Holiday 2011 Gift Guide: Your Hard-to-Shop-for Mom

If your mom is like mine, I find the best approach is just to ask her what she wants for Christmas. But if that's not your style (totally understandable), here are gifts that any stylish mom should love.

Top row:
One thing my mom has instilled in me is a love of slippers; I feel almost naked without them when at home. Considering her cookie habit as well, I think she'd approve of these. Late Night Cookies Slippers, $59

My mom likes a colorful bag; this one is cool enough for you to borrow.  Botkier leather satchel handbag, $495

Moms are some of the only people who I feel can get away with wearing a cape. This one is cozy but fashionable too.  Toga Pulla Cape, $462

Middle row:
Some people consider candles to be an impersonal gift (and they can be), but these feature the delicious scents of Ladurée, and the box is adorable. A Christmas Enchantment Set, $100

This fur cossack hat is so chic, your mom won't care about ruining her hairdo. GLAMOURPUSS fur hat, $229

L-Atitude is an awesome curated site that has a lot of great jewelry from around the world—meaning the big, dramatic stuff that moms like.  Blue Tassel beaded necklace, $41

Bottom row: 
These stackable mixing bowls make cooking fun and save space too (not that your mom's gargantuan suburban kitchen doesn't have room to spare).  Nest 8 bowls, $50

If your mom was bummed about missing Missoni for Target, get her the real deal—these hand towels are a lot more affordable than you think! Missoni Home - Homer Hand Towel, $23

Your mom taught you everything you know about fashion—or at least that there's no competing with French women, right?  Parisiennes: A Celebration Of French Women, $50