Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2025

15 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Katie — Including What She’s Giving Ellie

Katie couric's mother's day gift guide picks

Graphic by KCM

Gift ideas for new moms, empty nesters, and beyond.

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It’s no secret that Katie is our North Star, which makes her a prime source for culling ideas for Mother’s Day gifting. Her knack for pinpointing exactly what someone wants, even if she only met them recently, is nothing short of supernatural.

And while she’s a pro at picking gifts for everyone — we turn to her for fashion, beauty, and home product advice — she really shines when finding treasures for the women in her life. So it’s only natural that we gather her picks for Mother’s Day presents, especially now that she’s “Gogo,” aka a grandmother to Ellie’s first child.

We’ve curated a delightful collection of items that Katie has gifted to loved ones (or herself) in the past. This inclusive roundup has it all, from the cashmere wrap she always travels with to the fancy drinkware she hands out like candy to all of her pals who love to host parties.

Whether the lady you’re shopping for is a skincare aficionado or a new mom who deserves a chic glass of rosé (and a nap), Katie’s list is your one-stop shop. As always, there’s absolutely no judgment if you decide to buy multiples — one to give and one to keep. If anyone asks, just say Katie Couric told you it was OK.

Find even more heartwarming ideas in our Mother’s Day gift guide.

Quince Cashmere Wrap

quince cashmere wrap

Quince

Cashmere wraps are a favorite of Katie’s not only because they make for great gifts, but because they’re so incredibly versatile. Wear one as a scarf or shawl on chilly days, use it as a blanket on long-haul flights, or fold it into a pillow on a long car ride. This one from Quince comes in six colors, and it’s affordable enough that you can buy one for yourself and your giftee.

Mejuri Organic Dome Liquid Letter Pendant

mejuri monogram necklace

Mejuri

Last year, right after baby Jay was born, Katie got Ellie a necklace with his first initial on it, so she’s always got him close to her heart. We’re still fond of the idea a year later, which is why this playful monogram necklace made our list.

Salt Cellar

williams sonoma salt cellar

Williams Sonoma

If they’re still using a plastic salt shaker — or worse, that cardboard cylinder straight from the grocery store — it’s time for a serious upgrade. This wood salt cellar is not only beautiful enough that it can be left out on the counter, but it also comes with a tiny spoon that makes getting a pinch or two very chic and easy. When gifting Katie usually pairs this cellar with a tub of her favorite flaky sea salt from Maldon (you can get more than a pound for just $17), but you could also go wild and give a flavor-infused salt, like one from Jacobsen Salt Co.

Harry & David Royal Verano Pears

pears in box

Harry & David

To let a long-distance loved one know you’re thinking about them, why not send a box of perfectly ripe and juicy pears? Katie can’t get enough of these incredibly sweet gems, and they come individually wrapped in gold foil in a protective wooden box — so you don’t have to worry about them arriving sad and smashed.

Beckett and Quill Chunky Chain Necklace

beckett and quill chunky necklace

Beckett and Quill

You can’t go wrong with a piece of jewelry she’s able to wear everyday, especially when it’s as layerable as this necklace. The chunky paperclip style is timeless, pairs beautifully with other chains, and even allows for a personalized charm if you’re feeling creative. (For new moms, Katie suggests either the baby’s birthstone or first initial.)

Anthropologie Bud Vase

Anthropologie

One of Katie’s go-to hostess gifts? A tiny bud vase with a few stems of fresh flowers from her garden. This petite vessel has an elegant ruffled edge,  and it looks just as good with a single flower as it does with a mini bouquet.

$20 per Vase at Anthropologie

Restaurant or Food Delivery Gift Card

DoorDash

Don’t tell Ellie, but for Mother’s Day, Katie’s planning on giving her a gift card to her favorite restaurant, so she and her husband are forced to have a date night and take a well-deserved break from baby duty. If you aren’t sure about your giftee’s go-to place, a food app delivery gift card is a thoughtful alternative that saves new parents from having to cook dinner while juggling diaper changes and feedings.

Price Varies at DoorDash

Kate McLeod Rose Bath and Shower Oil

kate mcleod pebble

Kate McLeod

A soothing bath can help ease away stress and tension, especially when it includes essential oils that act as aromatherapy. This tablet slowly melts in warm water, releasing moisturizing cocoa butter along with an all-natural rose fragrance. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, including babies’, and can be used directly in the shower if your recipient isn’t one for soaking in the tub.

Orchids

the sill orchid

The Sill

Despite their exotic look and prestigious reputation, orchids are surprisingly easy to care for. As long as they water it every one to two weeks and place this flowering beauty in a spot with indirect light (like sunlight filtered through a curtain or blinds), it’ll thrive for a long, long time.

Eu’Genia Shea Butter

eugenia shea butter unscented

Credo

Shopping for someone you don’t know very well is a challenge, so Katie usually goes with this safe bet: all-natural hand cream. Because it’s unscented, you don’t have to worry about offending your recipient with a particular smell, and it’s ideal for those who have sensitive skin. The ultra-moisturizing formula is particularly perfect for the dry, cracked skin on your hands and feet.

Quince Woven Leather Bag

quince woven leather handbag

Quince

Every stylish woman appreciates a finely crafted handbag, especially one made from soft Italian leather. An adjustable strap means it can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody, and there are three sections to ensure all her belongings stay organized. This one isn’t quite big enough to hold a laptop, but it could definitely stow a tablet or Kindle for easy use while traveling.

Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Scarf

ralph lauren silk scarf

Ralph Lauren

A simple scarf is often underestimated: Not only can it be worn around the neck as an accessory, but it makes an excellent headband, hair tie, bag decoration, or — in a pinch — a bindle for running away from home (kidding!). This one is silk and feels incredibly soft against skin, and it’s lightweight enough to wear in warm weather without making you sweat.

Caroline’s Cakes Seven-Layer Caramel Cake

caroline's caramel cake

Caroline’s Cakes

Heading to a friend’s house to celebrate Mom’s Day? Let them have their cake and you can eat it, too: Made to share, this seven-layer confection is Katie’s favorite sweet treat to bring to parties or send to friends when they need a pick-me-up. Not only is it delicious, but it’s a beautiful sight to behold, too.

Jennifer Fisher 1.5″ Samira Baby Hoops

Jennifer Fisher 1.5" Samira Baby Hoops

Jennifer Fisher

When it comes to jewelry, few pieces go with virtually any outfit quite like a great pair of gold hoop earrings. This Jennifer Fisher pair, which Katie recently acquired, is both a statement-making accessory and a minimalist style that’s sure to please your pickiest of fashionistas. The celeb-backed is favorited by the likes of Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, and, of course, Katie.

Estelle Low Ball Glasses

estelle july low ball glasses

Estelle

After receiving these gorgeous wine glasses from a friend, Katie can’t stop paying it forward and buying them for others. End your hunt for the hostess with the mostest — these colorful stemless cups are the way to go, and they come in eight different color options.