Mother’s Day is just around the corner so to help you get a jump on who, what, and how (and how not) to give this year, we’ve tapped Gift Expert and Knack CEO, Laura Jennings, for the latest Mother’s Day gift giving advice. Read on for her top tips.

Mother’s Day Gift Tip #1: Recognize All the Different Types of Moms

According to Laura, Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize all the people who play a nurturing, mothering, or care giving role in your life. So when it comes to your mother’s day gift planning, she recommends taking an approach that is inclusive of these different types of mothers. Mother figures might include new moms, foster moms, single moms, your mentor or coach, your therapist, your grandmother, your mother-in-law, or even a family with two dads instead of a mom.

Mother’s Day Gift Tip #2: Customize For a Perfect Fit

As always, Laura advises that no matter who your mother figure is, be sure to customize the gift to suit individual tastes and specific situations. For example, if you’re gifting a family with two moms, make sure it’s a gift that would make sense for two people.

Laura also recommends considering your mother figure’s personality beyond their mothering role, “Think about this person in their favorite moments: are they cuddling with the dog or cat on the couch during movie night? Sunning on the patio with an extra-hot cup of coffee? Dancing to 90s grunge hits, glass of Chardonnay in hand? Capture their essence with a customized gift inspired by their favorite things.”

“Think about this person in their favorite moments: are they cuddling with the dog or cat on the couch during movie night? Sunning on the patio with an extra-hot cup of coffee? Dancing to 90s grunge hits, glass of Chardonnay in hand? Capture their essence with a customized gift inspired by their favorite things.”.”

Mother’s Day Gift Tip #3: Sometimes It’s Complicated

Laura also pointed out that Mother’s Day can be complicated for some and that gift giving might not be the best approach. Examples include someone who has recently lost their mother, struggles with fertility, or has an emotionally distant relationship with their mom.

“A good way to handle a complicated Mother’s Day situation is to either ask the person how or if they’d like to celebrate, or to simply reach out to let them know you’re thinking about them.”

Mother’s Day Gift Tip #4: Gifts Are Key When You Can’t Physically Be Together

“Gifts are ideal for staying close and connected during this time of social distancing. The beauty of a gift is not so much about what the giver spends as it is about the care and feelings aka, the story, the giver wants to convey. And that’s more important than ever right now.”

While this tip isn’t exactly about an celebrating Mother’s Day inclusively, we felt it was important information to include given the special circumstances that the year 2020 has presented us. With social distancing directives in place because of the coronavirus, traditional in-person Mother’s Day celebrations  such as brunches and family get-togethers are very likely no-gos. That’s why sending a Mother’s Day gift is now more important than ever. According to Laura, gifting is about so much more than the physical gift, “Gifts are ideal for staying close and connected during this time of social distancing. The beauty of a gift is not so much about what the giver spends as it is about the care and feelings aka, the story, the giver wants to convey. And that’s more important than ever right now.”

Mother’s Day Gift Tip #5: We’re All in This Together

Laura’s final piece of advice is to recognize that everyone is in the same social-distancing boat when it comes to Mother’s Day this year. Taking a bit of time to reach out to friends who are likely missing being with their moms on Mother’s Day is always in order. Let the virtual Mother’s Day brunches begin!