OK, it’s crunch time: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12, which means your online-gift-ordering window is closing rapidly. Indeed, if Mom lives far away and you’re hoping to have something delivered, it’s time to act.
Fortunately, at least a few stores are positioned to help last-minute shoppers. Walmart, for example, offers free two-day shipping on orders of $35 or more, and there’s always the in-store pickup option as well. Amazon Prime subscribers can get two-day shipping on most items — possibly even one-day shipping, which would theoretically give you until Friday to pick a gift.
Indeed, you might want to head straight to Amazon’s Mother’s Day gift shop if you prefer to shop by category.
Need a little more help? Below I’ve rounded up some great gift ideas that, as of today, you still have time to get. They’re not necessarily the most affordable options — for that, see this collection — but they’re all guaranteed to arrive by Sunday.
Chocolate-covered strawberries (save 20%)
I mean, you can’t go wrong with a classic. Harry & David offers overnight shipping (at the same price as regular shipping) on chocolate-covered strawberries and various other goodies, and through May 8 you can get 20% off any order with promo code 20LESS.
Shiatsu Foot Massager: $79.99
If anyone needs a foot massage, it’s Mom. This model kneads and rolls feet and ankles, offering four different programs and three massage modes. It even includes a remote.
Levoit Kyra Himalayan Salt Lamp: $13 (save $9) with promo code JV52C7EF
I can’t say I get the whole salt-lamp craze, especially this pseudo-science about ‘negative ions’ and improving your sleep. That said, they look cool and emit a soft, pretty glow.
This one consists of a 5- to 8-pound hunk of salt atop a 15-watt bulb (with two spares included in the box). There’s a touch-powered dimmer switch embedded in the power cord. Some 900 buyers collectively rated this 4.6 stars out of 5, so I think it’s a pretty safe bet Mom will like it.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: $90 (save $40)
For the mom who loves to read, a distraction-free Kindle is hard to beat. This 2018 version is darn near perfect, and at $40 off it’s tied with its lowest price ever.
Still a bit outside your budget? The new entry-level Kindle, which features an integrated light, is also being discounted: It’s $70 (save $20).
Apple Watch Series 3: $199 (save $80)
At $199, the Apple Watch Series 3 still isn’t what I’d call cheap — but it’s $80 off the regular price and without question the best iPhone-compatible smartwatch.
The white sport-band goes with everything, but you can make this gift even more fun with some colorful replacements, like this three-pack for $14. While you’re at it, look at all the other inexpensive Apple Watch accessories you can get.
Facebook Portal: $99 (save $100)
Don’t just call Mom to say hi — video-call her! It’s the 21st century, after all.
That option has rarely been cheaper now that the Facebook Portal is on sale for $99. It’s not only a dedicated video-call machine, but also a voice-powered smart assistant, able to play music, show videos, even run a slideshow of family photos. Even if you don’t have a Portal of your own, you can call Mom (and vice versa) via Facebook Messenger.