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Here's what experts — our actual moms — say they want for Mother's Day

We went straight to the source.
Kara Birnbaum/ TODAY

Mother's Day is right around the corner, which means it's crunch time for finding the perfect gift. Our moms deserve the world, but let's face it, they're sometimes impossible to shop for. The perfect gift is equal parts thoughtful and practical, and those products can seem few and far between.

Sometimes the best way to figure out the perfect gift for Mom is simply to ask her — so that's exactly what we did. The Shop TODAY team asked our moms to give us their Mother's Day wishlist, and they were all too happy to oblige.

We hope their picks will spark some inspiration for the moms and motherly figures in your life!

What moms actually want for Mother's Day

Tiny Tags 14K Gold Plated Mama Bear Chain Necklace

For a sweet and sentimental gift that won't break the bank, this necklace is perfect.

"I'm a huge Tiny Tags fan and they just launched in Target," Editor Julie Ricevuto gushes. "I'll be getting this mama bear necklace for all the moms in my life (my own mom included!)."

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

"I'm also going to get my mom the VB Beauty Bitten Lip Tint since she's always looking for a lip product that'll give her lips color without looking too bold or accentuating lip lines," Ricevuto explains. "She's mentioned this one to me and after trying it out myself, it definitely fits the bill for her."

Wearable Hummingbird Feeder

This fun gift is sure to be a hit with any avid bird-watchers out there.

"My mom loves hummingbirds and while we have a lot of hanging feeders, I've been looking to get her something she can wear (à la Spencer Pratt)," Associate Editor Vivien Moon says. "I think this is might be my best bet."

Cushionaire Women's Hip Genuine Suede Pull On Boot

If mom wants comfort this year for Mother's Day, feel free to copy Assistant Partnerships Editor Lauren Witonsky and snag her these affordable and stylish shoes.

"I got her a pair of Cushionaire boots since I love mine so much!" Witonsky shares. "She's retiring at the end of the month, so I wanted to get her comfy shoes to replace her work heels."

Ruggable Iris Apfel Birds of a Feather Aqua Rug

"My mom is very, what the kids would call 'extra,'" says Deputy Editorial Director Alexandra Deabler. "She has a full-on 'bird room,' which is just an office decorated completely with hanging birds. (Think like the Tiki Room in Disneyland, but more birds.) So I'm getting her this Ruggable rug. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was something I was going to buy her. I also like that it's machine washable, so she won't be afraid to walk around on it and use it."

See's Candies Assorted Chocolates

Next on Deabler's list for her mom is a can't-fail sweet treat.

"See's Chocolate is just a staple in my house for holidays," Deabler says. "Usually it's reserved just for the major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year I'm going to surprise her with a box for Mother's Day."

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Both Senior SEO Editor Jess Bender and Associate Editor Fran Sales are grabbing luxe moisturizer for mom this year.

"My mom's demanding a restock of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream because she got herself hooked," Bender says.

Aura Frames Carver

Sales is also stocking up on digital photo frames this year. She plans to gift them to both her mom and sister, so they can frame all their favorite faces and places.

HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Color Photo Printer

This compact printer prints photos from your smartphone in seconds, which means no more trips to the drugstore to print out your memories. It also has a tag-to-print feature which lets you hashtag a picture on your social media for super-quick printing in the HP App.

"I've been singing this lil' printer's praises a bunch," Sales exclaims. "My mom demands one, so I'll probably get her one."

The Push: A Novel

Editorial Assistant Sierra Hoeger is gifting her mom a new book to read on vacation. This one is a psychological drama centered on motherhood that is sure to suck her in. After all, critics have called it "utterly addictive" and have said it "hooks you from the very first page."

A To Z Bookends

Staying on-theme, Hoeger is also adding this clever pair of bookends to her cart for Mother's Day. With these, Hoeger's mom will be able to keep her books organized and on display.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

For moms who take their coffee piping hot, this temperature-control smart mug from Ember is a perfect choice. Deabler said her mom is very particular about her coffee's temperature. “She practically has to microwave it after every sip so it stays ‘extra hot.’”

"I went with the new metallic collection after asking her what color she liked best." Because, who doesn't like a little shine with their morning cup?

Nike Swerve Sunglasses

While these might be more of a splurge, Ricevuto says her mom is obsessed with sunglasses and is constantly on the hunt for a new pair. This pick by Nike is a favorite of Ricevuto's, who says they're "comfortable, stylish and practical," adding that the polarized lens "is a game changer against reflective glare from both the sun and water during the summer, and the snow during the winter."

Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio

Shop TODAY Production Coordinator Cassidy McKenna asked her mom what she wanted for Mother’s Day and got a response the majority of moms can relate to.

“I asked my mom and she said ‘peace of mind, slippers and wine,” McKenna said.

For at least one out of the three, McKenna turned to these sugar cube drops. Each drop contains a flavor that when dropped into a glass of champagne will dissolve and transform the drink into a fruity mimosa or Bellini.

Farmhouse Kitchen Personalized Recipe Book

McKenna also added this to her must-have list for her mom. Though it may not arrive in time for the big day, this personalized farmhouse-inspired cookbook is worth the wait. With an option to print four recipes per page, you can include more than 70 of your mom’s favorite dishes.

Air Wick Essential Mist Bluetooth Oil Diffuser

Kamari Stewart, Associate Editor, said her mom has also been leaving hints about wanting a diffuser. “She wants this one because I have it and she loves the mandarin & sweet orange scent.” The diffuser also connects to Bluetooth and lets you set up a schedule and control the intensity of the fragrance.

Minted Heart Snapshot Mix

If you want to take Mom on a trip down memory lane, Shop TODAY's Editorial Director Adrianna Brach recommends this customizable heart-shaped photo collage.

The site is super easy to use: You simply upload each photo you want to include and then write your own captions to add a personalized touch. You might even want to add a frame for an additional charge since she'll definitely want to hang this on the wall.

Jo Malone London Wild Bluebell Cologne

Jo Malone London's perfumes are loved by celebrities, moms — and celebrity moms — everywhere. Including Associate Commerce Editor Danielle Murphy’s mom.

“My mom is obsessed with Jo Malone perfume, specifically the Wild Bluebell scent.”

The fresh fragrance is perfect for moms who love a subtle floral fragrance without being overpowering. Plus, it comes in a tester spray so your mom can try it before committing to a larger bottle.

Lonxu Silk Satin Pajamas

Several of our moms mentioned pajamas, and now is the perfect time to treat her to some high-quality sleepwear she'll probably want to lounge around in all day.

Ultraideas Memory Foam Slippers

Many of our moms also asked for slippers, and this pair is made with a memory foam footbed for a custom fit.