7 Gift Ideas For Mom Based On Your Core Memory Together

Some recos if you want to skip the flowers and chocolates this year ;)

Published on May 10, 2025

PHOTO: Penny Pairs, Rustan's

It's that time of the year again when we go extra in honoring that special person who's continually mothered—literally and figuratively.

With all the Mother's Day-themed items that lure last-minute shoppers into the stores, plus the overwhelming promos and packages that don’t exactly mix well with indecisiveness, it's easy to feel confused with what really makes a great gift. After all, moms deserve a gift idea that isn't just pulled out of thin air. If the personal brainstorming session isn't going well, here's your sign to go back to the basics: What if the best gift idea stems from your usual bonding activity?

There's nothing more thoughtful than a gift inspired by your common denominator—it aces two love languages at once (a.k.a. gift giving and quality time!) to boot. What is something your mom not only can actually use, but will remind her of your existing core memories, and maybe prompt future ones, too?

What To Give Mom For Mother's Day Based On What You Love Doing Together

If you both love: Being competitive early birds for a Sunday run

Groove Activewear Tank Bra And Compressive Leggings

Here's a universal truth: No one else can motivate us better in being a morning person than our moms. Through some cosmic miracle, they've already ticked off half of their to-do list by the time we wake up. Meanwhile, we're ranting on our Finsta about how 8 a.m. meetings should be illegal. On weekends, though, you're a competitive duo hitting those Strava goals—which makes activewear shopping a total treat. Why not add something new to your mom’s athleisure rotation?

Get her a combination of Groove Activewear's OG tank bra and compressive leggings, which come in a vast range of colors and sizes, and—according to the Filipino brand—are made of 78% recycled polyester. Created for low to medium intensity workouts, they're comfy, cute, and versatile enough to be a 'fit even when it's time to cool down at a nearby cafe. The best part? The bottoms have pockets! *heart eyes emoji*

If you both love: Random perfume-sniffing at the mall

REPLICA Afternoon Delight

FragTok high-key began taking over our lives. When you doomscroll, you'd realize that gourmand fragrances are hotter than ever. More of our favorite celebs are extending their world through perfumes, too. But let's reject modernity and embrace tradition—sort of—for a while: Sniffing random scents at the mall just hits different. It's a peculiar pasttime that can feel as exhilarating as opening a blind box toy.

If this sounds like a usual thing between you and your mom, an immaculate bottle of perfume like Maison Margiela REPLICA’s Afternoon Delight might be a great Mother's Day present. Sweet vanilla vibes? Check. Sandalwood notes? Check. Light feel? Check. According to the product description, it's also crafted for "me time" and "joyful escapism." Well, aren't those fitting for her special day?

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If you both love: Performing DIY makeovers at home

Let's Dye It MNL Mystical Hair Dyes On-The-Go Kit

This one's for the moms who made sure their kids had well-ironed out uniforms and a fun 'do (whether they're braids or ponytails) before heading to school. It's time to return the magic. You don’t need a trip to the salon if you have Let's Dye It MNL's Mystical Hair Dyes On-The-Go Kit.

Whether she wants to sport a Scarlet Red look or pick a more playful color in Baby Green, the locally made hair dye is easy to apply. The package also includes gloves, bleaching powder, lightening cream, color developer, vitamin E hair capsules, and keratin repair treatment for the aftercare essentials. Earn additional quality time points if you decide to dye your mom's hair at home—or, she can do the same to you!

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If you both love: Guilt-free binge-watching Bridgerton, Bling Empire, or Emily in Paris

Penny Pairs Mama Gold Necklace

Nothing beats the euphoria of plopping on the living room sofa, grabbing a snack, and having a little watch party with your mom. I mean, who else gets so frank in commenting about flawed characters and being as invested in the plotline as you

If you and your mom specifically love binge-watching shows peppered with the glitz and glamor (or simply the pretty things) maybe she'd love something in that vein as well. Consider a visit to local jewelry brand Penny Pairs if you’re looking for something sentimental, long-lasting, and elegant. And get this: They actually have a "Mama"-themed pendant, making your gift more intentional. Made of 14k gold following a paperclip pattern, this necklace is easy to layer with other accessories and infuses a subtle dainty feel.

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If you both love: Collecting cute little trinkets, because why not?

Charles & Keith Ally Ruched Slouchy Knotted Bag & Fruit Charms Set - Mint Sorbet

Being "too old" for cutesy stuff is just a myth. If your mom is a certified collector of all things quirky, imagine how surprised she'll be if she unwraps this bag from Charles & Keith? This woven bag in collaboration with jewelry brand YVMIN looks good enough to eat, thanks to its mint-sorbet green color that's easy on the eyes and fruit charms that can inject pizzazz to any outfit. Apart from its head turner attributes, it's also easy to carry and match with various kinds of outfits, whether you're wrapping up Mother's Day with a fancy dinner or a casual outdoor stroll.

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If you both love: Getting busy in the kitchen for pasta nights

KitchenAid Pasta Sheet Roller Stand Mixer Attachment

If your mom loves getting deeply involved in food prep (and I mean every detail), get her a new go-to device for the next pasta nights in the pipeline. Instead of buying pre-packaged pasta, KitchenAid Pasta's Roller (attached to a Stand Mixer) can help her make fresh pasta from scratch. This means she has more liberty in choosing healthier and more flavorful ingredients, plus it's a pretty creative exercise. Kitchen recipes are often part of the family heirloom—and this may just be your cameo.

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If you both love: Increasing your dopamine levels after a good spa day

Innisfree Isle Number Body Lotion (Seize The Moment)

POV: Aligning your schedule with your mom feels like aligning with a long-distance best friend's. This is why spa dates are extra special; you're able to have undisturbed quiet time to share the latest life updates. Thinking of channeling the same vibe through your Mother's Day present? Innisfree's Seize The Moment variant of the Isle Number Body Lotion will not only bring the spa-like atmosphere but also the scent of a lush "green tea forest." It's silky, refreshing, and crafted with vegan formulations as well!

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