18 meaningful Mother's Day gift ideas for the far-away mom or grandma you really miss.

While I think any and all Mother’s Day gifts are meaningful, this year is different. If you normally see your mom on Mother’s Day, like I do, this year is going to be extra hard if we’re not able to have those huts, that time together, those three-generations-in-one-photo shots. For those moms and grandmas these are gifts that are extra special — meaningful Mother’s Day gifts that tell her you really really miss her may strike the right tone.

Of course if the gift is from the kids, also be sure to check out our many posts about DIY Mother’s Day gift ideas, or visit our Mother’s Day crafts Pinterest board.

I hope these ideas help you find the perfect Mother’s Day gift this year.

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– This post has been updated for 2021 –

Gifts for Far-Away Moms or Grandmas on Mother’s Day

Miss you mug
($17.58, White Wolfe Design)

Add tea, if she needs it. Add vodka, if she needs it.

Her favorite flowers or plants

We are such fans of the artisan, small-farm flower bouquets from The Bouqs and their flower subscriptions,
Or, pick a beautiful potted plant or one of these clever bouquet alternatives that last.

Framed photo of the family
(This one $35 for 8×10 plus frames $20 and up, Minted)

Always a meaningful Mother’s Day gift. Especially if she’s missing your faces.

Pie Pan personalized with a favorite family recipe
($75, PH Pottery)

Maybe one from her own mother?

One of a kind vintage locket
($175+, Stella & Luna + 15% off with code shopsmall2020)

We love this woman-owned small biz that tracks down and refurbishes vintage lockets.
Every one is different. Add a special photo so she can keep you close to her heart, literally.

Pewter heart handmade coffee scoop
($42, Beehive Handmade)

This way she can wake up thinking about you every morning.
( If you love the Dansk canister, we tracked it down at West Elm or Replacements.com can find for you)

Tennyson quote wooden keepsake box
($118+. Hereafter LA)

Absolutely love this meaningful Mother’s Day gift with the perfect quote.
Fill with recipe cards, photos, a handmade bracelet from the kids, or just let her decide.

Cozy hand-knit blanket from you
(Prices vary)

If you’re crafty, get those needles out! If you need supplies, find everything in ready-made kits right down the the yarns and right needles from We Are Knitters. Shown here: Their XXL Udon Blanket Kit, $185

Hardcover photo album
($69 and up, Artifact Uprising)

A perennial favorite mom or grandma gift for all of us. Be sure to check out our comparison of the top photo book sites.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle
($16.74 or $11.99 for Kindle, Amazon)

Let her know that you love her just the way she is, for who she is, no matter what.

Her favorite chocolates that she’d never spluge on for herself
(From $8 for a gourmet chocolate bar to $85 for a Grande Gift Tower, Voges Chocolate)

We love everything from Vosges, but that soft caramel and pecan milk chocolate truffle is something else.

Custom morse code message bracelet
($23.95, Rustik Heart)

This shop can make hers read Nana, Grandma, Mama, or a word of your choice.

A card to make her laugh…or cry?
($5, Em & Friends)

Probably both. There’s quite a collection of options this year from Em & Friends.

A new board game to play over Zoom with the kids.
(Prices vary)

Our post about virtual family game night ideas has been so popular! Refresh her game stash with something new. For a huge splurge, check out this Luxury Monopoly Edition from Pottery Barn ($229) but she’s got to really love Monopoly!

Personalized poetry art on rose petals
($38, Resolute Star)

Choose the right sentiment for a truly meaningful Mother’s Day gift that fits right on a shelf or nightstand.

A donation in her name to Feeding America
(varies; give generously)

Nourish others the way she nourished you. The perfect gift if she already has everything she could want.

Schedule a group Zoom call or FaceTime call with the entire family

Plan it…or surprise her. Especially if you’re scattered around the countryIt may be all the gift she needs.

A new weekender bag
with a promise to include train/plane tickets when we can travel again
(XL Carryall Duffel, $215 from Dagne Dover, smaller sizes available)

Best of all, you can select a charity at check-out, and a portion will be donated to support Feeding America, Black Lives Matter, the NAACP, Fair Fight, Stop AAPI hate, or another one that matters to you — and her.