Best Mother’s Day Gifts: Celebrate Your Outdoorsy Mom for Under $100

Make Mom’s day. (Larry Crayton / Unsplash/)

How to recognize an outdoor-loving mom: She’s the one bribing her kids with gummy bears to hike just a little bit farther. She sets up the family tent for a backyard campout. She spends her precious “me” time on a walk in the woods. Sound like someone you know? Then coming up with a list of best Mother’s Day gifts is easy. The most meaningful gifts for mom will enable her outdoor experiences, helping her get outside and enjoy the great outdoors even more. We all know outdoor gear can be pricey. So our gift guide features all kinds of thoughtful picks for the outdoorsy woman in your life at $100 or less. And when you’re done shopping, don’t forget to add on the greatest gift of all: Some free time for her to get out there and put your gift to use.

Most Unique Mother’s Day Gifts: Buff Multifunctional Headwear

Most Unique Mother’s Day Gifts, Runner Up: Natural Reflections Camo Knit Sleep Shorts

Most Useful Gifts for Mom: Leatherman Wave Plus

Most Useful Gifts for Mom, Runner Up: Bass Pro Shops Happy Camper Stainless Steel Tumbler

Best Gifts for Mom Who Has Everything: MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Cooking Power

Best Gifts for Mom Who Has Everything, Runner Up: Wild Sports Stars & Stripes Tailgate Toss

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Wife: Patagonia Barely Bikini Underwear

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Wife, Runner Up: Smartwool Women’s Hike Medium Crew

Best Meaningful Gifts for Mom: Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess

Best Meaningful Gifts for Mom, Runner Up: Qalo Strata Silicone Ring

Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

It’s not that moms don’t like the usual Mother’s Day gifts: You know, flowers, jewelry, breakfast in bed. They do, of course. But year after year, the same old thing can get just a little stale. Why not shake things up a bit this time and make her feel truly special? These unique Mother’s Day gifts are perfect for a woman who loves hiking, camping, and hunting just as much as lounging around over that breakfast in bed. Every mom appreciates a thoughtful, cool Mother’s Day gift. And these gifts will last a lot longer than the same old rose bouquet.

Most Unique Mother’s Day Gift: Buff Multifunctional Headwear

Mom won’t know how she lived without this ultra-functional gaiter/hat/headband. (Photo:Buff Strickland/)

It’s a neck warmer! It’s a tube hat! It’s a sun shade! The Buff is all of that and more: This recycled-fabric microfiber accessory with UPF 50+ sun protection stretches to fit around anyone’s neck or head, adding warmth, wicking moisture, and holding hair in place. This one comes in a camo pattern so moms who hunt can use it all through hunting season, too.

Most Unique Mother’s Day Gift, Runner Up: Natural Reflections Camo Knit Sleep Shorts

Hang out at home in a cozy pair of shorts that add a feminine twist to classic camo. (Natural Reflections/)

Moms of any age can never have enough soft, comfortable clothes to wear around the house. These cotton/polyester-blend shorts are ideal for sleeping and lazy-morning lounging—and they’re cute enough to keep on all day. Size S to XXL. Need a plus size option? Try one of these two ultra-soft picks from Macy’s and Target.

Useful Gifts for Mom

You know that you’ve chosen a winner of a Mother’s Day gift when mom uses it over and over. If “practical” is practically your mom’s middle name, do your shopping with an eye toward useful gifts for mom. For an outdoorsy mama, that means gear she can pack for every camping trip, elevating her outdoor experiences for years to come. Extra credit if your gift can seamlessly move from the campsite to her commute, making her everyday life a little brighter, too. Here are a few of our favorite practical gift ideas for mom.

Most Useful Gifts for Mom: Leatherman Wave Plus

This always-handy tool is small enough to fit in your hand yet powerful enough to tackle any small fix-it job you need. (Leatherman Tool Group/)

Any mom who’s serious about the outdoors needs a trusty multitool to do everything from slice veggies for a campfire dinner to trim sticks for kindling to pop open a cold one to enjoy around the fire. The Wave Plus features 15 tools in a .7-pound package, including scissors, a saw, a ruler, and wire cutters. And the easy-to-use, one-hand design makes chores at camp and at home a snap.

Most Useful Gifts for Mom, Runner Up: Bass Pro Shops Happy Camper Stainless Steel Tumbler

Keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold for 24 hours in this affordable stainless steel cup. (Bass Pro Shops/)

This BPA-free stainless steel tumbler boasts double-wall vacuum insulation for long-lasting temperature regulation and a spill-proof lid. It holds 32 ounces of piping-hot coffee or icy seltzer and works as well in the backcountry as it does at mom’s side at work, home, and running errands. We also like the YETI Rambler, which comes in so many colors you’re sure to find your mom’s favorite hue.

Fun Gifts for a Mom Who has Everything

Truth: Some mothers are harder to shop for than others. You know the type—the ones who already own an overflowing closet full of sweaters and PJs, an overstuffed gear closet, and all the kitchen and home items that can comfortably fit in her house. If that’s your mom, choosing a Mother’s Day gift gets a little more challenging. It’s time to think outside the box. Look for unexpected and cool ideas that will make the perfect gift for a mom who has everything..

Best Gift for Mom Who Has Everything: MSR PocketRocket

The PocketRocket canister stove packs down tiny but delivers all the camp cooking functions Mom needs. (MSR/)

Canister stoves are ultra-handy for backpacking, camping, and even day hiking trips (hello, hot chocolate break) because they practically disappear in your backpack, yet allow you to boil, simmer, and everything in between. The PocketRocket screws into a lightweight fuel canister and employs a self-igniting mechanism, so you don’t even have to bother with a lighter.

Best Gifts for Mom Who Has Everything: Wild Sports Stars & Stripes Tailgate Toss

The classic bean bag toss game gets a patriotic makeover with this easy-to-pack set. (Wild Sports/)

Searching for the best gifts for Mom? Any campsite, tailgate, or backyard picnic is more fun when you add a beanbag toss game, like this pair of 2′ x 3′ target boards with eight bags. The boards come emblazoned with an American flag design, and the whole set disassembles quickly and includes handles for simple transport.

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Your Outdoorsy Wife

Husbands and partners, you’re not off the hook: Whether the kids are too young to buy their own presents or not, your wife deserves a Mother’s Day gift from you, too. Acknowledge how much you appreciate all her hard work in the trenches of parenting with you with a thoughtful gift. We have just the thing: socks and underwear! No, really. Giving those workaday items for special occasions gets a bad rap, but not when you choose top-quality performance wear like these picks to keep her comfortable and cozy on all your outdoor family adventures. Get your hands on the best Mother’s Day gifts for your wife!

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Wife: Patagonia Barely Bikini Underwear

Ultralight, ultra-comfy wicking undies like these are destined to become mom’s new favorite pair. (Patagonia/)

Made of a nylon/Spandex blend, these bikini briefs wick moisture for extended comfort when running, hiking, or skiing, and their quick-dry quality makes them excellent for travel. The seamless, flat design keeps them in place without riding up or rolling, and the subtle geometric design adds a touch of style. For a seamless, wicking, plus-size option, check out the Barbra Lingerie sports panty.

Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Wife, Runner Up: Smartwool Women’s Hike Medium Crew

These medium-cushion hiking socks wick sweat, battle stink, and keep feet happy all day. (Smartwool/)

Simple gifts for mom can still be great gifts. If your partner hasn’t tried merino wool socks yet, she’s in for a revelation. This Smartwool pair features a blend of merino, nylon, and elastane for dialed-in performance on the trail: The combo is warm yet breathable, naturally odor resistant, temperature regulating, and supersoft.

Some Truly Meaningful Gifts for Mom

Gift-giving is one of the so-called love languages, or ways that some people prefer to show their affection. If you search long and hard for the perfect Mother’s Day gift every year, you probably already know just how rewarding it feels to give someone a truly meaningful present. This year, gifts like these prove you’ve put extra thought into what might make mom feel particularly loved and cared for. After all, what says “I love you” more clearly than a present that will protect her skin and eyes from the sun, or a gift that protects one of her most prized possessions?

Best Meaningful Gifts for Mom: Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess

This feminine hat makes sun safety look gorgeous. (Sunday Afternoons/)

Outdoorsy moms spend a lot of time outside under the sun—which means they’re at higher risk for sunburns and UV damage to their skin and eyes. A quality, wide-brimmed sun hat like this one is the first line of defense, with a UPF 50+ treatment and an extended back to cover her neck. The quick-drying nylon/polyester fabric stays cool and looks cooler.

Best Meaningful Gifts for Mom, Runner Up: Qalo Strata Silicone Ring

Mom can swap out her wedding ring for this tough yet beautifully designed silicone ring when she’s on an outdoor adventure. (Qalo/)

Plenty of women leave their beloved wedding or engagement rings at home when they’re out camping or hunting, afraid the rough terrain will damage them. Enter the Qalo ring: This soft, durable silicone piece lets mom show she’s taken without risking the real thing. The ring is breathable, practically invincible, and lovely to boot; it’s clear why it’s on our list of best gifts for Mom.

More Tips for Finding the Best Mother’s Day Gifts

Still a little unsure about what to buy the mom in your life for Mother’s Day? Let her favorite activities be your guide. Does she love paddling? Some new kayak or SUP accessories may be in order. Hiking moms might love cushy trail socks or a light backpack. For a hunter, warm long underwear could be just the ticket. And all-around outdoor gear like a sun hat or shades are always appreciated. Excellent examples of all of the above can be had for $100 or less, too, so there’s no need to break the bank when you’re searching for the best Mother’s Day gifts.

Outdoor Life wants to help you find the most useful and expert shopping recommendations for the best gift ideas. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out more gift guides here: Hunting Gifts for Her, Camping Gear Gift Guide, more Gifts for Mother’s Day.