Perfect Pairings: 9 Gifts for Mothers and Others
In my family, presents often come in pairs: something usable or practical, and something personal, experiential, or consumable. E.g.: A pretty set of wooden spoons is great, but even better when paired with a great cookie recipe to break them in with. (Or a box of said cookies, already made.)
With Mother’s Day approaching, we’re rounding up nine simple gift pairings. Ostensibly, we had moms and mother figures in mind—but, really, who wouldn’t enjoy receiving any of the below? Here are our picks for mothers, others, and anyone in need of a little appreciation.
Above: A Flower Cone Basket by Baba Tree really upgrades a bundle of market flowers. The basket is $90 and available for pre-order from Goodee.
Above: A handmade mug—like the Masami Sunata Mentori Kiritate Cup, $65 from Makié—pairs beautifully with Leaves & Flowers tea or Té Company cookies. Or both (they’re editor favorites).
Above: “New color for Il Buco Vita’s splatterware, and I’m into it,” says Fan. The David Netto Yellow Splatterware Mixing Bowl starts at $45 for the small size; pair with a favorite recipe.
Above: “The perfect striped Large Tote Bag (€68.60) from Moismont. I travel with one of these—it’s one of those Mary Poppins bags that holds everything,” says Margot. Fill with an under-appreciated gesture of love: groceries, delivered.
Above: This one’s an experience and something practical in one: Underwater Weaving Studio’s beginner-friendly vessel-weaving kits, like this one, for a Sweet Onion Basket ($98). Buy two and it becomes something to do together. (Another idea: remote textile classes from Tatter Blue Library.)
Above: Christen the Soil to Studio Sara Block-Printed Linen Table Runner ($90 from West Elm) with a dinner date.
Above: A never-fails option for the tired parent (or anyone, really): the Sophie Lou Jacobsen Squiggle Tray (currently on sale for $146.25 from DWR) served up with breakfast in bed.
Above: For the cook, there’s French at Heart, the new book from—fittingly—the mother-daughter duo behind The Cook’s Atelier. Goes great with a bottle of wine to share. (Read more about the book in French at Heart: An American Mother-Daughter’s Recipes and Lifestyle Report from Their Burgundy Cooking School.)
Above: Nothing beats a pair of Le Bon Shoppe socks: a little luxury for tired feet. The Camper Socks are $26. Pair with a nap.For Gardenista’s gift guide, see For the Mom Who Always Stops and Smells the Flowers.
More Mother’s Day picks from years past:
Categories
Recent Posts
Kitchen(s) of the Week: Ogling the Offerings from 5 Boutique European Real Estate Sites
Future Tense: 11 Design Trends for 2026
A Modern Monastery: Ørslev Monastery Work Refuge in Højslev, Denmark
10 Easy Pieces: Canvas Lounge Chairs
I Spy: The Little Lamp We’re Seeing All Over
Rehab Diary: Architect Ben Daly and Family at Home in a Converted Sheep Shed
Special Edition: 2026 Design Resolutions from the Editors
Current Obsessions: All Together Now
Moody and Mysterious: Casa Soleto in Puglia by Studio Andrew Trotter
Kitchen of the Week: The Lengths Studio, a Former Primary School Kitchen Transformed in the Scottish Highlands
LEAVE A REPLY
Follow Us