13 Best Food-Related Gifts For Mother's Day
Are you struggling to find the right gift for Mother's Day? This holiday is the time to show all the moms in our lives how much we love and appreciate them. And since the way to a mother's heart is often through her stomach, food-related gifts express that sentiment well.
If your mom is an absolute foodie, loves cooking, or simply appreciates a good meal, there's a food-related gift with her name on it. But if you're not sure where to start, you've come to the right place.
Whether you're celebrating in person or sending a token of your affection from afar, you've got choices. From classic go-to's to unique experiences, this list provides gift options that'll put a smile on her face. Some provide instant gratification, while others can be enjoyed for years to come. If you're searching for that perfect present, these are the best food-related gifts for Mother's Day.
Spice subscription
Add some spice to your mother's life. While spice subscriptions have been around for a while, they're gaining more traction, with more options popping up every day. And don't settle for your average grocery store seasonings, find ones created with much more intentionality. Look for spices that tend to be of high quality with carefully sourced ingredients, many subscription sets are centered around culinary regions.
Try a Middle Eastern collection, which features cardamom, cumin, clove, za'atar, sumac, and allspice. This mixture makes a tasty rub for meat or seafood, and the aromatic za'atar is the perfect seasoning for manaqish, a Middle Eastern flatbread. Other spice sets focus on specific culinary endeavors. A baker's collection might incorporate ginger, cardamom, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. So, for mothers that love making pastries, up their game with the best spices on the market — and selfishly reap the benefits of those enhanced cookies and cakes.
A one-time spice box can be less expensive than a subscription, but longer-term commitments often come with bigger discounts. So if your mother is the type to plow through seasonings, give her a gift that keeps on giving. Plus, boxes often incorporate extra goodies like recipes, cooking tips, and fun facts to get into that cooking mood. Thanks to you, she'll be traveling to faraway culinary corners with an endless supply of spices.
Box of chocolates
If life is like a box of chocolates, so is motherhood. You really have no idea what you're getting on any given day. It's full of surprises, sacrifices, and, yes, its own rewards. But on Mother's Day, moms deserve an extra pat on their backs — and a sweet treat in their bellies.
Chocolate is a go-to gift for almost any occasion. But according to research, it may be one of the best ways to show appreciation. In a 2021 survey by Cargill, three out of four people saw chocolate as a reward, and the majority also felt it elevated their mood and boosted their energy. This combination sounds like the perfect recipe for a well-deserved Mother's Day.
As such a popular gift, you can find chocolate boxes just about anywhere, from specialty chocolate shops to standard grocery stores. To prevent analysis paralysis, hone in on your mother's preferences. Does she usually go for truffles, caramels, or nuts? Is she a dark or a milk chocolate fan? It doesn't need to be the world's biggest box of chocolates, but it does need to speak to your audience. If you're uncertain, opt for an assortment — your mom's bound to cherry-pick her favorites.
Brunch or dinner outing
There's something about getting all dolled up and wined and dined that makes you feel special. And on Mother's Day, that's precisely what mothers deserve — and want as well. According to a 2017 Statista survey, a special outing was the preferred gift for Mother's Day.
But really, this gift is timeless. We all like being taken out on a date, and it's not just about the food. Quality time shows you truly appreciate someone and enjoy spending time with them. Set aside time in your calendar to focus on that special mom in your life. And seeing how she's the guest of honor, choose her favorite cuisine or try that fancy restaurant she's been mentioning for ages.
But make sure to plan this gift well in advance. Since it's a classic, chances are others have the same idea in mind. Don't be ill-prepared, and book a reservation before it's too late.
Culinary kit
Is your mom a budding chef? Support her interests by gifting her a culinary kit for one of her favorite foods. The ingredient list, instructions, and serving tips are provided so she won't have to worry about logistics and can focus on her craft. Food ingredients that don't spoil typically come included, but expect to purchase some of the fresher items separately.
Culinary kits can be as general or specific as you'd like. Some are designed as meal prep boxes, allowing your mom to try a new dinner recipe without digging up all the details. If she's been hoping to make paella or Indian curry or throw her own pizza party, a culinary box can support the cause.
Other kits are super niche, teaching home chefs how to cure bacon or make cheese. Even if your mother has never attempted these before, culinary kits provide simple, straightforward steps so she can cook with none of the stress but with all of the satisfaction. Not only will she enjoy the process, but she can savor the end product as well.
Edible bouquets
Instead of the traditional flower bouquet this Mother's Day, treat your mom to an edible one. These sweet creations can be made of fruits, chocolates, candies, or cookies. They also come in different color schemes and themes to suit her taste in both food and aesthetics.
However, if you're ordering online, know that edible bouquets come with some disclaimers. Reviews for these companies vary wildly, with many consumers complaining the product is either overpriced or doesn't live up to expectations. While the advertising pictures are perfectly Instagramable, the real thing occasionally falls short.
Also, make sure someone is home at the scheduled delivery time. Fresh fruit or chocolate products don't fare well when left outdoors. But when things go right, edible bouquets can brighten up any Mother's Day. So do your research and read those reviews before placing any orders.
If you don't want to risk it or you're feeling artsy, attempt creating an edible bouquet on your own. Be aware that this isn't the easiest of endeavors and will require specific materials for success. You can use a Mother's Day mug as the vase and cut a pineapple or shape cookies to spell out mom. Styrofoam and shorter sticks can keep everything stable inside the mug, and you can fill in gaps with lettuce leaves or flowers. As a bonus, chop all that leftover fruit up, and serve a fruit salad instead of letting it go to waste.
Themed food baskets
When you can't think of one big item for Mother's Day, grab a bunch of little things instead. For the do-it-yourself fan, make your own potpourri basket of goodies. Choose culinary items that complement each other and speak to your mother's interests. If her favorite cuisine is Italian, gather artisanal pasta and sauces and throw in a bottle of red. For a Parisian theme, go for French cheeses, crackers, croissants, and colorful macarons. There's no limit to how creative you can get with food baskets. And despite the ease of making one, it still has that personalized touch.
In a time crunch, pick up a premade one instead. Gourmet food and large grocery chains carry these regularly, especially when gift-giving holidays are coming up. Likely, they'll already have one geared toward mothers this time of year. And if your mom doesn't live nearby, order one online — but leave a thoughtful message on the gift card before clicking that purchase button.
Cooking class
Is your mother the type to prefer experiences over possessions? She might be onto something. In a case report published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people reported greater happiness levels from purchasing experiences over material possessions — and the increased satisfaction wasn't just a fleeting feeling. Participants not only enjoyed the moment but also had positive feelings leading up to the event and when looking back on it. So for a Mother's Day to remember, give your mom an activity-based gift like a cooking class.
If she's not the most experienced chef, introductory courses won't feel too daunting. For confident cooks, go for something more niche or dabble in international cuisine by learning to make dumplings, sushi, or pasta from scratch. Cooking classes are a convenient gift since you can choose from online, in-person, or group-oriented ones. Depending on your budget, you can even hire a private chef to come to you. And if you decide to join the class as well, you'll give the added gift of quality time.
Sourdough starter
Sourdough starters were all the rage during the covid pandemic. As people spent more time indoors, they turned to hobbies like at-home baking and fermenting flour. And the benefits of these activities move far beyond just bread. So if your mom didn't hop on the sourdough bandwagon back then, it's never too late, and Mother's Day is the perfect time to welcome her into the fold.
A sourdough starter requires daily, although minimal, attention. While watching the dough grow is oddly satisfying, the bread made from this dough is even more gratifying. Sourdough bread has a signature tanginess that people love, and some also believe it's better for you than other varieties.
But aside from its nutritional benefits, the process of making bread could have its own positive effect. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, enjoyable activities went hand-in-hand with a positive psychological and physical state. Furthermore, the more participants enjoyed their hobbies, the lower their blood pressure and total cortisol were.
Pandemic or not, mothers deserve a healthy hobby to have fun and counteract life's stressors. And once she puts that starter to use, she'll have a final product that's rewarding in itself. So for the gift that keeps giving, introduce your mother to the sourdough starter kit.
Cocktail set
Does your mother have a pension for at-home brunches or happy hours? If she generally makes mimosas and two-ingredient mixed drinks, it might be time to take it up a notch. Help her elevate those bartending skills with the gift of mixology. Cocktail sets require no prior knowledge, and budding bartenders can go from making a basic bloody Mary to a brag-worthy one.
Cocktail sets come as one-time gifts or ongoing subscriptions. They include the instructions and drink fixings — although you'll typically need to purchase the alcohol separately. Many of these companies make gift-giving oh-so-simple by sending redeemable gift notifications on the day and time of your choosing. And if you're lucky enough to see your mom in person, they also let you print and present a gift certificate.
According to a Food & Wine review, the Shaker & Spoon's cocktail sets make for great gifts as the company "goes beyond just providing great-tasting cocktail recipes — it makes mixology an accessible learning experience." So, whether you buy a subscription or build your own, this gift will be sure to have your mom buzzing.
Gastronomy tour
For the mom that's a traveling foodie, gift her a culinary tour. Gastronomic tours are an unexpected but welcomed surprise and don't require much labor on your part. With a quick search and a few clicks, you can find the right one without ever leaving home.
Whether your mother's currently staying put or galavanting the globe, food tours are widespread and easy to come across. Guided culinary tours are available in most major cities, and if your mother doesn't have one nearby, make a trip out of it. It's a unique way to see a new location since these food tours fuse culture, history, and gastronomy into one unforgettable experience.
As one review of Food of New York Tours describes, "They are so much more than just being walked from place to place, eating food. The food is the vessel, but you also get to experience the city in a way that goes way below the surface that I scraped on previous visits. These tours make me feel like a true insider!"
If a culinary tour sounds like your mom's jam, research the right one. Tours hone in on everything from craft beer to desserts to fried favorites. And to really up the ante, join her on the excursion. They say making memories is the most meaningful gift, and bonding over food is very easy.
Personalized cutting board
Everyone has a standard cutting board, but a personalized one feels extra special — and research backs this up. In a Vistaprint survey of 2,000 Americans, participants preferred receiving "heartfelt" or "personalized" items over generic ones. And nothing says we love you more than a cutting board that literally says we love you — or something along those lines. So engrave something meaningful that speaks to your mother's heart and shows how much you truly appreciate her.
When heading to a Mother's Day celebration, top off the personalized cutting board with charcuterie. Choose her favorite cheeses, fruits, crackers, and sweets to create a mouthwatering display. As she picks away at the goodies, her engraved message will be revealed. Not only will her belly feel full, but her heart will too. This gift really covers all bases. It's personal and useful, has excellent presentation, and works as the perfect party platter.
Chef hat and apron
If your mom is the head chef of the kitchen, give her the respect she deserves. A chef hat and apron show who's boss while playing a very practical purpose: They keep her clothes clean and her hair back and really send a message. Fancy chef attire says they know what they're doing, and they can whip up a fabulous feast. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen, but she'll look good trying.
So what type of chef's getup should you go for? That really depends on your mom's style. It could be cheesy, classic, trendy, or just plain functional. Design details also matter. If she's the type that fumbles with her phone as she cooks, get an apron with pockets to keep it handy.
Like all gifts, customizing the hat and apron gives it that extra personal touch. Does your mom have a cute nickname or cooking tagline that she always uses? Whatever you decide, make sure the text or logo reflects the chef herself. So when she slips into her new cooking clothes, she'll feel fully equipped to create that culinary masterpiece.
Tea gift set
Tea works for just about every occasion. To welcome someone into your home, you can offer them a cup of tea. If you want to jump-start your morning or wind down at night, there's a tea for each. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy on cold winter nights, and on a hot summer's day, you can pour it over ice for the ultimate refresher.
When choosing the right Mother's Day gift, ask yourself: What's her cup of tea? Is she a looseleaf or a bag kind of person? Make mom feel seen by reflecting on her wants and needs. Perhaps she's mentioned a current health goal or ailment, or you know she has a morning tea or tea to help her sleep. Luckily, there's a variety for everything from stress-reducing to immune-boosting.
Whether she wants to relieve tension or put more pep in her step, tea is the answer — or at least a supporting factor. Plus, there are prepackaged tea gift sets marketed toward every mood. And if her cupboards are already overflowing with options, there are accessories like beautifully designed tea boxes to keep them all organized. With a gift like this, you'll have the perfect excuse to pop over to your mom's house for a cup — and perhaps even spill the tea on the rest of the family.