Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Someone Grieving the Loss of Their Mom
Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration, but for many, it’s also a day marked by grief and quiet heartbreak. Whether your mother has passed, you're estranged, or you’re navigating a complicated relationship, this holiday can stir up waves of emotion that are hard to put into words. While the world is busy with brunch reservations and flower deliveries, you might be just trying to get through the day without falling apart.
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule or take holidays off. Whether your loss is fresh or years in the making, this time of year can bring a sharp ache and a longing to feel close to her again.
As a licensed therapist, I’ve sat with countless clients in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. Some question why they feel “off,” while others brace themselves for a holiday that reopens old wounds. That’s the thing about grief — it shows up whether we expect it or not.
You may have a loved one navigating Mother’s Day for the first time without their mom or a friend who tears up at grocery store flower displays even years later. If you're looking for a gentle way to support someone who’s grieving, this curated list of therapist-recommended gifts is a place to start.

Lumeloom Scented Soy Wax Candle — Sympathy Gifts for Loss of Loved Ones

Motherless Daughters, by Hope Edelman

Hardcore Grief Recovery, by Steve Case
Why navigate grief alone when you can have a no-nonsense guide by your side? Hardcore Grief Recovery by Steve Case offers raw, honest support for those walking through the hardest parts of loss. From practical tools and personal reflections to short exercises with zero sugarcoating, this book meets anyone where they are. It’s not about fixing grief; it’s about surviving it with truth, humor, and heart. Think of it as a tough-loving friend who gets what you’re going through.

Talkspace
When grief feels all-consuming, having access to professional emotional support can make a world of difference. Talkspace connects users with licensed therapists through messaging, video, or phone sessions — all from the comfort of home. Its subscription-based pricing and wide variety of therapists allows anyone to find the right fit for them as they navigate the uncertainty of grief and loss.

The Dinner Party
Grief can feel isolating, but finding a community that understands makes a difference. The Dinner Party connects people in their twenties, thirties, and early forties who have experienced significant loss. The peer-led groups foster real conversations and lasting friendships, creating a place to share their story without judgment.

Nature’s Truth Lavender Essential Oil Roll-On

Seed Bloom Plantable Seed Paper, 48 pieces
Imagine having a moment of peace and remembrance that grows with time. The Seed Bloom Plantable Seed Paper allows anyone to create a living tribute to a loved one, turning grief into growth. These heart-shaped and butterfly-shaped seed papers are embedded with wildflower seeds. As they bloom, they can symbolize hope and renewal with nature’s healing touch. It’s a perfect way to honor someone’s loss without words.

Memorial Wind Chimes

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief

The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion

Sunny Health & Fitness Neoprene 10 lb Dumbbell Set
Grief has a way of pausing life and reshaping our priorities, especially around Mother’s Day, a time that can amplify the ache of loss. After a loss, many find themselves reassessing their health, routines, and values. A 10-pound neoprene dumbbell set provides a way for anyone to use physical movement to their advantage. Whether used for stress relief or strength-building, this gift is an affordable opportunity for someone to prioritize their health in a heavy season.

Manduka The Commuter Yoga Bag

Dearfoams Women’s Fireside Cairns Sherling Sandal Slipper
The Dearfoams Women's Fireside Cairns Shearling Slide Sandal Slipper supplies warmth and softness when the world feels heavy. With a plush shearling lining and effortless slip-on design, a moment of self-care has never been easier to access. Available in four stylish colors, these slippers blend relaxation with a personal touch, offering a small but meaningful way to cope during a season of loss.

EveryPlate
Grief has a way of stealing your appetite and your energy. Even thinking about what to make for dinner can feel like too much. EveryPlate takes that weight off with no-fuss, budget-friendly meals that show up at the door ready to be made with minimal effort. Preportioned ingredients and simple recipes create an easy, nearly mindless mealtime. There’s no need to stare blankly into the fridge wondering what goes together. Because sometimes, the kindest thing you can offer someone in grief is one less decision to make.

Lovepop Orchid Bouquet

21" Boxwood Artificial Wreath
Household plants may not be the best choice to gift someone in the depths of grief. Designed for indoor use, this ready-to-hang wreath adds a touch of serenity to any room without the extra maintenance. With its lush green leaves and simple circular design, an artificial wreath symbolizes the cycle of life. The boxwood leaves appear to flourish throughout the seasons, honoring grief throughout the year.

Engraved Wooden Pocket Watch for Men

Remembrance Teddy Bear Made From Clothing

CR Gibson Ruled Journal

Muzlife White Wood Shadow Box With Linen Back
Looking for a way to hold onto memories without feeling burdened? This Muzlife White Wood Shadow Box is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to create a personal tribute to their mom. Whether it’s a favorite photo, a piece of jewelry, or a handwritten note, this shadow box lets you keep those precious mementos front and center. It’s like creating a memory wall but way more intimate and way less cluttered. The weight of grief might be more aesthetically pleasing if it has a linen back.
Doctors Preferred High Potency Magnesium Glycinate, 60 ct
Why Trust Everyday Health

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Author
Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C, is a clinician specializing in reproductive mental health care in Wichita, Kansas, and an experienced freelance health writer. Her articles have covered topics such as mental health, pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum health, abortion care, the foster care system and adoption, women's health, and the care of children with disabilities. Her work has been published in Health, Parents, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Health.
Riley served as the communications director for the Kansas State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, an organization that aims to promote the awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting parents, families, and caregivers and she remains a member of this organization. She is also the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and a private practice, Holding New Therapy, that specializes in perinatal mental health.
She received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Friends University, where her thesis focused on the relationship stressors that can arise with child-bearing couples. She also received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.
In her free time, Riley enjoys reading voraciously, baking with rambunctious toddlers, and writing poetry.
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