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mother's day gift guide
May 5, 2014

The Greatest Gifts for Our Favorite TV Moms

By Rebecca Ramsey, Kathleen Hou, and Veronica Misako Gledhill

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When thinking about what to buy our own moms this Mother’s Day, we look to our favorite television moms for a bit of inspiration. Like so many real-life mothers, they’re incredible women with varied passions and professions — but its their quirks that make them that much more perfect in our eyes. So we’ve shamelessly made them into archetypes: from Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch to Lucille from Arrested Development; from Morticia Addams to Carmela Soprano — even Nancy Botwin from Weeds — and found them gifts at every price point. Click through the slideshow ahead for our Mother’s Day gift guide, inspired by our favorite TV moms.

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Lucille Bluth Amidst her wisecracking hysterics, Lucille Bluth is a classy mom.  Exotics, Hermès silks, and sensible Tod's flats... Lucille Bluth Amidst her wisecracking hysterics, Lucille Bluth is a classy mom.  Exotics, Hermès silks, and sensible Tod's flats would be welcome (and expected) gifts. But avoid wrist jewelry — as extra weight could be bothersome while she swills her martini.
Daenerys Targaryen Mhysa! The Mother of Dragons is regal — and, for the time being, nomadic. Why not give her gifts to spruce up her royal t... Daenerys Targaryen Mhysa! The Mother of Dragons is regal — and, for the time being, nomadic. Why not give her gifts to spruce up her royal tent? Like this sunburst mirror or this velvet chair ... possibly as a placeholder for the Iron Throne?
Betty Draper Preppy Betty Draper is a woman who likes to be pampered. Pearl earrings will make her feel even more beautiful, and polka-dot slingb... Betty Draper Preppy Betty Draper is a woman who likes to be pampered. Pearl earrings will make her feel even more beautiful, and polka-dot slingbacks will be her summer go-to with cropped, printed pants.
Morticia Addams Cool and creepy, Morticia Addams is a mom who encourages the extraordinary over the ordinary in both her kids and her things. Giv... Morticia Addams Cool and creepy, Morticia Addams is a mom who encourages the extraordinary over the ordinary in both her kids and her things. Give her something unusual, if not a little weird — like a beautiful art object, Rorschach blot, or a mysterious Byredo scent.
Lady Grantham Refined Lady Grantham is quite the proper hostess. Perpetually dealing with her family's issues while holding court in the parlor, ... Lady Grantham Refined Lady Grantham is quite the proper hostess. Perpetually dealing with her family's issues while holding court in the parlor, she'd love some delicately etched glassware and lavender-scented perfume to help her sleep at night.
Lorelai Gilmore Lorelai Gilmore is the cool, quirky mom with many interests. Gifts that play to her hobbies are best, even if they seem like fads... Lorelai Gilmore Lorelai Gilmore is the cool, quirky mom with many interests. Gifts that play to her hobbies are best, even if they seem like fads. (She's the type to sign up for ten yoga classes, only to attend three.)
Gloria Pritchett The mile-a-minute Gloria enjoys life's pleasures: silky robes, body oil, and a fragrance that's just as voluptuous as she is.
Nancy Botwin What does a Weeds mom really want? A chic vaporizer and lots of green, for the money she makes and the merchandise she sells. Also, ... Nancy Botwin What does a Weeds mom really want? A chic vaporizer and lots of green, for the money she makes and the merchandise she sells. Also, she would appreciate a good pair of shades and a radar detector — you know, for days when she feels going low-profile.
Tami Taylor The most understanding mom, Tami Taylor, has a busy schedule: a demanding job, supporting the football teams of Dillon, raising a fam... Tami Taylor The most understanding mom, Tami Taylor, has a busy schedule: a demanding job, supporting the football teams of Dillon, raising a family — all the while maintaining one of the best manes in prime-time history. Give her a Panther-blue cardigan (good for night games) and a tote to carry her life around in. 
Clair Huxtable Boss mom. Elegant, tough-loving Clair Huxtable (she's a partner at her law firm) would look so sophisicated with a smart bag or a ... Clair Huxtable Boss mom. Elegant, tough-loving Clair Huxtable (she's a partner at her law firm) would look so sophisicated with a smart bag or a pair of gold sculpted earrings while she's relaying her endless wisdom.
Carmela Soprano Give the gift of luxury to Carmela Soprano. She'd surely love a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a tasteful clutch, and a decante... Carmela Soprano Give the gift of luxury to Carmela Soprano. She'd surely love a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, a tasteful clutch, and a decanter for those big reds she's a fan of. Don't be afraid to splurge: She knows where that money comes from.
Carol Brady The perfect mom, in technicolor. Psychedelic and unusual things (like a pineapple candle) are perfect gifts for Carol Brady.
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  • gift guide 2014
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