thanks to my Gen Z coworkers, I have discovered the joys of this cup. The Stanley is functional, easy to clean, well-designed, and the 40 ounce size no need for constant refills. To Buy: Stanley Cup, $45
Editor’s Picks
For Moms Who Need to Marie Kondo Their Life
There are regular planners, and then there’s Amy Knapp’s Family Organizer. Moms will love this next-level planner, which includes inspirational quotes, color-coded stickers, and space for goal setting. The only flaw is that each cover design is cuter than the next—though we’re partial to these California lemons.
To buy: Amazon, $15.19
For Moms Whose Slippers Have Seen Better Days
You know the mom who's always running out for just one last errand? She’s comfortable and stylish at the same, even in subzero temps—which is why she needs these North Face insulated mules. The thermal technology will keep her toes toasty, and she’ll thank you for saving her soles.
To buy: Amazon, $53
For Moms Who Love the Spa
If you can’t get her a fancy day at the spa, these nourishing mineral bath salts made with hand-harvested salt crystals from the Dead Sea are the next best thing. Opt for the monthly subscription or sample all three blends, each with unique aromatic notes like pink pepper, cassis, sandalwood and more.
To buy: Maude, starting at $18
For Moms Who Don’t Have Time to Read Books (but Like Listening to Them)
High-quality ear buds to tune everyone out are on every mom’s list. These reasonable EarFun Free 2S wireless earbuds provide high-quality sound without the price tag. Throw in the Libro.fm subscription above, and you’ve given her the gift of space and time. And don’t forget to suggest listening to the podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books!
To buy: Amazon, $39.99
For Moms Who Take Care of Everyone But Themselves
Know what your mom really wants? To feel seen, appreciated, and understood—even when the going gets tough. That’s exactly what you’ll give your mom with Everyone But Myself, a heartfelt and hilarious memoir that had me nodding in recognition on nearly every page. This is not a shameless plug! It’s an earnest plea to trust me when I say Julie Chavez just gets it.