Mother's Day Gift Guide
I know this will be a bittersweet Mother's Day for many. Lots of families are spread apart and won't be together for the typical celebrations. While I'll be relieved to skip brunch I'll be sorry to miss being with my own mom, MIL and siblings. And it'll be a bummer for my girls to not be able to celebrate their Grandma, Nanny and Mimi in person.
Also this Mother's Day feels more timely than ever. A day to rally around the women holding it all together, whether that means working from home and taking care of kids at the same time, instructing hours of homeschool each day, or working outside of the home and balancing essential work and mom duties.
Personally I'm looking forward to just being with my girls and hubs. Every day hunkered down with them has been a gift (not without incredibly hard moments, but still). I also rounded up some actual gifts for mamas and mother figures. It's a great time for those with the means to support local businesses and pamper those caretakers who could use a little TLC themselves right about now.
HMD,
AES
Arts & Crafts
If she's not burnt out from coloring with the kids, gift creative mamas with some grownup art supplies. I recently ordered this coloring book (via Cup of Jo) and these watercolor paints.
Cup of Joe
The cliche is true. Many moms need their coffee. I need mine, and it's decaf! We're all sipping at home, so a mug from her favorite coffee shop would be a thoughtful gesture. My favorite mug is from Joan's on Third; it brings back memories of being in my happy place- LA. Pair with reusable straws for iced drinks.
Favorite Foods
Take in from her favorite restaurant or buy a gift card for a later date. Send her favorite candy or cookie dough for baking with the kids.
Home Goods
Now more than ever, help make her home a sanctuary. Send stylish kitchen pieces (this is on my wish list) or beautiful prints. Our engagement shoot photographer just released these prints for purchasing. And of course you can't go wrong with framed family photos. I love the custom options from Artifact Uprising.
Loungewear
I can appreciate the widespread recommendations to get dressed each day, but I'm enjoying not having to get dressed. In fact not getting dressed nor putting on makeup has been a social distancing highlight, as least so far. That being said I'm choosing clothes that are in good shape, nothing old or ratty. I've weeded out most items unless they bring me joy or at least relatively chic comfort. My current uniform is workout clothes during the day and loungewear at night. My go-to loungewear brand has been Alternative Apparel since I discovered its basics at the Abbot Kinney retail store a few years ago. I also like Splendid.
Masks
My new night time ritual is to take an evening shower followed by doing my skincare routine. Often I've been incorporating masks which feel both productive and relaxing at the same time, and I'll take the side effect of glowy skin. I know many women are embracing masking these days, especially those who are missing their in spa facials.
Personalized Jewelry
I love wearing my gold bar necklace engraved with my elder daughter Liv's birthdate. My SIL Katie got it for me for Hanukah Harry one year, and it's one of my favorite, most meaningful accessories. (Similar here) After my baby Mia was born I found an "M" engraved gold disk necklace at Margo in Hoboken. (Similar here) The two get tangled, so I take turns repping each daughter. (Which is also a metaphor for parenting my two little loves ;) I also love my personalized bracelets from Roxanne Assoulin and Love Letters 4U (my family friends' adorable line which the girls and I modeled for :)
Nail Set
I have yet to attempt to do my own nails since social distancing started, but I just ordered a nail polish set from Olive & June and polish remover from Tenoverten. Time to refresh my weeks-old pedicure and play nail salon with the girls. I'm sure lots of moms would welcome an at home pampering set right now.
Weighted Blanket
Since this post I've purchased a bigger one for hubs and I to share. Baloo is the best.
Wine
In the absence of going out for drinks or dinner, a glass of wine at home is the way to go. My favorites lately are the Decoy for white and Caymus or Whitehall Lane for a red wine splurge.