
Mother's Day: A Gift Guide as Versatile as She Is
Posted by Sarah @ PIA on Apr 15th 2025
Mother’s Day is around the corner, and if you’re looking for something a little more personal than the usual flowers and candle routine, we’ve got you. Moms come in all kinds—gardeners, journalers, readers, artists, adventurers—and we pulled together a gift guide with that in mind.
Each pick in this list was chosen with a specific kind of mom (or mom-figure) in mind, inspired by those in our own lives. Whether she’s just entered motherhood or is halfway through her third novel of the week, there’s something here that might feel just right.
For the mom who’s always jotting things down—whether it’s note-taking or making the world’s most organized to-do list—The Wren from Tom’s Studio is a thoughtful upgrade. It’s a refillable, well-made pen that feels great in the hand and writes like a dream, without the waste of disposable pens.
Crafted from anodized aluminum and designed to last, it’s both beautiful and practical. The Wren comes with a precise Japanese-made tip, a sample of inky Midnight, and everything she needs to start writing right away. Bonus: it pairs with most fountain pen inks, so she can refill it again and again.
Shop Tom's Studio The Wren Refillable Pen
For the Corresponder
For the mom who still sends real mail (and does it beautifully), these Pepin Press letter writing sets make a really lovely gift. Each set includes 40 sheets of writing paper in four designs, matching envelopes, and a mix of stickers and labels to add a little extra flair. It all comes in a sturdy box that feels special right out of the gate.
Whether she leans botanical, loves vintage florals, or is all about that 1920s Deco vibe, there’s a design that’ll suit her style. And everything’s made in the Netherlands using FSC-certified paper, so it feels good in more ways than one.
Shop Pepin Press Letter Writing Sets
For the Cook
For the mom who feels most at home in the kitchen, these Cavallini aprons are a great mix of practical and pretty. They’ve got an adjustable neck strap (with a wooden button that’s actually cute), roomy front pockets for recipes or tools, and they’re made from sturdy cotton that can handle the messier side of cooking.
Design-wise, they’re far from boring. Go with Herbarium for a moody, botanical vibe, Citrus if she’s into bright, zesty tones, or Color Wheel if she likes a splash of art in everything she does. Each one comes in a little muslin bag, which makes it feel gift-ready without needing much else.
For the Gardener
For the mom who loves to dig in the dirt and make something beautiful out of it, Papermaking with Garden Plants & Common Weeds is a perfect cross between craft and garden time. It’s a beginner-friendly guide to turning things like flower stems, bark, and even weeds into one-of-a-kind handmade paper—no fancy studio setup required.
Helen Hiebert walks you through the process with clear, illustrated steps and a calm, encouraging tone that makes it all feel doable. It’s part how-to, part inspiration, and totally satisfying for someone who finds joy in growing, making, and experimenting with what’s already around them.
Shop Papermaking with Garden Plants & Common Weeds by Helen Hiebert
For the New Mom
For the new mom who’s juggling a million things but still wants to sneak in a little creative time—or hand a crayon to tiny hands without worry—STABILO Woody pencils are a solid pick. They’re chunky, vibrant, and super versatile: part colored pencil, part crayon, part watercolor. You can even draw on windows (and yep, it washes right off).
These work great on all kinds of surfaces and are just as fun for grownups as they are for kids. The Duo versions have two colors in one tip, which feels like a small but delightful magic trick, and the pastels are surprisingly rich even on darker paper. Easy to hold, fun to use, and mess-friendly—honestly, kind of ideal for a busy household.
Shop STABILO Woody 3-in-1
Shop STABILO Woody 3-in-1 DUO
For the Journaler
If she’s the kind of person who keeps a notebook close at hand—whether for journaling, sketching, brainstorming, or making sense of a long day—the Leuchtturm1917 120G Edition is a great fit. The paper is smooth, thick enough to handle most pens (even fountain pens), and designed to keep each mark crisp without bleeding through. It’s structured, but not rigid, with features like numbered pages, a blank table of contents, and two ribbon bookmarks to help keep things organized without getting in the way.
Pair it with a matching pen loop so her favorite writing tool is always within reach. It sticks right to the back cover and stretches to hold everything from a mechanical pencil to a watercolor brush. Simple, smart, and super practical.
Shop Leuchtturm Journals
Shop Leuchtturm Pen Loops
For the Traveler
For the mom who’s always on the move, this handmade leather wrap is a solid travel companion. It’s thoughtfully designed with a mix of slots and a zippered pouch to hold a little bit of everything, whether she’s heading out on a big trip or just to the park with her sketchbook.
The outside is tie-dyed by hand so every wrap looks a little different, and the leather is soft but sturdy—meant to get better with age. They're made in the U.S. from ethically sourced materials and dyed with natural pigments, so it’s not just beautiful, it’s also responsibly made. Available in cream, green, or purple. Heads up: quantities are limited!
Shop Artisan Journal Cover Wrap
For the Reader
For the mom who always has a book in her bag (or three), this Cavallini library-themed tote is a solid pick. It’s made from sturdy cotton canvas, has an interior pocket for small essentials, and features vintage-style illustrations that feel like a nod to old card catalogs and cozy reading nooks. Big enough for a library haul, a blanket, and a snack—just in case she’s planning to stay awhile.
Pair it with the brass Esterbrook nib bookmark for a quiet little detail she’ll actually use. It’s slim, simple, and adds just a hint of shine while keeping her place between chapters.
Shop Cavallini & Co Library Tote
Shop Esterbrook Nib Bookmark