Mother’s Day Gift Guide

With Mother’s Day just around the corner (May 10th, just in case you needed a reminder), I thought I would compile a gift guide for all your favorite moms out there. When it comes to Mother’s Day shopping, I feel stuck as what to get my mom and maybe you struggle with the same thing. There are years she really does want the on-trend kitchen gadget of the year or a cute new outfit, but it seems now a facetime coffee date and card in the mail make her absolutely ecstatic. However, I still love sending my mom pretty things should wouldn’t expect and love, knowing that she wouldn’t make the splurge on herself. There are a few items on here I know any mom would love and some I want to give to my mom this year. (That’s as much as I can share, she is an avid reader and I don’t want to spoil any surprises!) I decided to break this gift list into a few categories, according to your mom’s interests and hobbies. Keep reading for the full gift guide!

For the Fashionista

1. Explore More Shirt From Sevenly: Lately I’ve been wanting to expand my wardrobe of flowy tees. This flowy raglan is perfect for hiding any of those less than perfect places on your body (or post-baby body), will keep you cool, and has a comfy, super soft vintage cotton feel. If you’ve never purchased from Sevenly before you will notice they have an amazing giving concept in their business model. Every seven days they donate $7 from each purchase made to a given charity, up to $7,000. Check in each week for new designs and tees in their collection, and discover the story behind the weekly charity. Know a mom who loves to give back and has amazing style? This purchase is for her.

2. Be Tees and Spring Feather Stacks from The Shine Project: Started in 2012, this company focuses on creating beautiful jewelry that gives back. Based in Phoenix, the company employs inner-city youth and provides them with scholarships to be a first generation college student. Lately I’ve been impressed by the increase in style and fashion their spring collection has offered.

3. Madewell tank: This tank is perfect for everyday wear with a pair of boyfriend jeans or dressing up with a pair of dark skinnies and heels for a night out. I love the breezy nature to this top and the way it seamlessly floats away from the body. While an investment piece, it is one that will stay the course of time for spring and summer seasons to come.

4. Rocksbox: Do you know of a mom who loves to be on-trend with jewelry,  playing with her clothes, reworking outfits, but doesn’t have the time to shop with a toddler’s arms hanging out the cart? If so, then Rocksbox is the perfect fit. Allowing members to fill out a style survey, the jewelry is suited to individual taste and can be returned as many times a month you desire and replaced with a new set. For the fashion savvy, this is perfect for trying new pieces without having to commit to purchasing, as jewelry trends evolve quickly. I’ve been using Rocksbox for a few months and have loved both of my sets. Find a few pieces you can’t part with? With every set you are given $10 to purchase any pieces you like either from your existing set or online store. Use code MELISSABFF448 to receive a free month of Rocksbox on me!

For the creative mom:

1. Oh Joy!: 60 Ways to Create & Give Joy: This book is perfect for the party planner, avid crafter, and those who love to be creative. Full of pops of color, this book is sure to be a DIY staple sitting on your coffee table and providing constant inspiration.

2. Darling Magazine: A magazine dedicated to the art of being a woman, this subscription is dedicated to a beautifully curated print process and will be sure to inspire anyone. The latest issue in production is exploring the nature and nuances of dirt, to be released this summer. The most recent issue explores a fresh approach at the word “joy.”

3. Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only): Paired with a 50mm prime focal length lens, this camera is my go-to. Perfect for a mom who is venturing into creative entrepreneurship, design, or wanting to take higher quality photos of their families, this is an amazing investment piece for anyone is wanting to advance their skills in photography. The 6D is the least expensive full body camera from Canon in the DSLR line. Every image on the blog has been shot with this camera and lens combination. I’ll be adding a few lenses in the future, but this combination has been an amazing start.

4. Kinfolk magazine: This magazine has been a staple in my life for a very long time. Using casual, effortless entertaining as its driving force, I wish my life frequently looked like a page out of this magazine. I just ordered the latest issue which focuses on entrepreneurship, exploring the ideas that drives innovators and makers, and takes an in-depth look at what fuels our workplaces.

For memories…new & old:

1. Artifact Uprising photobooks and wall calendars: I discovered Artifact Uprising last year and absolutely love their products. Their use of simple design and minimal typography allow your imagery to remain the focus. Does your mom love photos, but keeps them all on her phone? Are the images from last year’s road trip still buried in a camera roll or photo stream? Time to print those out on paper and enjoy them. Use the code MOMSday and get 10% off your order by midnight tonight.

2. Pendleton Blanket: Perfect for summer picnics, nights on the beach, or surrounding campfires, this blanket rolls up for storage and can be thrown in a tote bag for adventures on-the-go.

3. Fossil Sydney Shopper Shoulder Bag: Because the “mom bag” needs a makeover, this bag can double as a diaper bag, goes to the farmers market or gym, and can hold as many additional snack cups you need. All in one stylish package, this cognac-colored leather bag is a classic that will stay the course of time.

4. Moleskine Classic Notebook: For memories, journaling, to-do lists, and creative inspiration, the moleskine journal is perfect. I’ve used Moleskines for years and have loved the style, quality, and minimal design to these journals. Anytime I have chosen something different when it comes to my journal choices, I have regretted the decision and come back to this classic. I love the red color, as it brings about an extra touch of femininity to the Moleskine line.

For the gourmet chef:

1. KitchenAid Mixer: Perfect for the budding pastry chef and aspiring cook, these mixers are a kitchen essential.  They are passed down through the generations, making everything from homemade sausages and ice creams, to breads, cookies, and cake doughs. Some of my favorite memories in the kitchen have been surrounding this mixer. I think of times at Christmas, making cookie after cookie dough recipe with my mom and grandma. The mint color is beautiful and would look amazing in any kitchen.

2. Utility Linen Cafe Apron: While I do love any apron, recently I’ve been drawn to the simplicity of a cafe apron. This one from Etsy hits the spot. I love the artisanal quality to the linen and get pictures of kneading bread, making homemade pasta, and hosting tons of parties with this little guy.

3. Silpat Baking Mat: I used to be an avid user of parchment paper until the Silpat mat came to my kitchen. Expect perfect parmesan crisps, chocolate shavings, and sugar cookies off of this guy. It will last for years and makes cleanup a breeze.

4. The Sprouted Kitchen Bowl and Spoon: Simple and Inspired Whole Foods Recipes to Savor and Share: This book is going to be the next cookbook classic in your home. That and who doesn’t love eating out of a bowl? For quick, easy, and fresh seasonal recipes, pick this book up for your favorite chef.

5. Food52 Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook: I’ve been a fan of the Food52 blog for a while. Every recipe I’ve tried from the blog or the iPad app have been incredible. For any foodie who wants to rethink traditional recipes and cooking processes, this cookbook is exceptional.

6. Mastering the Art of French Cooking: A basic in building repertoire in French cuisine, Julia Child walks us through French culinary classics with grace and wisdom. (I’m picturing her, her laughter, and voice right now.) For the Francophile in your life and the person who dreams of beef bourguignon and crepes, this is an excellent edition to their cookbook collection.