Do you know what the absolute perfect Mother’s Day gift is? A well-coordinated family activity in the great outdoors with mom’s loving children not complaining about any of it, the entire time.
But we know that a family hike, backpacking trip, camping overnight, bike ride, paddle, or climb can be hard to pull off, especially with everyone involved and happily participating. So, instead, here are ten tangible ideas you can gift the outdoorsy mom in your life.
For Water Women: Surfers, Paddleboarders, Kayakers, and Swimmers
Shop for durable bathing suits that allow them to be active and come with a promise of water adventures. (To know what size to buy, check her current bathing suit drawer.) Our picks: Outerknown’s Origin One-Piece ($128), Carve Designs’ Escondido Top ($52) and Pippa Compression Bottoms ($58), or Patagonia’s Sunamee Bottoms ($65 $49) and Wave For It Swimsuit Top ($75).
The Surf Bag ($35)
This completely waterproof bag holds a car or house key, key FOB, credit card, money, or other small necessities and is small enough to fit in the back pocket of her board shorts. It can also be attached to her surfboard, SUP, or kayak. It’s made out of discarded aviation life vests, helping keep urethane-coated nylon out of the landfills and the ocean.
Sand Cloud Whale Shark Towel ($54)
These towels are lightweight, quick-drying, easily portable because they’re thin and pack down small, and look great. Since being gifted one of these by my son, I’ve used it as my lap swimming towel, my travel towel, and what I grab to dry off after SUP sessions. Choosing a design that makes you think of your mom (or mother of your children) will make her heart melt. Trust me.
For Dirt Divas: Gravel/Mountain Bikers and Trail Runners
Wild Rye Ridge Chammy Cycling Shorts ($85)
Don’t underestimate the power of comfortable bike shorts (especially pairs with a funky print) to make cycling extra fun, and/or reinvigorate a person’s riding. The Ridge Chammy Cycling Shorts from Wild Rye are lightweight, compressive, and stretchy for mobility on the mountain bike.
Patagonia Slope Runner Hydration Vest ($169)
Every trail runner needs a hydration vest to carry fluids, especially leading into summer. The Slope Runner comfortably holds two 500 mL HydraPak soft flasks (included) in the shoulder straps, as well as other essentials like a cell phone (which moms rarely leave home without), lip balm, and trail snacks. On the backside, a small, zippered pouch can hold first aid items, and the pass-through pocket makes a shell or other layer easy to grab or stash mid-run. Go the extra mile and put together a small first aid kit for her, buy a nice lip balm, and load the pack before gifting.
Rabbit EZ Tank Maternity/Mother Runner ($48)
The polyester/spandex blend of Rabbit’s EZ fabric is ridiculously soft and buttery, and we love that the classic EZ Tank ($48) now comes in a maternity fit with elastic at the side seams and an extra-long cut. The material is a pleasure to wear but also performs by breathing, wicking sweat, and drying relatively quickly. The tank can be worn running or for any other activity.
For Rock Scramblers, Summit-Seekers, and Campers
Oiselle Flyout Bra ($68)
For hikers or runners who don’t always want to carry a pack but always want to carry their phones, the Oiselle Flyout Bra comfortably carries phones of all sizes in a pocket mid-back. And for wearing a backpack to carry said phone and other items, the extra-wide shoulder straps of this bra lie flat and don’t dig in underneath the pack straps.
Mammut Gym Print Chalk Bag ($30)
If she’s a climber, she likely already has a chalk bag. But a second, good-looking chalk bag, especially one that’s filled with her favorite candy, is always fun. And if she’s talked about wanting to start climbing, then this is a great new activity-enabling gift.
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair ($65)
This foldable, compact chair is ideal for car camping, or it can be taken on a hike and used for journaling or reading a book outdoors. It also works fantastically as a comfortable alternative to either hard metal stadium seating or lugging a giant camp chair across multiple outdoor sporting fields. The chair is also multi-purpose for mom-time and sports-momming.
For Any Mom (Outdoorsy or Not)
A handwritten card or thoughtful note
This truly is the best gift, as it shows thoughtfulness and care. Whether purchasing one of the above items or not, deliver it with a note of some sort. Remember: It’s the thought that counts.
More Gear Reviews
The Best Sports Bras of 2025
The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing
The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for Adventure Travel
The post 10 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Active Moms appeared first on Outside Online.
