I'm still shopping too, don't feel bad. Though I may just buy some flowers to accompany the brunch I'm orchestrating at the ol' homestead this Sunday. That should be enough, no?
Ok, maybe not. I'm a mom now too, and I love me some gifts. I feign indifference and then am surprised at how indignant I feel if people actually heed my protestations.
So buy a mom a gift. She won't be unhappy, that's for sure ;)
How to make this easy? I love a browse through the endless newsletters, articles and blog posts enumerating gift ideas a click and three weeks away, but what if you're still giftless and Mother's Day is breathing down your neck? Well, for you my friends, I have a list of easy(ish) gift solutions that I'm sure you can track down in your area. Time-saver: call around! No need to waste gas and parking dollars (in Toronto, that can mean a week's pay) if you can do an inventory check over the phone... Anywho, here's what I've rounded up to make a mom a-happy...
Old Favourite: Jewellery Box
Jewellery Box, Chapters/Indigo
I know it's kinda cheesy, but you know moms including myself will always find use for a compartmentalized box. It's just how a mom's brain works... It's impulsive: see a compartmentalized box; fill it with sundry items. This one's pink and 50% off at Chapters/Indigo, but check your local gift store for other (endless) options.
Rest Her Weary Head
Mayukori Buckwheat pillow and sham, at the following QC retailers
I know my mother has neck issues and as a teen I thought she was just a mom-ish complainer. I am a mom now and I too have neck issue. I don't know if being a mom and having neck issues is related, but it's certainly common. A buckwheat pillow is rumoured to be the answer to all neck issues, and though I myself have not yet invested, I will, as soon as I tear out on an all-about-me shopping trip. If you can't find these beautiful, recent releases by Montreal's Mayukori, check out your local organic lifestyle store such as Carbon Environmental Boutique in Edmonton, and Organic Lifestyle stores in Toronto. These pillows are a common staple in organic and health-oriented shops.
Sauce It Up, Mom!
Vintage silk Haori, Murata, Vancouver
I bought my mother a vintage 1940s floral silk robe and she LOVES it. She's quite stylish and didn't need much convincing to sport a pretty housecoat, but if you foresee some convincing in your future, I can honestly say that a silk Kimono can make any woman feel like a creature of loveliness! Hey, a saucy about-the-house look can keep the doldrums of everyday chores at bay. Vintage is the way to go if you want quality and uniqueness factor, as well as value, but specialty shops abound with alternatives. Check out Murata if you're in Vancouver or Toronto-Kimono in Toronto -- they're open Saturday!!! (Call first.) If you've no clue where to start in your area, throw open the yellow pages or Google and call around to the most popular vintage clothing stores -- Kimonos are a staple vintage item and they'll usually have one on hand.
The Splurge
Nespresso Essenza available at Sears and at Williams-Sonoma
Also a past Mother's Day gift, but from my father to my mother. She's into coffee; he's into tea. She considers the Nespresso Essenza her third daughter, and the one she spends the most time with. Every morning mom and her Essenza have a nice cappuccino together, and enjoy a moment of peace. If you're not familiar with Nespresso single serving coffee machines, check them out online and then stop by your local kitchenware store. They're a hit.
What I Would Like This Year: The Turkish Bath Towel
Le Souk Turkish bath towel, via The Marion House Book blog
I only recently started seeing these around. They're trending throughout accessories land, and for good reason. They're weaved of a traditional thin cotton that's super absorbent and fast to dry. They're the perfect size for a sun cover, beach towel, shawl or summer throw, and the best part about them is their beautiful patterns. Sun-bleached blues, mauves and naturals, in stripes or in solids and often adorned with fringes, are exactly the look you'll want for summer. These will require your A game in the research department but they're not all that scarce. Check out beauty, bath and specialty spa shops, as well as unique gift and decor stores such as Holy Cow in Toronto, which has some on offer right now!
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