The Best Mother’s Day Gifts: Editors’ Picks

It’s go time for Mother’s Day 2023 (Sunday May 14—but you already knew that). To make your Mother’s Day shopping a little easier, our editors are sharing what they’ll be gifting their moms. Mom, if you’re reading this, please stop now.

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for 2023

A Jacket for Dog-Walking

One of my mom’s favourite pastimes is walking our pitch-black dog in the pitch-black dark (and notably, the dog is unable to offer any sort of protection in emergency—he is 20 pounds, and size aside, he’s 13 people-years old). Since no one can convince her that you can actually also walk the dog before the sun goes down, I think a neon Define Jacket ($128) is in order. Now we just need some hi-vis outerwear for the dog.—Alyssa Hirose, associate editor

An Instant Camera for Instant Memories

Like many mothers, mine is not what you would call “tech savvy.” I don’t generally start my gift-giving with a contextual slight on the recipient, but it really is an issue for my mother to send, receive and access photos (and it’s probably her favourite thing, next to “her babies” of course). She has a digital picture frame my siblings and I have gifted her that she loves, but unfortunately we are all terrible at adding photos to it, so it’s the same slow slideshow of images from over four years ago. So for a touch of whimsy and a nod to simpler times, this Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 instant camera ($159.99) from Indigo might just become her new favourite gadget (and as a result, I her favourite daughter). It’s simple, easy to use and she can instantly delight in the polaroids and capture the moment without ever having to go near a computer. And the award for Daughter of the Year goes to…—Kerri Donaldson, assistant editor

(Gluten-Free) High Tea Treats

My mom and I share the joy of being gluten intolerant, but when it’s 2023 and you’ve got a local like Gluten Free Epicurean creating a Mother’s Day Matriarch High tea ($88), neither of us will feel deprived. This lovely set up is a collaboration with local ceramicist Eikcamm, so the sweet treats come in a keepsake red stoneware vessel. And the treats? It’ll take some serious self-control not to inhale them all myself: alongside a package of tea, there’s vegan carrot cakes with miso cream cheese icing, lemon cheesecakes, vanilla scones, raspberry rose shortbread, chocolate espresso cupcakes…who needs gluten, anyway? —Anicka Quin, editorial director

A Big Bowl for Big Occasions

Is there a such thing as too many serving dishes? Not if you’re my mom, who takes joy and pride in creating perfectly plated appetizer and snack platters—our family’s charcuterie queen. She’s got a cabinet full of themed cocktail napkins and all the perfect little serving spoons, but new serving vessels are always welcome additions to the toolkit. I’ve got my eye on this gorgeous royal-blue pedestal bowl from Goodge Place ($189): a big beauty perfect for big gatherings, and a design that’ll put a big smile on Mom’s face. —Stacey McLachlan, editor at large

A Stylish Lap Desk

My mom doesn’t like surprises. So when she sent me a text telling me exactly what she wants this Mother’s Day, I wasn’t, well, surprised. At the top of her list was the nōta lap desk from Indigo ($35). This portable work surface is solid on top and cushy underneath so she can Google quilt patterns or FaceTime the grandkids in comfort. While it’s a practical and functional gift, the dainty daisy print makes it as pretty as a bouquet. An octogenarian who chose her own tech gift for Mother’s Day? I think my mom might just be cooler than your mom.—Janine Verreault, editor-in-chief