Mother's Day Gift Guide
I had a tough week mentally last week and have taken some quiet time offline for a bit. While I’m in no rush to return to instagram, I did miss my blog! I don’t think I realized how much of blogging has become about real-time sharing on instagram, etc. I surprised myself in missing this “old school,” slower more thoughtful platform.
Sometimes it can be nice to share when you aren’t feeling great, but this time I found myself craving time away from all of the news, advice, predictions, even watching how others are dealing with things! It's been a good reminder of this little space, where I can write and share without stressing about DM’s or sharing all day. I had a good time this weekend shopping around for Mother’s Day, pulling together a list of things I love and/or think would make nice gifts. I hope you enjoy it, and if you’re inclined, feel free to forward to a man or woman in need of some ideas :)
It should go without saying that I’m a bit of a non-traditionalist with Mother’s Day gifts… I feel no offense to receiving something luxuriously functional, like a pan I’ve been lusting over or a high-end milk frother to make my morning coffee with oatmilk a special ritual. This water bottle is the only bottle I’ve managed to keep track of for over a year - I love everything the brand makes but this is so light and holds the perfect amount of water. It seems silly, but things like this olivewood salt keeper bring such joy to my kitchen counter (ours was a wedding gift) and make the grind of weeknight cooking just a bit more enjoyable. I get so many compliments on these wine glasses whenever we entertain and are so easy to buy in any quantity for apartment - home living. To me, the best gifts are things that show thoughtfulness but also have a purpose - whether that be actual function, or simply as a warm reminder of someone or something they know you love.
Jewelry never disappoints, and while it’s too late to order a custom bangle from Yearly Co., their ultra light 2” Gold Threader Hoops are a staple in my wardrobe and are in stock. You can also gift a sizing kit and gift card to start their collection! My gold locket featuring Nell’s silhouette is another daily piece for me that will be passed from generation to generation. Yearly Co. and Le Papier have actually partnered on a collection that would be the ultimate gift for any mom - you can order now and submit your photos later, so mom can pick them our herself. If you are looking for a smaller token, I have a delicate red Magal bracelet that I wear with my stack. I chose a simple single diamond set in yellow gold as a gift to myself - the ancient Greek myth of the red thread has personal meaning to me.
I’m not big on bubble bath or “pampering” gifts simply because I find I “save" them forever and don’t use them, or the scents/choices aren’t my personal preference. That said, I’ve added a few luxuries to my self care regime over the years that I think make great gifts. Vintner’s Daughter was given to me as a gift and has transformed my skin. I plan to pay it forward and gift it to someone this year… it’s the ultimate treat, especially when paired with this healing Gua Sha stone (one note - I traveled with this is in my carry-on for a business trip lately and it both held up the line and required an awkward explanation to a TSA agent… maybe pack it in your checked bag). I don’t own this rose quartz roller but I’m intrigued that it vibrates - I’d keep it in the fridge to save me from an extra puffy morning (or one too many glasses of wine :). It’s also a good price point for gifting, as is this organic cuticle oil that C got for me. I keep it on my desk (now in my home office) and it completely restored my nails after years of gel manicures. I used up all of the bath salts AND the bath bomb from this Equilibria Mother’s Day Box before I was even allowed to post about it (oops) and emailed the brand to ask about reordering even the salts alone (use code MEGHALL to get 15% off on your first purchase!). They smell incredible (no hemp odor) and are the most soothing bath products I’ve tried in years. I think scent is really personal but this SALT fragrance is so light and pretty, I’d feel more than confident in gifting it (it’s also totally clean!). Similarly, these sunnies are (truly) universally flattering and so well-priced under $100! This Patagonia vest is also on sale (and practical) but so cute with the high collar. I ordered it for myself in the green!
I don’t think you can go wrong with good pajamas (this is my new favorite brand - I like the fit better than Lake Pajamas). I also love functional gifts that last a lifetime, like a Mason Pearson brush or Staub Cast Cocotte. We bought this Danish coffee maker three years ago and both my husband and myself still agree it makes the best drip coffee in the world. And keeps it hot. If you want to go big, I’d LOVE to receive this limited-edited bicycle from Serena and Lily… no time like the present to gift a beautiful bicycle!
I’ve gotten a lot of heart-warming DM’s from people that love their Nama Mat so much they are giving one to their mom this year so I thought I’d share a link to those, too. Thank you all for the support surrounding our collaboration - I am so honored to hear stories of you enjoying them in your home. Speaking of home, I’ve been lusting over this stone diffuser for years and would gift it with these beautiful oils from my friend Lauren’s online shop. Lauren also carries our favorite linen kitchen towels, which would be a beautiful gift with one of my favorite candles (back in stock soon if you want to order together but also available here) as well as several hyper-relevant books like Dining In and this one on how to keep house plants alive.
Aside from all of this, I finally believe my mom when she told us a phone call or a homemade card were always the best, now that I’m a mom. Fingers crossed Nell’s got a scribbled masterpiece up her sleeve for me! Happy Mother’s Day.
