Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Twenty thoughtful presents to spoil Mom (without spending a fortune)

This Mother’s Day (it’s May 8, by the way), grabbing a corner-store bouquet on the way to dinner—which, let’s face it, mom probably cooked—isn’t going to cut it. Though most mothers will dutifully ooh and aah over your feeble attempt at crafting a Pinterest-worthy card, it’s worth planning ahead to guarantee a more genuine reaction—without breaking the bank, of course. Here, 20 gifts she’s sure to adore, all for less than $100.

A set of plates from local maker Said the King are printed with cheeky post-dinner directions like “burps, maintains eye contact.” $25 each (or $95 for a set of four). Saidtheking.com.

Local flower delivery service Tonic Blooms collaborated with chocolatier Brandon Olsen to elevate the classic flowers-and-chocolates combo. The box comes with pretty pink tulips and an ombré chocolate bar that contains hazelnuts, coffee beans, toffee bits and Mexican chilies. Bonus: it can be delivered in two hours. $50. Tonicblooms.com.

Your mom may already have a watering can, but she probably doesn’t have one that’s shaped like a poodle. (And yes, it’s necessary.) $22. Drakegeneralstore.com.

Before you grab some random sparkling wine, remember that moms like beer, too. Left Field Brewery’s seasonal Sunlight Park saison is brewed with honey malt and tons of grapefruit zest. Recommended food pairings: lobster rolls, crab cakes and smoked sausage. $6.50. Leftfieldbrewery.ca.

And know what goes well with great beer? Great coasters, that’s what. These ones are painted with vibrant portraits of Frida Kahlo. $12. Available at Hopson Grace.

This hand-painted clay planter is perfect for pretty flowers or random trinkets (and it’s guaranteed to get a giggle). $85. Easytigergoods.com

This chalkboard clock lets time-pressed moms create their own quirky schedules, for example, “quiet time” or “wine-o-clock.” $55. Oneofakindonlineshop.com

Dog-obsessed mothers will adore these super-cute greeting cards from Rifle Paper Co. $16. Pulpfunction.com.

If anyone deserves to lounge about in a feminist sweatshirt, it’s mom. (Also: 25 per cent of the proceeds of this Otherwild piece go to Planned Parenthood.) $80. Drakegeneralstore.ca.

Asymmetrical candle holders designed by Vancouverite Lukas Peet for Umbra Shift have interchangeable bases and cones, for custom combinations. $30. Umbrashift.com.

The cocktail-making mom can sling drinks in style with this brass pitcher. $98. Oldfaithfulshop.com.

Mules: the comfortably stylish trend all moms can get on board with. (These ones are made with vegan leather.) $98. Oakandfort.com.

Family dinners are about to get a little more animated: this fun package comes with 100 conversation starters. $40. Bibelotandtoken.com.

La Merceria’s simple chimichurri recipe—handmade with parsley, olive oil, garlic, vinegar and salt—is a deliciously versatile pantry staple. $12. Lamerceria.ca.

Province Apothecary’s sweetgrass braid, an herb known as “the hair of Mother Earth,” can be burned (or “smudged”) to summon positive energy. $12. Healthhutboutique.com.

For the iCal-averse mom, this trio of planners will ensure she stays on top of her busy schedule. $12. Easytigergoods.com.

These crystal earrings with dangling flowers have just the right balance of elegance and sparkle. $64. Jcrew.com.

Since all moms are safety-first champions, she’s sure to go wild for these clip-on LED reflectors. $10. Northwoodgeneral.ca.

H&M Home’s Conscious tablecloth is made from organic cotton, and features a playful spring print for livening up that patio set. $30. Hm.com.

This shoe-shaped ceramic pot is a whimsical way to house air plants and succulents. $50. Brika.com.