Gift Guide: For the mom/aunt/female friends who “don’t want anything but your presence”

Thoughtful gifts for the people who always say they don't need anything

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Jenna Movsowitz

, and

Nate Rosen

Nov 29, 2025

Everyone has this person in their life. The mom, aunt, godmother, or friend who waves off every gift suggestion with “oh, I don’t need anything—just come visit!” She wants you home. She wants to have lunch. She wants to sit on the couch and watch a movie together while she asks if you’re eating enough or dressing warmly enough.

Our moms are definitely like this (and we know they’re reading this right now)—we hear you, we see you, and most importantly we love you.

But even though she says she doesn’t want anything, she deserves something, even if it’s small. Something cozy. Something thoughtful. Something that shows you were thinking about her even when you weren’t in the same room. These are the little gifts that say “I appreciate you,” and critically, “yes, I’ll try to call you more.”

Gifts

The coziest pajamas she’ll actually wear. It’s time to upgrade those PJs from 1999. Lake’s DreamModal Kimono Pajama Set ($148) is the upgrade she’d never buy herself, but will absolutely live in once she has it. The modal fabric is impossibly soft, the kimono silhouette feels elegant, and the muted stripe is sophisticated enough that she won’t feel silly grabbing the morning paper in them.

A tote that goes everywhere. Alex Mill’s Perfect Daily Tote ($145) is exactly what the name promises. It’s garment-washed, so it already has that perfectly lived-in feel and look, and has an interior compartment plus a zip pocket for the essentials. If you want to add some extra personalization, you can get it monogrammed! This is about to become her go-to.

Something beautiful for the table. They may make a whole thing about not being the center of attention—but they secretly want something so utterly extravagant, it makes them the not-so-accidental center of attention. Conserva’s Porrón ($59)—AKA wine pitcher—will do just that. This is one of those objects that makes people stop and say “wait, where did you get that?” Whether she uses it for wine, water, or just as a sculptural piece on a coffee table or bar cart, it’s equal parts practical and absolutely stunning.

If they’re more into their noms than their wine, the Everything Nice Butter Dish by Sophie Lou Jacobsen ($40—on sale!) is a gorgeous gift that simply delivers joy. It will become a table staple, and they’ll think of you every time they see it (or get complimented on it, which will be frequent).

While you’re at it, pick up the Everything Nice Sugar Bowl ($40—on sale!) for a full set of tabletop beauties.

A coffee ritual, delivered. Trade Coffee’s Personalized Gift Subscription (from $30—on sale) lets her discover new roasts tailored to her taste, each from small businesses, delivered right to her door every month (at whatever length you desire). We’ve met multiple recipients who adore this gift, and claim it’s introduced them to their favorite new coffees that they never would’ve discovered otherwise. It’s the gift that keeps giving—and each bag and subsequent cup of joe is a little reminder that you’re thinking of her.

Don’t want to commit to a full subscription? Trade’s World Tour Set ($32) offers four pre-selected bags of coffee from around the world, a full tasting experience for the coffee snob.

The most luxurious body care routine. Soft Services makes body care that feels incredibly luxurious and actually works. The Skin Essentials Set ($90) includes everything your recipient needs to recreate their bodycare routine—including the brand’s cult-favorite Buffing Bar (an exfoliating bar), Comfort Cleanse (an anti-irritation, incredibly hydrating cleanser), and Speed Soak (a gel-cream that will change her shower routine forever)—everything she needs for softer skin without a 12-step routine. Speed Soak is one of their most magical products, it is so moisturizing without leaving any oily film on your skin.

If she’s into scents (or just needs some extra pampering), the Theraplush x DedCool “Xtra Milk” Overnight Repair Treatment ($74) is a must-try. Theraplush is another Soft Services cult-fave: a rich, restorative hand + cuticle cream and treatment that works its magic while she sleeps. It comes in a gorgeous grey-blue, refillable case she’ll want to keep by her bedside table as decor, and DedCool’s beloved Xtra Milk travel perfume—because she’s bound to fall in love with this stunningly clean, addicting scent (Bergamot, White Musk and Amber).

A little nudge to relax. If she’s curious about green alc alternatives—but doesn’t want to feel like a heathen slamming gummies from a dispensary—Reframe ($60) is worth a look. It’s a sophisticated, all-natural spirit made from organic, hemp-derived cannabis. And because it’s a spirit, it hits in 15 minutes and is easy to flexibly dose to her exact liking—a good entry point for someone new to the Cali sober scene.