Illustration: Anais Mims/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Illustration: Anais Mims/The Guardian Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
Fancy stationery, cashmere knits and truly beautiful ceramics … we’ve handpicked 61 thoughtful gifts to spoil the mother figure in your life for Christmas 2026
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Jump to: The best Christmas gifts for mums, grannies, aunties and friends Homewares Stationery Fashion Accessories Beauty Jewellery Food and drink Technology A lot of stuff gets marketed as perfect for mums. But be careful, she really doesn’t want a kegel exerciser in her stocking, nor anything that makes washing up easier, unless you just do it instead of her. Also, beware of joke presents – they end up in the bin.
The perfect present for a mother figure of any age – be that a cherished aunt or beloved granny – is, I think, something either personal (which is where personalisation options can be useful) or an elevated version of something you know she likes that she may not treat herself to. Both take a little time and research, which I’ve done for you here.
Whatever your budget, go for quality over quantity. Size does not matter here, so don’t worry if it looks small, as long as it’s chosen with love. If you can rope in others to pool resources – siblings or cousins, perhaps – it can be worth clubbing together to buy one special thing. Whatever you wrap up, the most important bit will always be a handwritten note telling her just why you value her; that will mean more than anything on this list.
If you’ve been forwarded this by someone – as I heard a lot from my Christmas gift guide for mums last year – take note. They like where this is heading …
View image in fullscreen Martini glass, 220ml x 4
£46 at Amazon The cool mums have moved on from spicy margs and now are all about at-home martinis. I asked the barman at the Dover in Mayfair, London, what glasses were used for its signature martinis, and it’s these Luigi Bormioli ones (they use the Optica fluted style).
View image in fullscreen Toast flannel dressing gown
This is on the expensive side but, as with everything from Toast, I find the quality is exceptional, and you know it will last a lifetime (if it does need repairs, Toast has a free mending service ). The brushed cotton feels incredibly soft, and the cheery pop of orange makes dark mornings a little brighter.
My glug glug jug is a real party piece – named because it actually makes that sound when you pour it. I’ve had my Villa Bologna Pottery one, handmade in Malta, for years, and it looks lovely on the shelf or table.
£14.95 at Amazon For a down-to-earth, nature-lover, the environmentally conscious Cornish-made candle and perfume brand St Eval is a great port of call. My favourite fragrance is the bay and rosemary, and I love that it comes in a little tin, which you can of course reuse.
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Jessica Salter/The Guardian Merino slipper boots
I’ve worn the Small Home slippers for 10 years: they hug your feet like two tiny blankets. I take them when I go away for the weekend, and even when popping to someone’s house for coffee. I had to replace the pair I wore to hospital when my daughter was born, but I can’t blame the brand for that; my new pair are still going strong five years later. The sizing options make them easy t…