Gear Guy–Recommended Mother’s Day Gifts

Looking to get the important mother in your life something that will make her feel appreciated? Buy her something useful for Mother’s Day that she wouldn’t spend the money on herself. These upgrades are often tough to rationalize, so making the plunge for them can be a very thoughtful gesture. Below are five Gear Guy—and Gear Mom—approved upgrades.

Altra Olympus 4.0 Trail-Running Shoe ($170) 

The Olympus 4.0’s 33-millimeter stack height and extra-wide toe box make it downright luxurious on long runs. Its Vibram MegaGrip outsole gives confidence-inspiring grip on steeps while still being plenty responsive. My wife is currently training in these shoes and says they are worth every penny.

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Lululemon Enlite Bra Weave ($98)

Well-designed sports bras like the Enlite from Lululemon are usually spendy. Even if Mom has some she likes, she will likely be thankful for another: it means less time searching for a clean bra before heading out the door for a run. My wife loves the premium support in this soft, wicking package.

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American Giant Track Pant ($100) and Midweight Pullover ($100)

While many of us are slowly coming out into civilization and wearing jeans again, let’s not forget how glorious it is to spend the day in your most comfortable clothing. These track pants and pullover from American Giant will make Mom look cool and feel great at brunches and get-togethers in the foreseeable future. Everything I’ve tested from the company is solid, thanks to bomber construction and a tight American supply chain.

Buy pant Buy pullover

Supergoop SPF Face Serum ($42)

After testing dozens of sunscreens for this column, the Jackson family favorite is Super Goop’s City Sunscreen. It’s effective for sport and everyday use, feels great on our skin, and goes on exceptionally clean. It’s definitely expensive, though, so give this as a gift and let the mother in your life slather it on her nose without having to stress about the price per application.

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Spring Energy Nutrition Speednut Gel ($8 for Two Servings)

My wife and I mowed through a variety pack of Spring Energy products with reckless abandon in the past few weeks. They’re all made from real food, deliver steady energy, and taste delicious. I have a very finicky gut and had no problems digesting anything I tested from the company. The Speednut delivers 250 calories per gel, which is more than twice the calories for the same volume found in many 100-calorie packages.

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