Mother’s Day is just around the corner! In 2025, it falls on March 30 in the UK and Ireland, May 25 in France, and May 11 in most other countries—so depending on where you are, you have just enough time to plan something special.

We all associate Mother’s Day with one classic gift: flowers. And while I’m the first to say flowers are lovely, if you’re here, you’re probably looking to surprise your mom with something a little more original this year. Whether you’re aiming for sentimental, creative, or just something she’ll truly use and enjoy, here are my favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas that aren’t flowers (well… not in the traditional sense!)

Floral Mother’s Day Gifts

If you (like me) love the idea of flowers on mother’s day but want something that’ll last longer than a bouquet, here are a few ideas that feel thoughtful and timeless:

• Pressed flower frame – A pressed flower frame celebrates the delicate beauty of flowers arranged into artistic compositions that’ll brighten up a room for years.
• Floral candle – You might be thinking that a floral-scented candle is not the most original gift, but that’s not what I mean. I mean candles with real flowers embedded into them! Not only will the florals brighten any room or shelf… once she lights it, she’ll get to enjoy the calm vanilla scent and crackling wood sounds too! I make these by hand, and my mother is now the proud owner of several.
• A floral card – Whatever gift you choose, you can keep the floral spirit of mother’s day with an accompanying floral card. Check out my greeting cards with real pressed flowers on Etsy, which include several mother’s day designs.

Hobby-Related Mother’s Day Gifts

Personal gifts that align with your mom’s hobbies show you’ve put real thought into what she loves. Here are a few niche-but-lovely suggestions:

• For the journaler mom – If your mom likes to keep an analog journal or planner, get her a beautiful journal and some fun stickers and accessories to decorate it.
• For the reader mom – If your mom is an avid reader, get her a reading journal to track her reading and reactions. If she likes to read on an e-reader or Kindle, find bookish stickers to decorate it. Or you can never go wrong with a pretty bookmark with a quote from a favorite author.
• A gift card to her favorite store – This might not seem like the most touching gift on its own, but pair it with a thoughtful message in a beautiful card and a coffee-and-shopping date to said store and you’ve created a personal and memorable mother’s day.
• For the Swiftie mom – I’m adding this because I definitely have the perfect Mother’s Day card for her, with the perfect Taylor Swift lyrics for the occasion!

Quality Time & Activities on Mother’s Day

Sometimes, the best gift is simply time together. Here are a few ways to share a memorable moment with your mom:

• Craft café date – These are popping up everywhere here in Paris – they offer drinks, baked goods, and a selection of crafts with all the supplies provided to you, so you can enjoy a few hours relaxing and crafting with mom. If you don’t have any craft cafés near you, you can recreate the experience at home by preparing some baked goods, warm beverages and putting together some DIY craft kits!
• Tailored outing – Whether it’s a morning browsing bookstores, a visit to a local museum, an afternoon hike together, plan something that centers around what she loves (or would love to share with you).
• Pampering session – Sometimes, getting the chance to relax is a gift all on its own. Book a mani/pedi together, or create a spa day at home with a pampering basket filled with self-care treats.

Whatever you choose, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that show thought, care, and time. And flowers or no flowers, your mom is sure to feel the love.

Did this inspire any creative gift ideas your mom? What memorable gifts have you gotten your mother besides (or alongside) flowers? Let your fellow idea-seekers know in the comments below!