Being a modern mama in my late 20s, my friends consider me a fun mom, and I’d like to agree. It doesn’t mean Tanner and I just folic all over without a care in the world, as much as I wish that were true. Being a “cool” mama, means you have your sh&^ together and hustle to give you and your littles a good life, making sunshine out of rain, and sparkles out of dust.
I’m almost 30, I have an almost 3-year old, I live in a cute beach shack, and have a couple part-time jobs that allow me to work mostly from home. I dabble in dating, try to keep a decent relationship with my co-parenting PIC, and believe life is better through adventures – whether that’s in the kitchen cooking, going on a road trip, or simply exploring our own North County, San Diego backyard. I hand picked some favorite gift items for the special moms in your life so you can find some inspiration how to bring love and sunshine to the mamas that make your world go ’round.
When you’re trying to think of gifts to get the special mamas in your life, try to think outside the box (literally, the present box). What are they into? Their hobbies? I mean, being a mom and having hobbies is like finding a $100 bill, but, hey…you never know; a hobby is still a hobby, even if it’s fulfilled barely once a year.
When brainstorming the perfect Mother’s Day gift, ask yourself…
What are their interests to do with or without baby/toddler/kids? What’s their favorite store? Restaurant? Fro-Yo shop? What do they like to do to relax; a massage, mani/pedi, park stroll, workout, explore, go on trips, etc…really try to come up with something creative to make them feel special and loved. Because moms basically rule the world, and without them we’d be lost. For those without mamas, or who have someone else serve as a “mother” in their lives, honor them. This day does not have to be purely a Hallmark holiday. Spread the love, the laughter, the memories.
With that, here’s my round up of 10 gift ideas for the mama(s) in your life…
1. A gift certificate to get a mani/pedi or a massage.
Because no mom EVER has time for this, and when they do, we feel guilty spending money on ourselves – or taking an hour out of our day to be selfish. Offer to babysit for an hour alongside of this gift card, and your mama, friend, sister, wife, whoever….is sure to SWOON. If you’re hubby, prepare to get lucky if you throw in some extra cash for her to upgrade to the one that includes paraffin wax…and let her go get a new outfit or meal afterward. Boom. You’re golden and will get repaid on Father’s Day.
2. A monthly membership to a wine club like Club W.
Yes, this exists. Yes, it’s magical. It shows up straight to your doorstep, once per month, and is basically a motherhood God of support, relaxation, and stress-relieving potion. Click here to get started, customizing everything from pallet favs and pairings.
3. A phone charging clutch or purse from Chic Buds.
HI, THIS IS EFFING GENIUS. Why? Because what mom isn’t scrolling on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, or their mailbox 192837 times while breastfeeding, putting their feet up for five seconds during nap time, or once they finally crawl into bed. We also always seem to stream Pandora lullabies at 8pm each evening, or fun children’s music on in the car during the day, all of which completely drain a phone battery. Don’t even get me started how quickly being on SnapChat, Bumble, or Tinder completely warps all power within an hour. Oh, and let’s talk about the 129387 photos we take per day, of our same tiny human, doing 239487 different things. All which obviously MUST be captured. You know what that means? Low battery. ALL DAY ERRRR DAY. So thanks to Chic Buds, the holy grail of mom life, you can now charge your phone WITH your purse. As in, these gems of an accessory literally charge. your. phone. Don’t believe me? Well, that’s rude. BUT, you can save 20% using the coupon code “seashells20” while shopping here.
4. A fresh new perfume.
Don’t you dare buy something floral and horridly strong that smells like an 80 year old (unless, of course, that’s her favorite scent and by request). Looking for a light, airy, but romantic and flirty smell? I’ve literally been wearing Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue for over ten years (how lame and predictable, I know). Buf if you order this for her, you’ll see why I’m a loyal fan and customer. and it totally brings all the boys to the yard. and women asking what you’re wearing. So, if you need a new boyfriend or new BFF, or just want someone to sniff your neck, maybe you should try Light Blue.
5. The Soul Searcher’s Handbook: A Modern Girl’s Guide to the New Age World.
“Regardless of what you’re seeking, The Soul Searcher’s Handbook is your awakening to a more fulfilling and soulful life; From aromatherapy and numerology to healing crystals and meditation, this fun and sassy guide to everything body-mind-spirit defines New Age practices for a new generation” (Amazon, 2016). I love how much this book caters to my wanderlust spirit, and constant search for peace and love through chaos. What mom doesn’t that speak to? Other fav reads include Mastering Your Mean Girl and Adventures for your Soul.
6. A donut mold.
Who doesn’t love donuts?! Sure, there is NOTHING, and I repeat, NOTHING that even comes close to your local bakery’s which are soaked in grease, fat, and LOVE…BUT, as mamas know, that baby weight doesn’t disappear from a donut diet. I’m OBSESSED with my BPA-free, silicone donut mold by More Cuisine Essentials that allows me to BAKE homemade donuts. If you follow my Instagram or my snaps, you’ve most likely seen my donut recipes, and if you weren’t drooling, you might need to reevaluate your life. Like, are you happy if your tastebuds don’t dance when you see fresh homemade, donuts?!? —and if you’re on a diet and asking yourself “WTF, CLEAN donuts that are actually healthy?? Noon way…” Oh yes, they exist, and taste amazing — check out my gluten free, fat free donuts here, and add this go-to guiltless recipe on a note card attached to her new donut mold so she’s ready to rock and roll, donut style. If you live together, you’ll reap the brekkie or late night snacking benefits, too, so that’s a win-win, for her, and your tastebuds.
7. Essential oils.
and don’t just buy like two oils or something, because that’s like eating a salad without dressing; pointless. Splurge and get her the Premium Starter Kit she deserves. I’m a huge fan of Young Living Oils and all their products. I love the community and mama tribe they encourage, and there are seriously SO many little hippie remedies for EVERYTHING! Why do I recommend the starter kit versus just a few random products? Because it’s the mother-load and what got me hooked – I STILL buy the entire kit at least once a year and add to a new room in my house. It includes so many goodies, like you can see below. and signing up as a member saves you a bunch, so makes it totally worth it. I can pinky promise no one will ever regret playing around with all the different scents in one of their diffusers, among many other tricks and tips she’ll learn along the way. AND there’s even adorable themed dinosaur diffuser for little boy’s rooms, and kits personalized for those living active + fit lifestyles…the order add-ons are amaze.
- Dewdrop Diffuser
- Premium Essential Oils Collection (5-ml each) Lavender, Copaiba Vitality™, Peppermint Vitality™, Lemon Vitality™, Frankincense, Thieves® Vitality™, Purification®, RC™, DiGize™ Vitality™, PanAway®
- Stress Away™ 5-ml
- AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
- 10 Sample Packets
- 10 Love it? Share it! Sample Business Cards
- 10 Love it? Share it! Sample Oil Bottles
- 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
- Product Guide and Product Price List
- Essential Oil Magazine
- Essential Edge
- Member Resources
8. DIY gardening goodies, succulents, or cute additions to her garden or yard.
I’m swooning over all the options via Etsy, like this hanging ceramic planter, these mason jar wall planters, and these space-saving + genius self watering magnetic fridge planers. Find more green-thumb Etsy top picks here. Bright, airy, fresh, and fun, I LOVE all things succulent and DIY gardening — and all my neighbors and mom friends do, too. So you’re basically approved by the entire town of Encinitas that these gifts are a definite mama win, no matter where your mom/sister/other special mother-figure in your life lives, or how old she may be.
9. Coffee or tea, a gift card to her her favorite coffee shop, or cup-o-joe/spot of tea accessories.
If she happens to be sassy & sweet like me, I’m head over heels in love with this unicorn mug. I also HATE wasting plastic, or anything that’s terrible for the planet, so am trying to give up pre-packed K-Cups from my Keurig that aren’t biodegradable. Because of that, I’d like to get a french press and get into making my own coffee – without all the sneaky additives and ‘natural flavoring’ found in plastic K-cups. So if you have a mama in your life that needs her caffeine fix in the morning, consider something fun and old-school-meets-modern like a french press, some freshly ground coffee from a local fav coffee shop, a cute and fun tea strainer, lose-leafed tea, or a gift card to her favorite local spot when she wants to splurge without the homemade effort. All of those goodies would make a great gift bundled together in a cute basket!
10. Custom jewelry with their little one’s name(s), initials, or special engravement.
I love these personalized name rings; SO CUTE. Bar necklaces are always a classic, and so are layering bracelets like these, because you can wear them with a casual outfit, or dressed up for work/a special event. Nothing says “I love you, mama” like a sweet little personalized gift that’s unique, special, and warms a mama’s heart full of memories and love.
What are you getting your mom or special mother in your life you want to honor this Mother’s Day? Plan on shopping any of these ideas? Would love to hear!
Wishing all the mamas out there a beautiful Mother’s day….and not only on Sunday, May 7th, but every.single.day. You deserve it, you pretty little thing. Remember to find love, gratitude, and laughter in every day, and savor the moments that create memories for years to come.
xoxo, Shelley
salty sweet seasons 