Ah, Mother’s Day. Or what I like to call, “my day of forced family fun.” As a mom of two teenage boys, one of which is about to head to university this fall, I can attest to the fact that sometimes, when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts, you can’t always get what you want. Though, sometimes, you do get what you need.
It would be nice if our families could easily read our minds before they go shopping, but unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. For 18 years, I have been the recipient of an array of amazing gifts, ranging from handmade cards and school projects (beefed up with flowers and various accoutrements from my husband) when they were little, to more, shall we say, targeted presents as the years went on.
And though I am always thrilled with the thought that went into my special day and am sincerely happy with just having my boys with me for 12 hours straight, I can point to a few of my favorite things. Here are my top nine favorite Mother’s Day gifts I’ve received, in case you need a little inspiration for the unique (and might I add, probably underappreciated) momma in your life.
My kids are always attempting to make me cool(er). And I love the high-top Nike Dunks they got me a few years ago. I can match these with baggy slacks and a blazer for the office or throw them on with jeans or sweats on the weekend. And you know they’re actually cool when my boys’ buddies compliment them. Regardless, they are a simple way to elevate my outfit from boring to fun, and they’re not something I would have bought on my own. For moms who may want a little more comfort, you may also want to check out these Nike Motiva walking shoes.
I admit it, I am so psyched that comfy hoodies are in style. And this Alo Accolade hoodie is like wearing a soft, warm blanket. Plus, it doesn’t make me look like a total schlub. I was gifted it in Heather Grey and picked up the matching Accolade sweatpants, which I wear as a set when I travel. Not ready to splurge on Alo? This oversized set from Automet is a great place to start.
I spend way too much time complaining about chapped lips, and when we’re on holiday, I then turn my ire to my sunburn. Thankfully, my family was listening and got me this double-duty creamy lip balm with SPF 25. I can tuck it in my makeup kit and use it both night and day in sunnier climates or even for a day at the beach. I received it in the pink-hued Plum Blossom, but it also comes in a more bronze Midnight Lily or the reddish Camellia.
This is not my first rodeo when it comes to the Amazon Kindle. I am a consummate reader, though with my busy lifestyle, I don’t get to crack open many books during normal daytime hours. Enter the Kindle Paperwhite, which I received after I lost my beloved Kindle Oasis (which is no longer available) and which allows me to read in the dark with its large display and adjustable warm light. It also happens to be waterproof, so I can take it on holiday and read by the pool or the ocean without concern. I also love that if I listen to an audiobook with Audible (also a great gift for Mom with three months free, FYI) I can easily connect my Bluetooth headphones to the Paperwhite.
Nobody loves cuddling up on the couch to Netflix more than I do. And this insanely snug blanket from Jetty — which features plaid flannel on the outside and cozy sherpa fur on the inside — is the perfect companion. My biggest problem with this gift? Getting the boys to keep their hands off it.
I love to cook, which makes my family of men very happy. And though it may have been slightly self-serving, this gorgeous gift of an all-purpose Santoku knife not only makes chopping and slicing a breeze with the fine edge of its hot-forged steel blade but the beechwood handle lets me show it off proudly on my kitchen’s magnetic knife strip. My exact knife is selling fast, but if you want a similar option, this one will do the trick. Want to get her started with a less expensive version of this knife? This Imarku version is perfect for rookie chefs.?
I discovered Alexis Bittar’s jewelry about a decade ago, and since then, I have received some of my all-time favorite pieces for Mother’s Day from the brand. The Brooklyn-born retailer has outfitted celebs from Beyoncé and Amanda Seyfried to Michelle Obama, so I’m thrilled to be able to join the ranks of such an esteemed crowd. And though you might think these stunning designs would break the bank, some of them are surprisingly affordable — like this super-funky Lucite Block Ring, which never ceases to bring in the compliments. (Bonus: It’s on sale for $50). But if you’re ready to spend a little more, I also love my classic collar necklace, and these stunning Puffy Lucite bracelets are a showstopper (I have my eye on the Neon Yellow, ahem).
Though my husband had to make this purchase, everyone knows I love a nice cocktail for Sunday brunch. And the Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint Vodka is so lovely poured over ice with some seltzer and lime. Not only is this drink light and refreshing but it’s lower in calories than many cocktails. You can also grab it in Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom or Botanical Grapefruit and Rose.
When you’re a mom, there are very few things you look forward to more than a little pampering. Which is why I couldn’t wait to use this thoughtful gift certificate for a day of heated outdoor pools, saunas, baths and restorative facilities at New York’s QC Spa, which is located on Governors Island and overlooks the Manhattan skyline. Not only could I spend the day unwinding but the scenic ferry ride makes this daycation feel more like a vacation. If you don’t live in New York or want to let her choose where she relaxes, ResortPass lets you book a day pass at select hotels and spas around the world.
