If mid-century American advertising is to be believed, the way to your mom’s heart is through a toaster. “There’s no gift more welcome than an electric appliance,” reads a 1948 ad for Proctor toasters . Or take this gem : “Christmas morning, she’ll be happier with a Hoover.”

Oh, no thank you! Don’t get us wrong, we’re passionate about kitchen gear, but unless your mom explicitly asked for a shiny new blender (or stand mixer or juicer), it’s best to steer clear of the appliance-as-present path, lest you risk sending the message that you’d like the mom in your life to do more cooking or cleaning for you.…