I can’t believe that Mother’s Day is just around the corner! It sneaks up on me every.year. I try to get ahead of it, but when I finally get around to pulling the trigger on a gift it’s basically crunch time!
If you’re looking for some gift ideas, the following short list consists of a few options that I have shopped for / considered for my mom (or even asked for for myself! haha).
NOSTALGIC
Digital Frame
I LOVE our digital frame — it’s so nice to be able to have multiple images displayed on a frame in lieu of having to choose just one. Sometimes I just sit and watch the slideshow and relive those memories. 🤣 (AURA, Skylight)
Framed Photos
You can’t beat the classic gift of a framed photo. I suggest choosing a photo that has sentiment as well as a frame that goes with her home’s aesthetic. If I want a digital photo printed I utilize the services of Printique — they use high quality photo paper and it’s exactly like if you had film photos printed. I’m always so impressed! I also recommend Framebridge if you are looking for a framing service. They do such a professional job and have so many styles to choose from; you can even consult with a designer to help you choose the perfect mat / frame! (A big bonus is that they can ship directly for you if you don’t live near your loved one and then you can skip trying to package a fragile frame!). Another option would be Keepsake Frames!
*Bonus Tip: Buy her a family or “Mommy & Me” photo session with a local photographer and then she can choose which images from that session that she wants to put in the frames!
Chatbooks // Photo Book // The ShortYears Books
Get those photos off of your phone or hard drive and PRINT.THEM.OUT. Having them bound together in a book is so fun because let’s be real… we only have so much wall space for hanging frames. They can capture all of the fun you had on a vacation, photos that encapsulate a month, or even create annual books that capture memories from the whole year!
LegacyBox
I love this idea for preserving memories and stories about our family members so that nothing gets forgotten or lost in translation over the years. We have the direct stories from the people themselves (“How did grandma and grandpa meet?”).
StoryWorth
In keeping with the memory preservation theme, this gift idea is such a great way to pass down family stories. Prompts are sent to the family member and they respond with the their recollection of the experience or event, creating a story about who they are and their life! So special.
*Top Tip: this is also an excellent last minute gift because it’s digital! 😉
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JEWELRY
If your gift recipient loves sparkly things, I can’t recommend these options more!
I don’t normally go for personalized pieces, but when it comes to sentimental Mother’s Day gifts I make an exception.
Mama Necklace
Instead of a nameplate style, I prefer necklaces that use charms with individual letters to spell “mama”, the initials of her little ones, or a full name is so sweet. Alternatively, you could get a necklace that includes birthstones either on their own or added to initial charms, or even a locket that includes a favorite photo!
Engravable Bracelet
I love this option both for mamas or grandmas and using the name(s) of their kiddos / grandkids!
Yearly Co Bracelet
These bangles are beautiful and heirloom quality. I inherited a pair of bangles from my mom that had belonged to my grandmother and I absolutely adore them. It was a huge gesture for my mom to give them to me and I knew how much she missed them so I had been on the hunt for bangles of a similar quality to gift to her and this company makes such PERFECT, beautiful pieces — the bangle we chose for her was a big hit!
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Floral Delivery
Venus et Fleur // La Fleur
I have received a few of these long-lasting arrangements from my husband and I absolutely adore them because they last for ages! I’ve had one for going on three years now. I don’t know what the secret is, but the blooms are still so beautiful and I love to have the arrangements displayed in our home! They bring me so much joy and I’m sure that the flower lover in your life would adore one of these long-lasting arrangements as well.
Farmgirl Flowers // Bouqs
I love to promote both of these options because we’ve always had such positive experiences (beautiful arrangements, quality florals, and delivered on time). I would say that the only difference is that Farmgirl delivers arrangements already “assembled” whereas Bouqs sends stems of florals and greens to be assembled by the recipient.
Local Florist
(research!)
I LOVE supporting local whenever possible! If you don’t already have an established relationship with a local florist or live across the country from your loved one, use Google to research options — check out their websites to see if their style suits the recipient and then check reviews if available. I have had TERRIBLE experiences with 1-800-Flowers and do NOT recommend utilizing their services; it’s not worth getting a crummy floral arrangement (completely different than advertised) or not delivered on the date requested. Shop small!
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Sentimental KEEPSAKE Crafts
Paper Flower Bouquet
I made a modified version of these for Sophie’s grandmothers this year and I’m so pleased with how they turned out! I let Sophie color a flower printable, cut out the flowers and then glued them to a layer of construction paper petals, taped the flower head to a paper straw, cut out some leaves, taped all stems to the inside of the “bouquet wrap” which I glued shut. It may seem like a lot of steps, but it was actually a pretty easy craft and I think the grandmas will really appreciate them (plus, they can be mailed flat if not giving them in person!).
Hand Trace Floral Bouquet
You could also cut out your little one’s traced hand and turn them into paper “lilies” like the bouquet above. It would be sweet to add one handprint that hasn’t been converted into a flower with a sweet handwritten note on it.
Hand Paints
Alternatively, you can make a “bouquet” of flowers (created from painted handprints) and gift it to her in a lovely frame!
Clasped Hands Clay Casting
I love these little clasped hands cast in clay as a “sculpture” type of piece that can be used in home decor, or a handprint as a holiday ornament! It just doesn’t get any sweeter.
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I thought these Mother’s Day activities were so sweet and worth sharing! Anything made by tiny hands really tugs on my heartstrings 🥹 and if you are torn between being sentimental and hating clutter like I am (🫣), I love the idea of having all of those special [flat] art pieces bound into a book that can be tucked away for a tidy appearance and space-saving, but the memories are available to revisit any time!
Shutterfly // MixBook // 4everBound Custom Books // ArtKive Box // PlumPrint
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(images courtesy of @forfactssake_)
REQUEST GUN SAFETY
Lastly, give her the gift of ensuring that she can continue to celebrate Mother’s Day by calling your representatives to request that they support background checks for all gun sales (you can find phone numbers and script resources here!)
Proper gun safety is a bipartisan concern — please help save our children; we don’t need to live in fear of being victims of the next mass shooting.
Wishing you all a very Happy [early] Mother’s Day, friends!
Sending big hugs —
xx, Natalie
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