Our Readers Are Shopping for Practical Mother's Day Gifts This Month
This is your sign to get your Mother's Day present today, before it's too late!
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In the Readers' Faves edition of What's In My Cart, we reveal the top products our readers can't stop buying right now, selected from our editors' latest gift recs, trending new launches and the best products tested by Good Housekeeping Institute experts.
My mom is celebrating her 26th Mother’s Day this year – which means I’m up against 25 years of gifts and cards to outdo! But every month, I round up the most popular items Good Housekeeping readers have been shopping in the last 30 days, and this month, our readers' top products happen to also make useful and practical Mother's Day gifts.
In my research, I came across a few trending items resurface from previous months, along with sensible accessories that may help improve mom's day-to-day routine. This month, readers have also been shopping for personalized gifts that add a special touch to her present — some can even be enjoyed with the entire family on May 11!
Apple Apple Airtag
Why we love it too: Apple's compact AirTag is a game-changer for keeping track of your luggage and everyday essentials like your wallet. Our GH experts like that you can easily replace the battery and should be trackable within 800 feet.
Since the AirTag is designed to live within the Apple ecosystem, it isn't ideal for Android users, but you can consult our guide to the best language trackers and tags for other top-tested options.
What shoppers are saying: "I was always losing my keys —whether it was at home, the office or even in the car — and it would take forever to find them. Since I started using the AirTag, I’ve had no more panicked searching," shared one satisfied shopper.
Why we love it too: Help mom relax on Mother's Day with this affordable diffuser set that comes with a glass diffuser bottle, essential oils, preserved baby's breath flowers and eight cotton sticks. It already comes packed with scents like Cashmere Vanilla, Clean Linen, Lavender Thyme and Ocean Breeze.
What shoppers are saying: "This product smells amazing and looks great in the bathroom on my shelf," said one five-star reviewer, adding that, "It isn’t overpowering and doesn’t smell like perfume."
I Wrote a Book About You
Why we love it too: Our editors often recommend personalized books like these to gift special individuals in your life, including your mom. Thanks to two-day Prime shipping, you can receive this book with plenty of time to fill out the prompts before Mother's Day. The cute illustrations inside will only complement your heartfelt entries.
What shoppers are saying: "This really challenges you to become creative, and in turn, makes this book all the more special," said one Amazon shopper.
Maelstrom Travel Backpack
Why we love it too: We have featured this trendy travel backpack in multiple stories over the past two years and it continues to be a top-seller among our readers. It qualifies as a personal item but is incredibly spacious with multiple compartments including a laptop sleeve, water bottle compartment, internal zippered pockets, a shoe compartment and more. It even comes with a crossbody bag.
What shoppers are saying: "The size of the pack is just right for me as it fits my laptop, a set of clothes and some essentials for traveling," said one Amazon shopper.
RELATED: Best Amazon Travel Items That Are Useful for Every Trip
Why we love it too: The Everywhere Belt Bag from Lululemon never goes out of style (and is thus a recurring favorite among readers). Available in 17 colors and patterns, this belt bag features an adjustable strap so you can wear it across your chest or your waist depending on the activity at hand. One tester reported it was more convenient than other bags but still stylish.
WHAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING: "I bought this bag a few years ago, but it still looks just as good," shared one GH analyst.
RELATED: Best Belt Bags and Fanny Packs
Why we love it too: Our best value pick for cloud slides, these slippers come in almost 30 colors and are designed to relieve pressure from your joints. Although the thick sole is a tad chunky, it offers substantial cushion and support. You can place the slippers in the washer machine for easy cleaning too.
What shoppers are saying: "They are so comfortable to wear. They really help if your feet are sore from being on your feet all day," reported one satisfied shopper.
Why we love it too: Bird feeders were a big hit last Mother's Day and the trend seems to be going strong. This model, however, functions as both a bird feeder for your backyard friends as well as a beautiful lantern at night. The feeder has a 2-pound capacity for bird food, and we appreciate that the lantern is designed to withstand rain.
What shoppers are saying: "It's so cute and such a good addition to my yard, comes fully assembled [and] seems very sturdy," said one five-star reviewer.
PROMEED 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Why we love it too: Silk is often equated with luxury — and thus a high price tag. That's why GH experts were impressed by this silk pillowcase from Promeed. In our Lab tests, the pillowcase proved to be shrink-resistant and sweat-wicking. You can choose from a range of solid colors as well as different pillowcase sizes and packs of two.
What testers are saying: One tester described this silk pillowcase as "smooth and more comfortable than the cotton ones I was using."
Urban Kiddy Baby's My First Family Album
Why we love it too: If it's mom's first Mother's Day, this baby-friendly album will encapsulate the year and be fun to look back on (especially during those late nights when baby can't fall asleep). You can fill out the album for mom ahead of her big day or fill it out together as a family activity. A helpful hook lets mom keep the album attached to baby's crib or stroller, or even on her purse.
What shoppers are saying: "Our little one, along with anyone who comes over to visit, loves to look through this album. We live far from family so FaceTiming and looking at photos are high priorities for us," shared an online Amazon shopper.
RELATED: Best First Mother's Day Gifts
Why we love it too: One can never have enough crewneck sweatshirts to pop on a chilly day or to wear while running errands. This simple crew is made special with personalized embroidery along the collar, front or cuff. You can even add all of your siblings' names for a meaningful group gift.
What shoppers are saying: "Got it for my mom for Mother’s Day, she wears it all the time and says it’s so comfy," said one satisfied shopper.
Shop Our Readers' Favorite Products from Month's Past
If you want to jump back in time and see what has been in Good Housekeeping readers' carts in previous months, those shopping guides are in one place for you to check out, below.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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