Mother’s Day Jewelry ‘Icks’: What NOT to Buy

(Tacky charms, bodily fluids, and other regrets)

Let’s be honest: not all jewelry is created equal.
And when it comes to Mother’s Day—especially for expecting or brand-new moms—some gifts hit... weird. The intention? Sweet. The execution? A little "did-my-mother-in-law-pick-this?"

Jewelry is supposed to be special. Personal. Wearable. Not something she hides in a drawer and feels guilty about forgetting to wear.

Here’s your guide to what not to buy…

1. The Birthstone Blob Pendant

We’ve all seen it: one of those bulky silver pendants with multiple birthstones crammed together and engraved names like “Maverick” and “Nevaeh.” It’s giving early Facebook energy.

Why it’s an ick: It’s outdated and hard to style with anything else. It feels more “school fundraiser prize” than elevated heirloom.

Instead:
Think minimal and symbolic. A dainty chain with her baby’s zodiac sign. A birth flower pendant. Or a ring with subtle engraving. Keep it low-key, luxe, and wearable every day.

2. Breast Milk Jewelry

We are not making this up. Breast milk can be dehydrated and turned into jewelry—necklaces, rings, and even beads. Some people love it. Some... do not.

Why it’s an ick: It’s deeply personal—and honestly, kind of polarizing. A surprise breast milk gem might not land how you think it will.

Instead:
Choose something that reflects the experience, not the fluid. A moonstone for maternal strength. A locket with a tiny photo. A charm with her baby’s initial. Sentiment > science project.

3. “Mommy” in Script Font

No shade to Etsy, but if the necklace looks like it says “Mommy” in Comic Sans—or worse, has rhinestones shaped like a baby footprint—abort mission.

Why it’s an ick:
She’s stylish. She had a pre-baby identity. She probably shops at Mejuri. This is not the vibe.

Instead:
Let her choose. A gift card to a brand that aligns with her style (like GLDN, Catbird, or Yearly Co.) lets her find something she’ll actually wear.

4. Baby-Themed Charms (Rattles, Cribs, Blocks…You Get It)

Remember those charm bracelets from 2006? Yeah, those. They’re back—and they’re still bad.

Why it’s an ick:
It feels infantilizing. It’s not about her. It’s about motherhood as a theme park.

Instead:
A gold stacking ring. Something she can pair with what she already owns and feels like a nod to her power, not just her role.

5. Jewelry That Ships in the Same Box as a Nipple Shield

If your “jewelry gift” comes bundled with a postpartum care kit... it’s not a jewelry gift. It’s a survival pack.

Why it’s an ick:
There’s nothing wrong with utility—but don’t try to pass it off as a meaningful Mother’s Day gift. Own what it is, or go a different route.

Instead:
Keep the nipple shield (very useful). Just pair it with something indulgent and completely unnecessary. A massage. A luxurious pair of earrings. A tea ritual set. Balance the “need” with some want.

The Jewelry She’ll Actually Wear

You don’t have to reinvent the gift-giving wheel—just don’t treat her like a Pinterest board.

The best Mother’s Day jewelry honors her: her strength, her softness, her story. It’s beautiful, but not loud. Meaningful, but not cheesy. And it’s always something she’d buy for herself... if she didn’t have to Google “how to get poop out of a car seat” last night.

Still not sure what to get?
Give her the gift of choice. Pair a Sanhu House Mother’s Day gift card with a handwritten note, or book her a bodywork session to go along with that dainty ring you picked out. Either way: make it personal. Make it hers.