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35 Special Mother’s Day Gifts for Long-Distance Moms

When she lives far away, it's even more important to get her something truly unique.

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long distance mother's day gifts

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Making your mom feel special on Mother’s Day is what the holiday is all about. Though, this task can become a bit more difficult if your mom happens to live in another state or overseas. While you would love to be able to hang out with her in person on May 14, the sheer distance between you two sort of makes it impossible. That is why selecting an amazing Mother's Day gift is so important.

CLICK TO SEE THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS OF ALL TIME

The best present you can give your mom this holiday (aside from your actual presence) is one of our carefully curated Mother’s Day gifts for long-distance moms. Several of these options can be personalized (wait until you check out the Heirloom Video Book), while others make great last-minute ideas because they are thoughtful and will ship in two days or less. You'll find mother-daughter options, gifts from sons (imagine the happy tears if he gave her a music box?) as well as Mother's Day gifts for grandmas if she rather get something from the grandkids (which we totally get).

Just don’t forget to include a thoughtful card expressing just how much you miss her, and reminder her that although you two a far apart, you're still so connected.

1
Personalized Option Under $20

Two State Print

Two State Print

Personalized with each of your states, she'll be reminded even when she's not there in person, she's still very much in your heart. It comes in different sizes, and can be framed. But what's really nice is that it comes wrapped, so you can ship it right to her door from Amazon.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I purchased this for my parents that moved from New Jersey to Florida. It's a very heart-warming gift to let them know the love will travel with them. I loved it and so did they. Would definitely buy another."

2
If She Moved Out of State

Homesick Premium Scented Candle

Homesick Premium Scented Candle

For the mom who perhaps moved out of her own state, gift her a little reminder of home with this scented candle. It's available in all 50 states, and each features a unique scent that will bring all the best memories of that location to mind (ex: Southern California has scents of orange, lemon, rose and jasmine).

AMAZON REVIEW: "This candle definitely reminded me of home & my childhood. The scent is perfect. Burning time is amazing."

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3
A Good One for Grandma

Embroidered Sweatshirt

Embroidered Sweatshirt

She can show off her babies thanks to this personalized sweatshirt that will embroider their names or initials on the sleeve. It comes in different colors, and you can get anything put on the front.

AMAZON REVIEW: "Bought this for my sister-in-law who just became a mom of two. She loved it! Great quality and sizing as expected. Nice personalized gift for a mom."

4
A True Long-Distance Gift

Touch Lamp

On Sale
Touch Lamp

A little pricey, but worth it. You'll each keep one of these lamps, and when you want to connect but can't hop on the phone, you'll just touch yours, and hers will light up.

AMAZON REVIEW: "My son lives in another state. This is how I say good morning to him, I’m home or good night, I love you. He loves his lamp almost as much as I do."

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5
She'll Absolutely Love It

Digital Picture Frame

Digital Picture Frame

Named the best value digital picture frame by the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute, you should have it sent to your house first so you can load it up with photos. That way, when she opens it, it's already to display.

AMAZON REVIEW: "Her apartment is crowded with photo frames of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I was able to load many of the same photos to a flash drive, plus digital pics she hadn’t seen in years."

6
SOON TO BE KEEPSAKE

Papier Recipe Journal

On Sale
Papier Recipe Journal

This sweet journal includes pages where she can write down her favorite recipes for each meal (perfect for passing down family staples). It also has a page with measurements and proper conversions, as well as sections where she can list her favorite restaurants and rate them.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I love that it allows you to rate each recipe from 1-5 stars, so you can also use the book almost like a food journal to document new dishes you've tried (even if you don't intend to repeat them)."

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7
Good Gift from Sons

You Are My Sunshine Wood Music Boxes

You Are My Sunshine Wood Music Boxes

They said a mother is a son's first true love. And this sweet music box, which plays "You Are My Sunshine," is the perfect reminder of your unbreakable bond.

AMAZON REVIEW: "It is lovely, and will surely be a keepsake to treasure for years to come."

8
Most Unique Long-Distance Gift

Long Distance Envelopes & Note Cards

Long Distance Envelopes & Note Cards

You may not get the chance to speak with your mom every day, so when she needs to hear from you, these special notes will come in handy. The envelopes are printed with messages like, "Open when you feel like giving up" and "Open when you miss me," which makes them perfect to prompt heartfelt letters that will make your mom feel closer than ever.

ETSY REVIEW: "Great quality for the letter, and love the type face used for the back. I purchased decorated paper separately for writing on and placing into the envelope, and it worked great [just need to measure the size of envelopes if you decide to do this!]."

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9
A Gift From Her Daughter

Jewelry Tray

Jewelry Tray

Sometimes, the smallest gifts can have the biggest impact. It's not only functional (she can put her jewelry or coin in it), but it's also, obviously, very sentimental.

AMAZON REVIEW: "My mother loved it, and she uses it every day for hair ties, jewelry, notes, etc. She loves it."

10
Make It Easier for Her to Visit

Travel Pillow Cool for Neck Support

On Sale
Travel Pillow Cool for Neck Support

If she's a flight away, she deserves to travel with maximum comfort. Gift her this luxe travel pillow, which features built-in neck support.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I am a HUGE fan ... it is comfortable, easy to put on and take off, soft and WARM, which for me, is a big plus as I am always cold on planes. It held my head upright so that I was able to sleep, a true miracle!"

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11
Top Mother's Day Gift on Amazon

Mother-Daughter Bracelet Long Distance

Mother-Daughter Bracelet Long Distance

Engraved with the message "mothers and daughters never truly part, maybe in distance, but never in heart," this stainless steel cuff is the perfect accessory. With over 20,000 positive Amazon reviews, there's no reason not to gift it this Mother's Day.

AMAZON REVIEW: "All you need to clean them is a microfiber cloth without chemicals. You can bathe with it on, and you can wash dishes with it on, and it won’t hurt or effect the bracelet at all. I am very pleased with my purchase," one reviewer noted.

12
So Pretty

Wave Bracelet

Best Seller
Wave Bracelet

What we love about this piece is that only she and you will know the special meaning behind it. Everyone else will just think it's a pretty piece of jewelry.

AMAZON REVIEW: "Beautiful saying and nice bracelet included in a neat little box that can be kept as a keepsake."

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13
A Fun Twist on A Classic Gift

Hoya Tri Color

Hoya Tri Color

Add plant mom to her resume with this Hoya Tri Color plant from Easy Plant. It includes an adorable pot (the color of your choice) that has a built-in self watering system, which will only require her to water once a month. She'll give it the right amount of sunlight, but otherwise, the plant takes care of itself.

14
For the Mom Who Loves to Cook

Recipes By Mail Subscription

Recipes By Mail Subscription

She knows her way around the kitchen, but it's always fun to try out new cuisine. With a six or 12 month subscription, your mom can enjoy replicas of handwritten recipes from historical figures, including Rosa Parks and Emily Dickinson, that will be mailed right to her door.

UNCOMMON GOODS REVIEW: "I was so happy to get the first shipment of the subscription, so I could see what my mom would receive. It's definitely one of a kind and she, as a history buff and avid cooker, absolutely loved it. I have heard from her many times since how cool she thinks it is."

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15
A Truly One-of-a-Kind Gift

Heirloom Video Book

Heirloom Video Book

Select photos from your favorite moments together and let them live on in the perfect montage in this video book. Every time she opens it, she'll be flooded with memories.

HEIRLOOM REVIEW: "My grandmother is always asking me to send her videos of my children, but she doesn’t have traditional means to view them - until now! I was able to mail her memorable and special moments of her great-grandchildren, including my daughter’s first steps, that she might have otherwise missed. This is a great gift for anyone, but especially for those who aren’t on social media and can’t see day to day posts."

16
Best Long-Distance Gift Under $15

Mom, I Wrote a Book about You

On Sale
Mom, I Wrote a Book about You

Her happy tears will flow endlessly when she opens this book. It includes several prompts that will allow you to speak from the heart, and express just how much you love and miss her.

AMAZON REVIEW: "My mom loved this!!!! It made her cry, I gave it to her for Mother's Day, and she goes back to read it every month."

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17
Support Her Hobby

Tea for Two Garden Gift Set

Tea for Two Garden Gift Set

Mothers with a green thumb will think of you each time they tend to their tea plants, and then again when they take a sip of their freshly brewed tea after all of their hard work. This set includes a grow bag, coir, custom foundation, spray bottle, plant nutrients, garden code to redeem plants and two tea brewer mugs.

GARDENUNITY REVIEW: "FYI - their website is easy to navigate, their shipping follow-up flawless, and if you have a question their customer service is immediate and always knowledgeable. I'm a fan and plan to use them again and again."

18
Best Long-Distance Mother's Day Gift Under $10

Floral Greeting and Jigsaw Puzzle Card

On Sale
Floral Greeting and Jigsaw Puzzle Card
Now 12% Off

Puzzle lovers will adore this jigsaw set that allows you to write a personalized message on the back. As they put it together, the message will be revealed, and they can leave it out to display around the house.

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19
Perfect for When You Visit

Maya Angelou Phenomenal Woman Glasses

Maya Angelou Phenomenal Woman Glasses

If she ever needs a reminder of how phenomenal she is, all she has to do is break out this stemless wine glass set that is inscribed with the words from Maya Angelou's famous poem. They are dishwasher safe, but the seller notes that washing by hand will give them the most longevity.

UNCOMMONGOODS REVIEW: "What a lovely reminder of our own strength and inner fortitude. Whether for water, juice, wine or green power drinks, these are PHENOMENAL and something you know they don't already own."

20
Impressive Gift

Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Though it may be a while until you can enjoy one of her home cooked meals, you can still let her know how much they mean to you by upgrading her current pots and pans set.

AMAZON REVIEW: "Food does not stick to pots. However, the pots tend to heat up quickly even in low heat. Even though the handles are metal, they surprisingly do not get hot to touch while cooking. To clean, you'll need to use Ajax or Bar Keepers Friend to keep that new stainless steel look."

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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