A Better Mother’s Day Gift List, Courtesy of Nordstrom’s Beauty Director

Mother’s Day is just around the corner—if you’re shopping for your mom, grandma, godmother or another mother figure in your life, now’s the time to lock in a gift. Rather than opting for flowers or chocolate, consider a beauty gift this year—it’s thoughtful, practical and feels a bit more personal. A skin-care set, makeup staple or hair-care upgrade is the kind of present she’ll actually use (and appreciate).

If you’re not sure where to start, Nordstrom is a solid place to browse, especially for beauty. Autumne West, the retailer’s national beauty director, shares a curated edit of her favorites for the holiday, spanning skin care, makeup and more. Whether you’re shopping for a mother figure with mature skin or someone who likes to switch things up, there’s something below she’ll genuinely love. Ahead, her shopping tips and the best Mother’s Day beauty gifts to consider.

What Shoppers Are Buying This Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, it’s all about experiences. “We’re seeing a real pull toward gifting rituals over single products,” says West. “People want to give mom an experience, something she can sink into, like a body-care routine, a fragrance wardrobe or a wellness moment.”

Alongside experiences, beauty sets are gaining traction over standalone items. “Sets and curated collections are having a serious moment because they feel generous and intentional at the same time,” says West. Personalization is also top of mind. “People want the gift to feel like it was made for her specifically, not just picked up,” she adds. Customizable touches add that extra layer that makes a gift feel more personal—and less last-minute.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Mother’s Day Gift

It sounds simple, but when you’re shopping for a Mother’s Day gift, start by putting yourself in her shoes. “Think about how she lives, not just what she likes,” West says. That’s what makes a gift feel tailored, not generic. “A mom who’s always on the go needs something she’ll actually use,” she adds. “A mom who loves quiet mornings at home? Give her something that makes that ritual feel special.”

Simply put, “the best gifts meet her where she is.”

The Best Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts at Nordstrom

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This set “is such a thoughtful one for a new or expecting mom,” says West. “Everything in it is clean, safe and genuinely feels like a treat—it’s the kind of gift that says, ‘you deserve to take care of yourself too.’”

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“Jo Malone’s Fresh & Floral Cologne Trio is one of my favorites because it takes the pressure off,” says West. “If your mom loves fragrance, but you can never quite nail down her ‘one,’ this gives her three gorgeous options to layer and play with.”

Jo Malone London Fresh & Floral Cologne Trio Gift Set

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Carolina Herrera’s “customizable balm resonates so much,” says West. “It’s a little piece of jewelry for your bag that’s also a beauty essential.” Start by choosing a balm, then a case and finish with a charm to create a fully customized gift for mom.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Mini Tint Lip Balm Refill

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The Oak Essentials Body Routine Set is a perfect example of a gift for a mom who loves a spa day but can’t get away. “It’s the kind of gift that feels indulgent but also incredibly thoughtful,” says West, adding that “it’s a full head-to-toe ritual she can come back to again and again.”