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5 Mother's Day Gift Basket Ideas For Every Type Of Mom

From the beauty lover to the outdoorsy mom, these CVS finds make the perfect thoughtful gift.

by Becca Strassberg
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If your mom is anything like mine, you know that when she says, “You don’t have to get me anything for Mother’s Day — I just want to be with my kids,” what she actually means is, “unless you really want to.”

See, every mom wants to feel special on Mother’s Day but they don’t want you to “spend too much” or “go out of your way.” This year, you can avoid both by opting for the smartest, most efficient present of all the presents: a homemade gift basket. There’s no better way to impress mom than with something homemade, completely customized to her interests, and effortlessly thoughtful. Better yet, you can get everything at CVS. Instead of heading straight to the greeting card aisle, browse the shelves to see which items feel perfect for your mom. In addition to all the essentials, CVS is full of little luxuries that can easily turn into thoughtful gifts.

Now, I don’t normally encourage people to defy their parents, but this is a rare exception. Definitely ignore your mom when she says not to get her anything for Mother’s Day. Instead, keep reading for some gift basket inspiration for any type of mom.

For The Cozy Mom

If mom’s idea of a good time is to marathon a TV show or settle in with a gripping book, lean into comfort by creating a gift basket of cozy essentials for her perfect night in. Set the mood with a three-wick soy candle made with essential oils. (CVS has multiple varieties, but this one boasts notes of bergamot, prickly pear, and saffron.) Then set her up with a warm throw blanket and, finally, a stemless wine glass that doubles as a Mother’s Day keepsake. To top it off, include a handmade gift card for a movie night together. Chances are, it’ll be her favorite part.

For The Beauty-Obsessed Mom

There’s nothing more exciting for a beauty lover than a new batch of makeup and skincare products, which makes a beauty basket the gold standard of gifts. Theme it around mom’s tried-and-true products, or consider items that she might not choose for herself. Try to fill it with a little bit of everything: a classic scent, a lip gloss — like this one with hyaluronic acid for added hydration — and a new face palette. With four different blushes, not only can she experiment with color, but there’s a better chance she’ll find her ideal match.

For The Outdoorsy Mom

Whether she plans something outside every weekend or is more of a spontaneous adventurer, mom will love a gift basket filled with supplies she’ll actually use. The sky’s the limit here — you can include everything from a new workout set to gourmet trail mix — but start with some fail-safe essentials: a facial sunscreen that can easily fit in her bag, a pair of sunglasses she can use or keep in the car as backup, and individual electrolyte packets to replenish her after a long day in the sun. Warning: This gift basket will likely get you invited on a hike.

For The Mom With A Sweet Tooth

If mom is a “little sweet treat” every night kind of gal, a personalized candy basket will delight her to no end. Fill it with her favorites and a bouquet of flowers to give it that extra something special. Remember to get a variety of things. Think gummy bears for when she’s in the mood for a fruity snack, some individually-wrapped truffles for when she’s trying to practice dessert discipline, and a sharable box of chocolates that she’ll (fingers crossed!) open right away and share.

For The Mom Who’s Always On-The-Go

Maybe your mom is the type who goes from work to pilates to picking up dinner to home — just to do it all over again the next day. In that case, consider a batch of items that both recognizes everything she does for her family but also attempts to make it easier and more pleasant for her. Start with a new tote bag to add some style to her schlep, followed by a tumbler to keep her hydrated, and a pocket-sized hand cream to make it look like she never lifts a finger.

Build your Mother’s Day gift basket based on what mom loves most with the help of CVS.