What Moms Really Want For Mother's Day

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

We're proud moms, but that doesn't mean that all of our jewelry has to be engraved with our children's names or that the only artwork we want on display is an abstract doodle by a 4-year-old. And it certainly doesn't mean that we want another machine-washable "handbag." This Mother's Day, the items topping our real wish list aren't exclusive to moms, they're not necessarily practical, and they're definitely not for sale at Babies"R"Us. Consider this a list of what we really want this year . . . or any day we need a reminder that while we're moms, we're also just women who love a good spa treatment.

Stylish Sunglasses

Stylish Sunglasses

For most families, Mother's Day kicks off a hectic Summer. Show her that she's not the only one who's been prepping for the hot months ahead by giving her a pair of chic shades. We recommend a pair of tortoiseshell frames by Karen Walker ($280) in this season's hot circular-shape trend.

A Body Scrub Treatment

A Body Scrub Treatment

Some moms would take an extra 10 minutes in the shower as the perfect Mother's Day gift. Go a few steps further and give her a 60-minute body scrub treatment, like the shoulder-to-shin hot salt rubdown at Bliss Spa ($125). She'll come back recharged and as clean as a whistle.

A luxurious fragrance

A luxurious fragrance

Celebrate her strength and femininity with a fragrance like Paco Rabanne Olympéa ($75). The powerful combination of fresh floral notes and sensual salty vanilla will leave her feeling like the queen she is.

This slide has been paid for by Paco Rabbane

Artwork

Artwork

For those who only seem to get freshly cut flowers on special occasions, why not insist on some everlasting blooms? A beautiful framed print is as good as the real thing, if not better. We're partial to this cherry blossom painting by Kotozuka ($449).

An Ongoing Supply of Wine

An Ongoing Supply of Wine

Bringing home a nice bottle of wine is always appreciated, but for the mom who likes to kick back with a glass more nights than not, why not give her the gift that keeps on giving? As hokey as "of the month" clubs can be, this six-bottle assortment ($90-$184) is the perfect palette primer before buying into a yearlong membership.

A Future Heirloom

A Future Heirloom

She may often lament, "This is why we can't have nice things!" But assure her that she can with this 21-inch porcelain tea jar ($249). Yes, it's especially fragile, but she'll appreciate the vote of confidence, and it'll certainly remind her that she doesn't have to wait until her children are away at college to start surrounding herself with beautiful pieces that have the potential to be future heirlooms.

Unique Flowers

Unique Flowers

A dozen long-stemmed roses are lovely, don't get us wrong. But there's something extrasweet about a fresh, vibrant arrangement of less traditional flowers. TheBouqs.com's clever assortments, like this one titled Wild About U ($50), are the perfect mix. They're as gorgeous as any bouquet, but they come with succulents you can replant and buds that aren't yet blooming — thus a longer shelf life.

A Designer Handbag

A Designer Handbag

Sure, a diaper bag might get used a lot more often, but no mom really wants a dual-purpose carryall. Instead, give her something she can wear when it counts and keep long after the kids have grown. This punchy pink Prada Saffiano Lux Micro Tote Bag ($1,290) is a splurge she'll appreciate.

A Decorative Object

A Decorative Object

For moms used to exclusively getting "useful" gifts — yes, we could definitely use an immersion blender, but there's no need to put a bow on it — it's sometimes nice to get something completely, well, useless. Decorative objects like this West Elm symmetry objects ($29-$39) might be impractical, but they can brighten up a room . . . and an overworked mom.

Stud Earrings

Stud Earrings

For the mom with a curious toddler, nice jewelry is a nonstarter. Her favorite pieces are virtually impossible to wear without a few yanks and pulls from sticky fingers. So, in lieu of dangly earrings or a delicate necklace, she'll actually be able to keep these Tiffany & Co. knot earrings ($850) in place, with minimal injury.

A Memorable Experience

A Memorable Experience

After years of nearly drowning in toys and books and more toys and more books, some moms have PTSD from all the stuff they've accumulated since having kids. For those, experiential gifts are the greatest of all. Salsa dance lessons or cooking classes (as long as she actually enjoys cooking and won't see it as some sly maneuver to get her to switch up her meal planning), like those offered nationwide at Sur La Table, are true gifts that keep on giving.