Mother’s Day is May 10th people. Have you bought your mom, wife, sister, aunt, grandma a gift yet?
I thought I’d republish some of my favorites from the holiday gift guide, with a couple spring additions. Click on the name of the gift for website links to buy or get more info. All different price points included. (And please note that I get nada from any of these vendors.)
Happy shopping!
Last week, my friend Julie sent me the most amazing surprise for my birthday. She knows I love flowers, but instead of a classic arrangement, she sent a box of vine gardenias. They smelled divine and felt extremely decadent to a flower buff like me. They remind me of my mother’s perfume or walking through a botanical garden. Elegant, luxurious, nostalgic. A perfect gift! Like anything special worth having, gardenias are extremely fragile so they’re expensive to grow and ship. But if you care to indulge, check out the gift boxes from High Camp Supply.
Earrings — Delicate yet sleek, these earrings are handmade from a mold cast from real quills found in nature, but they’re set in brass so the price is nice. ($110)
Specialty journals-– If the kitchen is her domain, she’ll love organizing her recipes and cooking secrets, while checking measurements, conversions and food facts in this cooking journal. If she’s more of a style maven, she can keep track of outfits, convert international sizes, and collect style sheets for wish lists. There are also journals for wedding planning, gardening, music, and even chocolate. ($20)
Initial soaps— Sometimes the perfect gift is something luxurious that you wouldn’t buy for yourself. These soaps fancy up a guest bathroom and smell great. ($29 for 3)
Charm necklace— On a recent trip to LA, I discovered Canadian jewelry company Pyhhra, which creates original designs I haven’t seen coming and going. I bought a Talisman necklace, handcrafted to exactly replicate an 19th century wax seal of a lion. They have scores of designs and each has a different inspirational meaning. The lion I chose represents wisdom and courage. In reclaimed silver, gold, and bronze. ($140+)
Clutch bag— Can a lady ever have too many bags? Most certainly not! This fold-over leather clutch from designer Clare V. comes in scores of colors and textures. Great shape, great quality and will never go out of style. Click around the website and you’ll find several different sizes, including iPad cases and makeup bags. ($220)
Macaron of the month (or just one variety box!):
For the woman who has everything, including a sweet tooth. Who wouldn’t love a new box of delectable cookies arriving every month? True bakery connoisseurs will appreciate classic French macarons in flavors like pecan pie, berry cobbler, cookie dough, and peanut butter and jelly. If monthly sweets are too pricey for you, a box of assorted is equally yummy. ($90 for three months, $30 for variety box)
Decorative trays — These colorful malamine trays are great for entertaining or to house jewelry or candles on a bedroom dresser. ($34-44)
Bookends— If she still likes the feel of a book in her hand, splurge on a few hardcovers from Amazon (I highly recommend All the Light We Cannot See, which just won the Pulitzer, or Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? )….and complete the thought with these simple wood bookends from Etsy. ($39)
Personalized tumbler— We should all be drinking more water. These insulated travel cups can hold 16-24 oz of hot or cold drinks, with a variety of sizes and tops, and you can personalize them with initials in fun colors. How about an M for mom? (I’m partial to purple sequins!) ($11)
Hair accessories-– If she likes a pony-tail, she’ll love a little tinsel on her tresses. These fancy hair ties are a decadent indulgence that will always fit. Try one in gold ($28) or tortoiseshell. ($16)
Personalized wine bottles-– Bring these unique wine bottles to holiday parties, give them as hostess gifts, or buy one for your favorite wino. You can etch initials, a full personal message, or choose from holiday and occasion designs. After the spirits are gone, the bottle is a keepsake. ($70) If etching is too pricey, try these personalized stickers. ($1-2 each)
Cosmetic bag–Ladies always welcome a new cosmetic bag and this classic from Henri Bendel is cleanable and wears well. ($48)
Are We There Yet luggage tag-– What says ” I’m a MOM” more than this whimsical suitcase tag from Jonathan Adler. ($38)
Tennis raquet holder-– If you’re buying for a Sporty Spice, how about this monogrammed racquet bag to impress the gals at the club? ($89)
Closet organizing– Time for spring cleaning! Treat the mom in your life to two hours with a closet organizer. She gets an orderly closet and a new wardrobe without spending a dime! In NJ, Betsy Ames of Mindful Style will come to your house and go through every article in your closet to determine what stays and what goes. Then she’ll help you recycle your out pile, put together outfits with keepers, and suggest classic pieces to supplement. For those outside the tri-state, Google “closet organizers” for a closet fairy near you. ($150 for 2 hours)
Hope you found something for the special moms in your life. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with homemade cards and chocolate!
carpool candy 