Whether you live across the country or just across the county from dear old mom, you probably want to send more than a text.
No matter what’s keeping you and mom apart this Mother’s Day, there are lots of ways to show her you love and miss her on May 12 — and you can do it without breaking the bank.
To help, we put together a list of 25 Mother’s Day gifts under $20 you can order online. That $20 cap includes shipping for these picks — and some items even qualify for free delivery.
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Mother’s Day Gifts to Get Her Outside
Fresh air, movement and flowers — all three make a lovely way to celebrate mom.
1. Pickleball Glove
Pickleball is one of the trendiest casual sports right now. If your mom’s into it, grab her a name-brand pickleball glove on Amazon for roughly $17–$20. If you have Prime, shipping is free, so you stay within budget.
2. Perennial Flower Bulbs
Is your mom a gardening enthusiast?
Give her a gift that keeps returning with annual bulbs. Plant them once and they’ll come back season after season. Bulbs that require a cold spell to bloom (iris, daffodils, tulips) are usually planted in fall so they emerge in spring. The following bulbs can be planted in spring and will bloom later in the summer.
Gladiolus Flower Bulbs
Gladiolus are striking and you can get a generous quantity on a budget. Pick a color and order a bag in mixed bright colors or purple for about $14 on Walmart. Shipping is free.
Lily Flower Bulbs
You can get around three lily bulbs for less than $20. Options from Walmart sellers include Pink Tiger Lilies and Beverly Dreams Orienpet Lilies.
Prices range from about $18.50 to $19.50 and include free shipping.
3. Gift Card to a Local Garden Center
If mom doesn’t have room for a garden but loves plants and bouquets, consider sending a $20 gift card to a nearby garden center.
One perk: shopping after Mother’s Day often means clearance markdowns on leftover inventory, so she can stretch that card even further.
4. Indoor Planters
Maybe mom already has enough greenery. What she may appreciate is a pretty planter for indoor use. This copper gravity planter from MissPlantyPants on Etsy is attractive. The 4-inch size is $18.99; larger sizes cost more. Shipping is free.
5. Butterfly Habitat
Butterfly kits are often aimed at kids, but adults can enjoy them too. This set from Target is $14.49 and includes a habitat plus a voucher for live caterpillars (which ship separately). Your purchase may qualify for free shipping.
Mom can watch caterpillars form chrysalises and transform into butterflies, then release them outdoors. Send a card with a corny metaphor about how she helped you blossom for extra smiles.
Sweets & Culinary Mother’s Day Gifts
Treats and confections are classic budget-friendly Mother’s Day gifts under $20. And if mom loves cooking, celebrate that talent with a foodie-themed present.
6. Personalized Recipe Cards
Mom’s recipes are in demand. Order a set of personalized recipe cards on Etsy so she gets proper credit for her kitchen creations. This set costs $9 plus about $4 for U.S. shipping.
7. Heart-Shaped Pan
Consider this heart-shaped pan from Neoflam on Amazon. Whether she’s making pancakes or eggs, she’ll like the raised handle and smooth ceramic surface. It’s about $16.80 (sometimes discounted) and ships free with Prime.
8. Fruit Infusion Water Bottle
This fruit-infuser water bottle is ideal for making flavored water on the move. It’s $16.75 on Amazon and ships free with Prime.
9. Chocolate
Surprisingly, you can buy quality chocolate for under $20. The Rainbow Tasting Pack from Tony’s Chocolonely includes six bars and costs $12.95 plus shipping, or you can get it for about $9.99 on Amazon with Prime shipping. This maker also has single bars and options for custom wrappers.
10. Delivery from a Local Bakery
Ask mom what her favorite local bakery treats are, then arrange delivery for Mother’s Day. It’s a meaningful gift and a way to support small businesses near her.
If delivery fees push you over $20, consider curbside pickup or having her grab it in person.
Self-Care Gifts for Mother’s Day
We could all use more self-care. Help mom unwind with these calming gift ideas.
11. Comfortable Sleep Mask
Help mom sleep more soundly. This satin sleep mask from Kitsch on Amazon costs $17.99 and ships free with Prime.
12. Amber Soap Bar
This amber soap bar from Organically Bath & Beauty runs about $17.59 including shipping to mom.
13. Whipped Sugar Scrub
This Raw Sugar whipped polish will help mom unwind with rose-scented exfoliation. It’s $13.99 at Target, and you can get it to her via free shipping with Target Circle 360, or pick it up and mail it yourself.
You can also use Target’s Pickup or Drive Up services at a nearby store.
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14. Luxe Face Masks
MWBotanical offers natural clay face masks on Etsy. Choose treatments like Calm, Purify, Refresh and more. Each mask is $5.29, or grab a three-pack for $13.99. U.S. shipping is typically around $6.
15. Aromatherapy Humidifier
If mom loves essential oils, consider this oil diffuser from Amazon features eight color light options and an auto shutoff. It’s listed at $15.99 and ships free for Prime members.
16. Mother’s Day Coloring Book
Give mom a chance to de-stress with this Mother’s Day coloring book on Amazon. Pages showcase delicate floral and nature designs.
This is one of our favorite affordable Mother’s Day gifts under $20 at just $8.54 — and Prime members get free shipping.
17. Stylish Reading Glasses
Help her try a fresh color or frame she hasn’t worn before. You can never have too many pairs of readers.
Consider a 5-pack of reading glasses on Amazon in assorted colors for about $13.99 with free Prime shipping.
18. White Noise Machine
If her sleep cycle is off, a white noise machine can improve rest. Sharper Image’s Sound Soother Revo is $14.99 at Target. Ship free with Target Circle 360, a Red Card, or use in-store pickup.
19. Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet
This gold diffuser bracelet set is $16.99 and ships free with Prime. The locket-style bracelet includes eight felt pads for swapping scents and comes packaged with four 10ml oils: lemongrass, tea tree, peppermint and orange.
Sentimental Mother’s Day Gifts
These thoughtful, mom-focused gifts are perfect for celebrating shared memories and family moments.
20. Tell Me Your Story Book (Grandma Edition)
This is a sweet idea if your mom has grandchildren. Have them give her this memory journal. It’s available in paperback for $11.77 or hardcover for $19.99 (the hardcover could push you slightly over budget after tax). Prime members get free shipping.
21. Tell Me Your Story Book (Mom Edition)
No kids? No problem — there’s a version of the journal for children to give to their moms. This daily memory journal is about $12, with free shipping for Prime members.
22. You & Me Mom Journal
Want to make the memory exchange a two-way activity?
This You & Me Mom journal from Uncommon Goods is designed to be passed back and forth between you and your mom. Each page contains prompts that encourage reflection on your shared memories. It’s about $13 and should land close to $20 after shipping.
23. Photo Book
Few things make moms happier than photos of kids and grandkids. Photo books can be a hassle to assemble or come with hidden shipping fees.
A simple workaround is to make a book with Google Photos. You can pull pictures straight from your Google account and create a 20-page softcover photo book for $14.99 with no shipping charge.
24. Photo Puzzle
Combine two favorites — photos and puzzles. Choose an image and NannyGoatsCloset on Etsy will turn it into a personalized puzzle starting at $13.99 plus about $4.40 shipping.
25. And Then There’s … Cash
When in doubt, money is a solid fallback for inexpensive Mother’s Day gifts under $20. If your budget is tight, consider sending cash as a gift card or check rather than loose bills. Include a heartfelt note or card to make it personal.
If you’re also shopping for blooms, consider ordering mothers day flowers to complement any of these budget-friendly ideas.
Pittsburgh-based writer Mara Ellis is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of “The Feminist Financial Handbook.” She regularly contributes to Savinly.
