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The 5 most insulting gifts to give Mom on Mother's Day 2024 (and what to give her instead)
Let's just say if you're thinking 'bidet,' you need to read this.
If you're lucky enough to have a mom in your life, you probably know that Mother's Day is just around the corner: Sunday, May 12. That means you're probably doing some serious Mother's Day gift shopping, right? Your heart's in the right place; you want to show her your love and appreciation. But you need to hear this: You're going to screw it up. That bath-and-body-lotion basket you think Mom wants? That scented candle? No. I speak from experience: I've had a mom for 55 years and a mother of my children for 24. So learn from my mistakes and avoid the following gifts — no matter how well-intentioned — at all costs. (Don't worry; I've also shared ideas for what to get her instead.)
Most insulting Mother's Day gift #1: A traditional vacuum cleaner
Seriously? You're going to give Mom more household chores?! This is the classic Mother's Day blunder, the idea that she's just there to clean the house (and needs better tools to do it). No, dummy; why don't you get off the couch and grab a broom yourself? That would be a nice gift right there.
What to get instead: A robot vacuum
Now we're talking. It may not be the most glamorous gift, but anything that can take sweeping and mopping off the chore list is sure to be appreciated. Need help choosing one? Here's Engadget's list of the best robot vacuums of 2024. Alternately, here's a quick recommendation for a popular model that happens to be on sale right now:
Set it and forget it: The Matrix Plus will automatically clean the floors as often as Mom wants, plus it can empty 60 days' worth of debris into its floor dock. Mopping requires a little more manual intervention, but it's still way easier than hauling out a bucket.
Most insulting Mother's Day gift #2: A fitness tracker
OK, we're kind of split on this one, because it depends on the circumstances. If Mom has never mentioned a fitness tracker (such as a Fitbit), then we don't want to be there when she unwraps it. The implication: She's imperfect, she needs to exercise more, etc. Now, if she has dropped hints about wanting one of these, it's totally fine. Here's our list of the best fitness trackers to buy in 2024. But, if this is coming out of the blue, go a different way.
What to get instead: An item tracker
Forget fitness; what needs tracking is lost stuff. Few things in life are as frustrating as a misplaced keychain, wallet, phone or checked bag at the airport. Thankfully, Bluetooth-powered trackers can help Mom locate these and other items. To learn more, check our roundup of the best item trackers for finding lost stuff. But here's my top pick (as explained in the roundup), which happens to be on sale right now:
Why choose a Tile over, say, an Apple AirTag? For one thing, AirTags don't work with Android phones, only iPhones. But Tiles also add an invaluable feature: two-way tracking. That means a Tile can also find a misplaced phone, not just the other way around.
Most insulting Mother's Day gift #3: A bidet
Bidets are great, no question. I started using one during the pandemic toilet-paper shortage and haven't looked back (or reached back, know what I mean?). But, come on, as a gift? For Mom? As with fitness trackers, unless serious hints have been dropped, you don't force a bidet on someone.
What to get instead: A self-heating coffee mug
If Mom likes coffee, she'll love this. A self-heating mug lets her nurse that java for hours, without having to run to the microwave every 15 minutes. I use mine daily, and so does my wife (aka my children's mom). It's a prized possession. Here's a look at the best heated mugs you can buy right now, and here's my favorite pick, period:
Best. Gift. Ever. The Ember Mug automatically detects liquid and will start heating when it does. Mom can set her preferred temperature with the Ember app.
Most insulting Mother's Day gift #4: A new TV
This may sound a little sexist, but I'm saying it anyway: Most moms don't care about the size of the TV. They don't care if it has a fancy OLED screen or built-in Dolby Atmos. In other words, they're fine with the TV they already have; they just want time to watch (or rewatch) Bridgerton. So let's face it: A new TV would be more of a gift for you, wouldn't it?
What to get instead: A digital photo frame
Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. Digital frames allow Mom to actually see all those precious memories that have been squirreled away in her phone, in friends' and family members' phones, on Facebook and so on. Most of them can play video clips too. Trust me: This is a home-run gift. For help choosing one, see our roundup of the best digital photo frames for 2024. Here's a particularly good pick for Mother's Day:
If Mom lives far away, the Aura is a good choice because you can configure it for her ahead of time, pre-loading pictures and even setting it up for her Wi-Fi network. Plus the screen is huge, and the app makes it easy for family members to send new snapshots.
Most insulting Mother's Day gift #5: A sex toy
Hey, I didn't come up with this idea; I have a press release right here suggesting — no, outright stating — that "Mom deserves the gift of orgasm." First of all: ew. If this is your mom we're talking about, then just no. But if the mom in question is your wife, it's ... still weird. There's nothing wrong with the gift of sex toys between consenting adults, but for Mother's Day? No. Seriously. (If I sound like I'm cringing at the mere thought, it's because I am.)
What to get instead: An experience
I think that as a general rule, moms want less stuff and more experiences — and they especially love when you put some thought and effort into planning them. For example, pickleball is all the rage right now, so what about some lessons? (Bonus points if you join in.) You could also gift her something like a painting or cooking class. A day trip with some new, interesting stops along the way (bakeries, art galleries, etc.). A hike in a particularly scenic locale you researched, with some new hiking poles to unwrap before setting out. You get the idea. You don't have to spend a lot; you just need to show you care.
After all, this is Mom we're talking about!
