The 2025 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Treats for you and the mothers in your life

Mother’s Day is May 11th this year, and I’m celebrating this community of creative mothers with oodles of gift ideas. These aren’t affiliate links. They’re just meant to make your life a little easier! And if you find something that you want to buy for yourself, I’m all for that too. 💛

(Photo via The Department of Invisible Labor)

Fuel for the Fire

These gifts say, “I see you. I love you. Thank you. Keep going!”

• Holy moly, I love the Department of Invisible Labor merch! You KNOW every bag, hat, and shirt is going to someone who deserves it. I got the shirt. 💪

• A book + a little something is always a good gift. I’m still thinking about The Power Pause and The Good Mother Myth. If you prefer fiction, The Possibilities is still very on theme and totally captivating. Pair them with your favorite tea, a cookie, or a fun bookmark, and you’re good to go. 📕

• Have I ever actually hosted a Ladies Drawing Night? No. But I know someone who has! And she’s a mom. So it must be possible! Report back if you actually do this.✏️

• Working with moss and building a piece of wall art sounds incredibly satisfying. This DIY kit makes it easy.💚

• These watercolor workbooks are a low-lift way to paint a tiny bit during nap time or on the sidelines at the soccer field. 🎨

• A Nebula Notebook gift subscription! ✨

  

When you upgrade to a paid Nebula Notebook subscription, you support the work I do and show the world that this warm community of creative mothers matters. 💌

Giving a subscription to a friend is a lovely way to say, “I believe in you!” (You can also forward this email to your family, if they need a nudge.) Along with Mothers Who Make interviews and Oohs and Aahs, you’ll get:

• Access to a JUICY library of practical resources

• Masterclasses on writing, creativity, and the publishing process

• An invitation to join 4,000 Ideas: The Oliver Burkeman Book Club for Creatives

(Photo via Bauble Bar)

Elevated Basics

These gifts tend to be more meaningful if you give something you love and use all the time, but if you’re out of ideas, you’re also totally allowed to give something that someone in the Nebula Notebook community wholeheartedly recommends.

• This bold heart necklace has been elevating my t-shirt + soft pants uniform, and I became a fan of the Violette Bisou Balm this year. 💋

• Chanel Riggle
  swears by SOUPER cubes. I’ve seen a play therapist use them for freezing toys too. 🧊

• I lean on Loops earplugs throughout the day, and now I keep a pair upstairs and downstairs. (If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices, I recommend the Engage Loops.)

• Also in the ear department,

  Ryan Rose Weaver
  is loving these slip-on earrings. Very chic. Very easy.👂

• No one is going to be mad at fancy toiletries.

  Anna Rollins
  recommends Lush bath bombs and
  Kaileen Elise Sues
  likes Flewd bath salts. 🛁

(Image via Sandra Poliakov)

Fun Surprises

Depending who you’re buying for, finding something she’s never seen before can feel really special and celebratory.

• If you’re looking for a different kind of sparkle, might I suggest a totally unnecessary but very fun disco ball for the living room? Or what about this loosey goosey sculpture/lamp that feels like something out of MoMA? 🪩

• Buying art for someone is tricky, but honestly some people stress about it way too much anyway and a little shake up might be just what they need to see their walls with fresh eyes. This colorful print captures the mood of the day. (You can easily print and add a frame on that same site too.) 🖼

• These colorful oracle cards have been bringing me joy. Add a journal and a pencil if you want to encourage reflection. 🎴

• Sunita
  and I both love our acupressure pillows. I use mine for headaches and micro naps. 🛌

• This embroidered butterfly ring is pure magic—like it’s ready to float away! 🦋

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How do you like to spend Mother’s Day? Picking out a present for yourself? Covered in kids? Celebrating your own mom? Share in the comments.

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Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

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✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏