Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 14th, for those who need a reminder). I’ve always found gift-giving for this holiday particularly difficult. How can a mere gift show your mother, or the mother figures in your life, how much you appreciate them? This week in the Women’s Ivy column, I’m sharing five gifts the women in your lives will love and cherish long after the holiday. (And if you happen to be shopping for other occasions, you can read my go-to gift guide for men here on Ivy Style, and find a very extensive gift guide for everyone on my blog.)

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 14th, for those who need a reminder). I’ve always found gift-giving for this holiday particularly difficult. How can a mere gift show your mother, or the mother figures in your life, how much you appreciate them? Today in the Women’s Ivy column, I’m sharing five gifts the women in your lives will love and cherish long after the holiday. (And if you happen to be shopping for other occasions, you can read my go-to gift guide for men here on Ivy Style, and find a very extensive gift guide for everyone on my blog.)

Tickets for a Special Event

My mother’s birthday often fell on Mother’s Day, so finding a good present was doubly hard! One year I bought us tickets to see Fleetwood Mac in concert and that evening was perhaps our most memorable shared experience. They were one of her favorite bands and happened to be playing nearby on May 10th–the day of her birthday and Mother’s Day. For the rest of her life she talked about that concert any time we heard a Fleetwood Mac song play–she’d even tell strangers if one came on while we were at the grocery store!

A Silk Scarf

While in some ways this amounts to the female equivalent of receiving a tie, silk scarves are wonderful gifts because they are so versatile. Whether you have a uniform or a varied wardrobe, a scarf can add a nice touch to any outfit. In addition to Hermès, I love the offerings from Janie Kruse Garnett and Grey Hall Design, and eagerly await By Merryn’s new silk scarves.

A Pearl Necklace

For a very special Mother’s Day gift, a piece of jewelry is an excellent choice… as long as it’s the right piece. Here’s a tip–I don’t know any woman who likes heart-shaped jewelry. Look for something classic, like a pearl necklace, instead. Pearls may not feel specific to Mother’s Day, but I promise you this gift will be worn often. This is the necklace I have; it’s a timeless piece that has been worn for decades, first by my mother and now by me. For a more budget-friendly option, try a pearl pendant necklace, like these two from Tiffany’s.

An Enamel Box to Start or Add to a Collection

My grandmother had a large collection of beautiful enamel boxes marking nearly every occasion. Giving your loved one such a box is a wonderful way to start or add to a collection. Scully & Scully has a large selection, and they have several specific to Mother’s Day.

A “Forever” Piece of Clothing

My approach to gift-giving is to select a practical yet luxurious item the recipient wouldn’t usually buy for themselves. Some of the things I’ve loved to give are elegant pajamas, a beautiful robe, a new favorite sweater, and cashmere socks. It shows that you understand your loved one’s taste, and isn’t that a good way to show you care about them?

This article was written by me and originally published on Ivy Style as part of my Women’s Ivy column. I retain ownership of all text and images included in the original column.