Sunglasses make a Mother’s Day gift that mum (or mom) can wear on every sunny day. To land well, style, fit and protection all need to be right. Here you will find Mother’s Day sunglasses for three types of mum, tips for when you are unsure of her size or taste, and a checklist for buying.
Key points at a glance
- Sunglasses without a prescription are easier to give than glasses with one, which need your mum’s prescription.
- Gift ideas by style: Wayfarer or aviator for the classic, sports glasses for the active, Prada, Miu Miu or Gucci for the fashion lover.
- Look for UV400 and the CE mark on every pair. Filter category 2 or 3 suits everyday use.
- A glasses chain or a sturdy case turns sunglasses into a well-rounded gift.
Which sunglasses make a good gift for mum?
A good gift is a pair of sunglasses in a timeless shape with UV400 that suits what your mum already wears. Look at her glasses and accessories: does she like clean lines or patterns, metal or plastic, black or colour?
To check the size, look at the inside of the arm of a pair that fits her well. It shows three numbers in millimetres: lens width, bridge width and arm length. Compare them with the details in the shop.
Mother’s Day sunglasses for every style
For the classic: Wayfarer or aviator
If your mum does not like experiments and keeps her accessories for years, a classic is a safe choice. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer (RB2140) with its bold plastic frame and the Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal (RB3025) with its thin metal frame are two evergreens. You can read how the Wayfarer became an icon in Ray-Ban Wayfarer: History, Style and Who It Suits.
For the sporty one: sunglasses for cycling and walking
If your mum is more active than you, sports glasses fit the bill. They sit more firmly, cover the eyes better and keep wind and dust out. The Oakley Radar EV Path is one of the best-known cycling glasses. What to look for in lens colour, fit and ventilation is covered in our cycling glasses guide.
For the fashion lover: Prada, Miu Miu and Gucci
If your mum loves fashion, designer brands are a good fit. Prada stands for clean, often architectural shapes, Miu Miu for playful, feminine frames and Gucci for expressive shapes. How to recognise quality in luxury eyewear is explained in Luxury Eyewear: Brands, Materials and What You Pay For.
For the practical one: glasses chain and case
Does your mum keep losing her glasses? A glasses chain is the ideal companion for sunglasses or reading glasses: it hangs within reach on your chest and doubles as an accessory. Types, lengths and styling are covered in Glasses Chains: Types, Length and How to Wear Them. A sturdy case keeps the sunglasses safe from scratches.
Sunglasses for new mums and gifts across the generations
Giving sunglasses to a new mum? Look for light, robust frames that cope with being dropped into a changing bag: spring hinges give a little, and a firm fit helps when she leans over the pram. A case and a glasses chain keep them safe and within reach when her hands are full.
Which designer sunglasses are most likely to appeal across a wide age range as a family gift? Timeless shapes from established houses: an aviator or a Wayfarer from Ray-Ban, or understated black or tortoiseshell frames from Prada or Gucci. Shapes that do not follow a passing trend tend to work across generations.
Miu Miu MU A51S 5AK20P£247.32Ray-Ban BILL (RB2198 129251)£95.64Prada PR 65ZS ZVN09T£152.59Prada PR B15S 17N70R£195.94Miu Miu MU B07S 16K04O£202.61Prada PR 15WS 01R0A6£145.92Ray-Ban CATS 5000 (RB4125 710/51)£95.64Oakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920847)£115.40Sunglasses shopping tips: what to check before you buy
- UV protection: UV400 and the CE mark are a must. Lens colour says nothing about UV protection.
- Filter category: Category 2 or 3 suits everyday use. Category 4 is not suitable for road use.
- Fit: The glasses sit firmly without pressing and cover the eyes well. A pair that is too small lets in light from the sides.
- Polarisation: Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections, for example on water. They are not needed for UV protection.
- Genuine products: Buy from reputable retailers.
- If they do not fit: The right of return applies, and the conditions are in the shop.
Frequently asked questions about Mother’s Day sunglasses
What can I give mum if I do not know her taste?
Sunglasses in a timeless shape, such as an aviator or a Wayfarer, in black or tortoiseshell are rarely a misstep. A discreet glasses chain or a case goes well with them.
Can I give prescription glasses for Mother’s Day?
Only if you know your mum’s current prescription. Otherwise, sunglasses without a prescription are the simpler choice. Questions about eyesight are best settled with an eye doctor or optician.
Are expensive sunglasses a better gift?
For UV protection, UV400 and the CE mark count, not the price. The extra cost of designer brands lies in the frame, the finish and the design. What matters most is that the glasses suit your mum.
