27 Mother's Day Gifts That Give Back To Other Moms

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.

Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Three photos side by side. On the left, a silver necklaces with a pendant showing two hands. In the center, two cocktail glasses with a blue rim. On the right, a stack of beaded bracelets
This article is presented in partnership with UNICEF

Every year, when Mother’s Day rolls around, so many of us find ourselves asking: What do you get for the person who gave you life? 

No matter how much thought, money, or effort you put into finding the right gift, it often feels like it comes up short for someone who means so much. 

Especially for those who want to ditch the big box stores and shop ethically and in alignment with their values, it can feel even trickier to find a meaningful gift with a real impact.

Fortunately, UNICEF, a United Nations agency dedicated to helping women and children worldwide, has its very own artisan market to help you find the perfect gift for the moms in your life — and support moms around the world at the same time.

A woman hand-crafts a beaded bracelet
All items in the UNICEF Market support independent artisans. Photo courtesy of UNICEF Market

In the UNICEF Market, you’ll find beautifully hand-crafted gifts, all while supporting efforts to keep children healthy, educated, and safe across 190 countries and territories. A portion of every sale could provide safe water, enhance schools, supply essential services, or even protect infants from preventable diseases.

All items are also sourced from talented artisans — many of whom are mothers themselves — who are all paid fairly. 

We’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect selection from the UNICEF Market for the mom in your life.

Editor’s Note: We partnered with UNICEF for this article — with the goal of helping our readers understand the organization’s efforts and marketplace products and pick the best one(s) for them.

UNICEF paid a fee to help us bring this article to life. However, this article was written independently by the Good Good Good team, without oversight or feedback from the brand. 

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts That Give Back

For the stylish mom

A stack of beaded bracelets from the UNICEF Market

No matter how she defines her style, there is a stunning piece of Fair Trade artisan jewelry for her in the UNICEF Market. Here are a few of our favorites:

For the host with the most

A purple, pink, and blue woven table runner from UNICEF market

For the moms who seem to have “serving” in their DNA, any gift that makes it easier for them to host a brunch, help friends feel at home, or welcome strangers into a safe place is a win. Here are a few options:

For the one who teaches you everything

A leather travel organizer from the UNICEF Market

Whether she’s a formal educator or someone who has spent her life dispelling casual life lessons, these gifts honor the moms whose wisdom is the most precious resource:

For the playful mom

A marble chess set from the UNICEF market

Competitive during game night, a tennis court champion, or a certified goofball, these gifts honor the moms who are always ready to play.

  • Pink Marble Chess Set — crafted by the Sierra Family workshop in Mexico and provides 47 nutrition packets to children in need
  • 30 Jump Ropes For Kids — a charitable gift that provides recreation equipment for children to exercise and play
  • Coconut Shell Thumb Piano — crafted by artisan Trisna Dewi, who makes musical instruments in Indonesia 

For the mindful mom

A multicolored incense holder in the shape of a hamsa

If you’re always catching her at yoga class, or in a seated meditation, these gifts are the perfect fit for a mom trying to find her zen.

For the creative spirit

A blue hand-woven journal

The DIY dame. The crafty Cathy. The art class chaperone. These gifts are for the moms who appreciate the arts and have a knack for making the world more beautiful.

For the animal lover

A planter in the shape of a corgi head with a snake plant inside

If your mom often says she loves the dog more than you, that’s probably a hint. Tapping into a love of animals and the natural world, these gifts will honor her wild side.

For the eco-friendly mom

A child sits next to a solar-powered lamp, reading a book

Made from recycled materials or generated using clean energy, these gift ideas are perfect for any maternal figure who is notorious for reminding you to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

  • Upcycled Copper Cuff Bracelet — crafted by married copper artisans Rosy and Daniel in Mexico and provides 14 packets of nutrition to children suffering from acute malnutrition
  • Solar Study Lamp — a charitable gift that provides off-grid light to young students where electricity is limited
  • Recycled PET Sweater — crafted by artisan Cristina Villalobos in the Andes and provides 54 doses of measles vaccines to children in need

For the mom who needs a break

Let’s face it: All moms could use a lot more rest and relaxation. Give her the tools she needs to unwind and get away from it all.

  • Hand-Woven Hammock — crafted by the Maya Artists of the Yucatan from Mexico and provides 217 sachets of oral rehydration salts
  • Midnight Blue Batik Robe — crafted by artisan Desak Nyoman Parwati from Indonesia and provides 34 doses of measles vaccines to protect children from the deadly disease
  • 100% Alpaca Throw Blanket — crafted by ethical alpaca farmers Nataly and Alberto in Mexico and helps vaccinate 231 children against polio

Article Details

April 30, 2025 11:05 AM
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