7 Mother's Day gifts under $30
Sunday is Mother's Day, which means time is running out to find just the right present at just the right price. But making Mom feel special on her special day doesn't have to cost a fortune. For Mother's Day shoppers on a budget, here are our seven best gifts under $30.
1. Fragrance
Why buy: If you want to spring for a gift that almost every mom is guaranteed to love (but want to stay away from the all-too-traditional flowers), why not try perfume? Fragrances offer a personal touch, and they don't have to be pricey.
Select a smaller fragrance bottle size — or skip the bottle completely and opt for a rollerball perfume — to keep your costs down. At Kohl's, for example, we found the Mariah Carey Dreams Eau de Parfum Rollerball for just $20.
Estimated cost: $20-$30
Suggested retailers: Kohl's, Macy's
2. Candle
Why buy: They're decorative, colorful, smell sweet and relatively inexpensive.
Choose from a variety of beautiful designs and fragrant aromas. Prices will vary depending on the size you choose. Or, for something slightly less traditional, opt for a wax warmer and wax melts.
Estimated cost: $15-$30
Suggested retailers: Yankee Candle, Bed Bath & Beyond
3. Coffee maker
Why buy: Sure, you could bring Mom a cup of her favorite coffee on Mother's Day, but why buy just one cup when you can buy her a whole coffee maker?
Surprisingly (and affordably), there are a variety of single-serve and even multi-cup coffee makers on the market from brands such as Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker — all for less than $30. Give Mom this gift that will taste good for years to come.
Estimated cost: $20-$30
Suggested retailers: Target, Wal-Mart
4. Pedometer
Why buy: If Mom likes to be active and loves the latest in technology, a pedometer is a great way to combine the two.
But these aren't your average step counters. Today's digital pedometers can track everything from steps taken and distance traveled to calories burned and overall pace. And the best part: You'll discover that these fitness accessories can be bought for well under $30.
Estimated cost: $15-$30
Suggested retailers: Wal-Mart, Best Buy
5. Cosmetic bag
Why buy: Makeup can be a costly gift, but a makeup bag doesn't have to be. Surprise Mom this year with a decorative makeup bag that she can use to store all of her favorite supplies, or even a travel bag that she can take with her on trips.
You can find a variety of brightly colored and uniquely decorated makeup bags, cases and pouches that won't cost you even close to $30.
Estimated cost: $10-$20
Suggested retailers: Forever 21, Nordstrom
6. Something personalized
Why buy: Make your Mother's Day gift truly one-of-a-kind by customizing a present especially for Mom. There are a variety of retailers that will allow you to add picture sor inscriptions to everyday items.
Some personalized products to consider: pillows, photo books, mugs, figurines, jewelry and other sentimental keepsakes. While browsing potential presents, keep in mind that some retailers may add an extra personalization cost on top of the product's regular price, so don't forget to factor this into your budget, too.
Estimated cost: $15-$30
Suggested retailers: Shutterfly, Things Remembered
7. Gift card
Why buy: If you're not willing to take a chance on a present that Mom might not love, stick to something tried and true: a gift card. Many retailers allow you to pick the amount you want to load on the card, so you only have to spend as much as your budget will allow. Or, opt for a standard value, such as $25.
A big selling point of this present? If you pick Mom's favorite restaurant or store, you'll be giving her the freedom to buy whatever she wants. That might be the best gift of all.
Estimated cost: $25
Suggested retailers: Starbucks, Sephora
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