This Mother’s Day is a bit more hopeful than last year’s. Even if you and your parents can’t get the vaccine in time for the holiday, the odds are that you will be able to get it— if you want it!—quite soon. All it will take is a few more weeks, or months, of staying strong and social distancing before a Roaring ’20s–style summer may be upon us.
We may not be able to bring your family together, but we can offer some suggestions that will let the parents in your life know that you appreciate them. Here are our favorite gift ideas to help them work from home, keep their coffee warm, or go out running with their kids.
For more ideas, check out our guides to the best gift ideas for new parents, best kid podcasts, or the best kid tablets.
Updated May 3: We removed a few items and added a Tom Bihn tote bag, a weighted blanket, a Yeti cup, and some work pants to the guide.
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Photograph: Teva
Colorful Sport Sandals
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals
Mother’s Day is in May, when all of us are itching to throw on shorts and run out the door in the sun, so I have never understood why people give their mothers slippers. Instead, try a pair of funky, colorful sandals that she can slip on to take out the trash or wear on an all-day hike (with you!). Teva upgraded its iconic ugly-cool shoes with recycled, quick-drying webbing and a more durable rubber outsole. If these look like a little much, we also love a more minimal option.
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Photograph: époque évolution
Back-to-Work Pants
Epoque Evolution Jet Set Trouser
While we’re on the subject of heading back to the real world, the mom in your life might be wondering what she’s supposed to wear after a year of nothing but tie-dye sweatsuits. I recently received a test version of Époque Evolution’s newest trousers. The company’s founders formerly designed for women’s sportswear company Athleta before transitioning into high-end workwear. The Jet Set Trouser is everything I looked for in a work pant.
They’re pull-on, stretchy, and feel just like yoga pants yet remain polished and shockingly flattering when they’re on. They’re made from a proprietary fabric called Evolve, which is wicking, machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, UPF 50, and made in a solar-powered facility. Unfortunately, Époque Evolution isn’t super size-inclusive right now; its sizing only goes up to 16. But they do come in a petite version, and there’s also a bar-tack (double-stitched) hem to easily adjust the hem length.
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Photograph: Tekla
A Cozy Morning Robe
Tekla Organic Cotton Classic Bathrobe
This relatively young brand—the company was founded in Copenhagen in 2017—makes high-quality sleepwear, blankets, and sheets. All of Tekla’s pajamas and robes are made from the company’s organic cotton fabrics, which are durable and thick but have a delicate texture that’s quite pleasant.
This particular terry cotton robe (shown in the blue and white “Marseille” stripe) is thicker than most, making it extra comfy on cold mornings. It’s the perfect thing to get for the mom in your life who enjoys reading WIRED magazine over a cup of hot coffee as the rays of the rising sun warm the dining room.
