We’ve always had a heart for Mother’s Day gifts that give back, but this year, we’re focusing on gifts that give back to Covid relief efforts, including donations to frontline healthcare workers, food banks, restaurant workers, and all kinds of incredible organizations doing essential work on national and local levels during the Covid-19 crisis.
These are the kinds of Mother’s Day gifts we’d probably want anyway TBH. So the the idea that they support incredible causes too is just amazing.
We are grateful to the generosity of these brands, many of them small businesses themselves. And we are equally grateful for the generosity of those moms in your life who have hearts big enough for everyone in need right now.
We may earn a small commission when you shop through affiliate links on this page, which helps support the work of our own small business at no additional expense to you. So, thank you!
Love Pill Pendant
($108-138, Maison Miru)
If you’re shoppping for special Mother’s Day jewelry, 20% of the sales of this gorgeous modern necklace during April and May are donated to Montefiore Hospital Group in the Bronx, one of the hardest hit and underserved locations in New York City. Maison Miru has also been sending masks and other PPE to frontline workers so we’d love to support them any way we can. In fact, add on a tiny red heart charm and make this necklace extra special.
Related: 16 special Mother’s Day gifts from the kids this year: Gifts to make, gifts to buy, gifts to mail
Luggage and Accessories from Calpak Travel
(prices vary)
From luggage tags that double as portable chargers to belt bags, duffels, backpacks, and luggage sets, these stylish, modern, and very affordable bags are so gorgeous, and give back 10% on every purchase to Direct Relief. Where to start? Belt bags and backpacks are a great way to run errands without touching things. And the neck pillow/eye mask set seems like a great self-care gift right now.
A personalized video shout-out from a favorite celebrity
(donation amount varies, Cameo)
If she’s got a favorite Broadway star, athlete, actor, comedian, or reality TV star, you may be able to find them here, willing to wish her a personalized happy Mother’s Day for a donation to a Covid-related charity.
Some favorites: Sean Astin (No Kid Hungry), Busy Phillips (America’s Food Fund), Lena Headey (Meals for NHS), Giacomo Gianniotti (My Friends Place LA), (Gilbert Gottfried (NY Presbyterian Hospital), Susie Essman (The Actor’s Fund), several cast members from Broadway’s Beetlejuice, Daymond Johns (currently the only Shark Tank guest donating his proceeds to charity, so WTG Daymond) and… Lance Bass!
Tip: Also browse the “for charity” tag and you’ll find additional Cameo celebs supporting relevant causes right now.
Rebecca Minkoff I Love NY / Stronger Together Tee
($35, Rebecca Minkoff)
As a New Yorker, of course I LOVE this shirt! 100% of the proceeds are donated to Mask a Hero NY, which is helping healthcare professionals and first responders in the NY area access the PPE they need.
Vote Like a Mother Face Mask
($20, VLAM)
Bless my friend Sara Berliner who’s turned her amazing “Vote Like a Mother” fundraising shirts (I wear mine all the time!) into the essential accessory of 2020, with 100% of all proceeds donated to Feeding America. What a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Rose Quartz Cord Bracelet
($40, Kendra Scott)
50% of the proceeds of this bracelet supports Feeding America, and it comes in several lovely colors and styles. In fact, get two and make it a mom-and-me gift.
Related: 18 meaningful Mother’s Day gift ideas for the far-away mom or grandma you really miss.
Hexclad Hybrid Wok-Pan
($129.99 on sale with 20% off, Hexclad)
Because everyone is stocking up on kitchen supplies these days, this highly-rated non-stick wok that doubles as a sauté pan (one of Oprah’s favorite things!) could be a perfect Mother’s Day gift, plus it gives back 40% of proceeds to unspecified Covid relief efforts.
Poptivism Pop Sockets for Covid Relief
($15, Pop Sockets)
100% of sales from two designs benefits either Feeding America (shown here) or Doctors Without Borders. Either would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift that gives back, especially if she works in healthcare or has volunteered in other ways.
Frontline Foods Cap
($25, Merch4Relief )
if she’s in the restaurant industry or just a big supporter like we are, 100% of profits from Frontline’s shirt and hat sales directly support their mission of feeding essential workers on the frontlines. She can wear that proudly — and cover her roots at the same time. Win-win.
Related: Yes it’s safe to order take-out and delivery. Just put these simple tips to work.
ba&sh Silk Floral Scarf
($50, ba&sh)
A nice way to freshen up the spring wardrobe for those important zoom calls. 15% of all sales helps families in need through the Baby2Baby Covid Relief Fund
Dagne Dover Bags and Accessories
(Varies)
Also included in our ideas for special gifts for far-away moms we miss — along with a promise for train or plane tickets soon — we love this indie brand’s gorgeous laptop sleeves and tech cases, diaper totes, crossbody bags, and more. Like my own very favorite toiletry bag. Use code TOGETHER through April, and save 10% off your order, plus they’ll donate an additional 10% to a charity of your choice. (You can also get an extra 10% off your first purchase by subscribing to emails.)
Buy One/Give One Healthcare Bundle of Merino Wool Runners
($146, All Birds)
There are more than 20 colors and plenty of other shoe styles, but I love these cozy wool runners that are perfect for socially-distant walks around the neighborhood, or puttering around the house. (It’s not like she’s wearing stilettos, right?) Each purchase includes a donation to immediately supply a matching pair to a healthcare professional who could use one.
Nancy Newberg Fine Jewelry
(Varies, Nancy Newberg online)
If you’re in a splurging mood this Mother’s Day, browse the spectacular jewelry collection from LA’s Nancy Newberg that you may recognize from the red carpet. I’m love everything, but I’m particularly partial to the chain bracelets and chunky rings myself. She’s donating 30% right now to ShieldLA, to provide needed PPE to health care workers. Baby daisy huggie hoops start at $280 then the collection goes (way way) up from there.
Stronger Together / Courage Shirt from i am elemental
($20-22, Blk Ankr Originals)
A great gift from another favorite mom-run small biz, it also says COURAGE in big letters on the front. She earns 50% on all proceeds from this screen printing shop, and is donating all of them to NYC’s Butterfield Market’s Feed Our Heroes initiative, in which they delivery individually packaged meals to healthcare heroes at hospitals around New York.
MAC Viva Glam Lipstick
($19, MAC)
If Mom is the type who puts on a little lipstick and feels like a million bucks, this is a terrific (and affordable!) Mother’s Day gift that gives back to Covid relief. Viva Glam lipsticks have a long history of supporting incredible charities and today, your purchase gives back 100% to people most in need through orgs like Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health.
A direct donation or gift card to support a local restaurant she loves.
(Varies)
This post on the Resy blog offers an entire list of ways to help restaurant workers in need right now. You’ll find 17 outstanding charities and groups accepting donations, as well as multiple ways to support the restaurants you love, including gift cards.
(Above: One of my favorite local Brooklyn restaurants, Colonie; the famous Juliana’s Pizza, at very top.)
Hey, a night (or two or six) of fabulous take-out may be just the Mother’s Day gift she needs right now. In fact, I think I can safely speak for other mothers and say yes. Yes it is.
