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Candles, bath bombs, hand cream—these are just a few of the things on the typical “holiday gifts for mom” list. But this isn’t the year to be predictable, now is it? For inspiration on finding a unique and super-special present, we went straight to the source and asked some of the coolest moms we know—in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and retail (including from the Domino team)—what they really want this holiday. The results? A curation that ranges from practical to playful to all-out indulgent and steers clear of feeling in any way commonplace. Just like the woman who raised you.
Sylvana Ward Durrett, Cofounder of Maisonette
My husband, Adam, gave me a beautiful bracelet by Aurelia Demark with silhouettes of my three kids. I love how personal it is, and it reminds me every day of how lucky I am for my beautiful family!
Eva Chen, Director of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram
Since scheduling for the kids (and parents!) is getting harder and harder, I’d love a really beautiful calendar/planner/notebook and a fountain pen. It would be a serious upgrade to my Post-it notes and ballpoint!
Alex Redgrave, Editorial Director of Domino Kids
I’m a longtime fan of the School of Life. Usually I would say to skip the gift certificate route, but you can’t really go wrong with the London-based organization’s wonderfully idiosyncratic offerings—from Table Talk place cards meant to spark new discussions (in a year when we’ve all seen a lot of our very nearest and dearest) to a tongue-in-cheek Emotional Barometer with a color wheel of moods to choose from and display to others. Looking for something extra-special? Gift a virtual “bibliotherapy” session, best presented in a vintage coffee-table book.
Breegan Jane, Interior Designer on HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
This year I’m keeping my eye on these amazing faux fur throws by Anthropologie that come in a wide variety of colors. I’m a sucker for blankets; they offer a quick and inexpensive way to spruce up any room. Plus who wouldn’t want to cozy up in a nice-quality one this holiday season?
Jessie Loeffler Randall, Founder and Creative Director at Loeffler Randall
Aside from homemade gifts from my kids, one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever gotten is a Bloom Box from Tin Can Studios. I love to receive flowers, but this is ten times better. It’s a big box of beautiful flowers along with instructions for how to create your own arrangements, including pro tips like how to “flex” roses. I love learning new things and being crafty. So this is almost like getting a gift of flowers and a flower-arranging class all in one.
Ann Vorrasi, Senior Lifestyle Editor at Romper.com
My family has been spending a lot of time in upstate New York during this pandemic, and, like so many others, I’ve been watching gardening videos on repeat. Charles Dowding’s YouTube channel is a favorite, and I’m mentally preparing for the vegetable garden I hope to have next spring. Gardening tools, from trowels to ride-on lawn mowers, are on my list this year.
Kate Berry, Executive Creative Director at Domino
Whether we are cooking or having takeout, these napkins always brighten our table. It’s especially fun and energy-efficient when we each have different colors and can reuse them for another meal!
Erin Humphreys, Midwest Client Partner at Domino
Yes, a stroller is 100 percent a mom gift when it makes exploring town a breeze. On weekends, I like to take my 8-month-old, Grace, to the farmers’ market, bakery, and little shops in our neighborhood. A detachable basket is genius so I don’t need to bend down and fuss with stowing stuff below while in cramped spaces (although that compartment stores an impressive amount for when we’re really stocking up). The whole design is modular, too, and grows from carrying a newborn to a baby to a toddler (and has the option to become a two-kid rig)—so it’s in it with you for the long haul!
Blair Paysinger, Owner of Post 21
Marble! Need I say more? It’s beautiful and will always be. I’m a mom who believes in taking a moment for myself daily, and that looks different each day. I’ve waited for Christmas to treat myself to this beautiful set because I knew it was exactly what I wanted. It will encourage me to love on my skin and give it the attention it deserves. Dry brushing isn’t something I remember to do that often. But when I do, it truly makes me feel beautiful. And the marble candle is just so good! The scents are exquisite and the candle is refillable, so I can try them all. This gift will make me stop and think of me each time I see it, and that is important.
Khristian A. Howell, Creative Director and Author
My second (and final!) baby just turned 1 on Halloween. Yes, this is a wonderful, joyous milestone for the little babes, but let’s be real, this is a huge ‘I freaking made it’ moment for the mamas! In my world, every sweet occasion is capped with a champagne toast. I love the ceremony of it, and these glasses would be the exclamation point on the moment.
Get more gift ideas: 14 Beauty Gifts That Smell Like the Holidays How to Navigate Your Holiday Shopping on a Budget 8 Pieces of Jewelry to Give (Or Wish For)