Mother’s Day gift guide for Indianapolis, IN

A graphic that says Happy Mother's Day
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Mother’s Day is Sun., May 8, and no matter who “Mom” is to you — whether they gave birth to you, raised you, or adopted you as their own — they all deserve a little extra love.

In order to get the gift ideas going, we asked you what makes a great gift or experience for moms in Indy. Our guide with 22 local Mother’s Day gift ideas showcases your suggestions + where you can find them around the Circle City. ❤️

Don’t break a sweat — save that for Mom

Know a mom who loves their daily workout? Whether the activity of choice is hitting the gym, taking a walk, or showing off their dance moves at a YMCA Zumba class, give them the gift of recovery with an infrared sauna session from Indianapolis Salt Cave or a deep tissue massage from B.Bliss Spa.

Since the pets can’t spoil Mom

Sometimes the responsibility of being a parent falls to those who are the caretakers of a four-legged friend. Spoil their pet by picking out a new toy or treat at Three Dog Bakery. Give Mom a day off from parent duties by getting their pet a day at Downtown Doggie. We’ll throw you a bone-us: both pet + parent are walking away winners with an outing at Metazoa Brewing Company.

Exterior of Downtown Doggie

Downtown Doggie is in the Holy Cross neighborhood. | Photo by INDYtoday team

We’re taking you out, Mom

Don’t want to sit at home with Mom? Get them tickets to the Indiana Repertory Theatre to see a performance of Steel Magnolias. Spend your evening watching live music at the Jazz Kitchen or take them on a shopping spree along Mass Ave. And for the mom who loves to wine + dine out on the town, plan to end your day out with a nice meal at La Margarita.

Exterior of the IRT

The art deco details of the IRT are swoon-worthy. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Kick back and relax, we’ve got Mom covered

Okay, maybe you just want to lounge around at home with Mom. Spice up their space with a sassy sculpture from Hampton Designs Studio & Shop, or a candle from Penn & Beech.

Figurines sitting on shelves

Hampton Design also has lots of vintage-style blankets, if that’s more your style. | INDYtoday team

If Mom’s sweet + likes them too

Someone as sweet as Mom deserves their dessert done right. The Flying Cupcake serves up delicious baked goods + is currently offering these Mother’s Day-themed buttercream floral sugar cookies. If chocolate is their go-to treat, pick up their favorite or take them to a class at SoChatti.

Close-up of rose sugar cookies

They’re almost too pretty to eat. | Photo via @theflyingcupcakebakery

Drinks on us, Mom

Here’s a toast to all the Indy mother figures out there. Take them out to grab an Old Fashioned at Hotel Tango or tour the Sun King’s brewing facility. If Mom prefers to enjoy their spirits at home, treat them to a fruit infused vodka water from Mom Water.

Exterior of Sun King Brewery

Patio seating is a must at this brewery. | INDYtoday team

“You don’t have to get me anything this year.”

If the mother figure in your life has never been one for extravagant gifts or celebrations, show them you’re thinking about them by picking up a bouquet of their favorite flowers at Flower Boys. A hand-crafted card from Stomping Ground would be a great opportunity to express how you feel about their impact in your life. Sometimes a thoughtful word (or newsletter) can be the greatest gift to someone, in our humble opinion.

Bouquets sitting on a shelf

Flower Boys just opened late last month in Fletcher Place. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Mom reps Indy best

Know a mom who represents Indianapolis unlike any other? Give them the ultimate gift of hometown pride with a branded shirt or hat from the 6AM Shop so they can strut their stuff around town repping their city. How does Mom take their coffee or tea in the morning? Maybe black, maybe with a dash of cream, but definitely in an Indy branded ceramic mug.

A bathroom with a double sink and back lighting

We can just picture the spa day now. | Photo via Vrbo

If Mom’s imaginary best friend is Joanna Gaines

Gift Mom a sparkling clean house by booking a local, professional cleaning service (with great reviews) on Thumbtack. And for the mom whose garden is their pride and joy, have flowering trees, shrubs + hydrangeas delivered right to their door. Or if Mom just wants to pretend HGTV came to visit, book a getaway in a beautiful vacation house — bonus points if it’s to come visit you right here in Indy. We have all the heart eyes for this home.

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