Gone are the days of the “Worlds Best Mom” mugs. There is a new generation of mothers who are redefining how we think of motherhood. This is by no means a knock at the gifts which exist to celebrate being a mom. However, it is no longer necessary to give a gift which must tell that person she is a mother… I’m pretty sure she already knows.
The good news? We can now celebrate family and community without losing out independence, playfulness, and desire to want maintain our autonomy in style.
Below I have compiled a list with the IANtB team of unique gift ideas for mother’s day that I either own or have given as gifts to family and friends:
Surprise mom by allowing her to customize a made-to-order 14K gold quartz piece of jewelry by Dani Barbe. We are loving these stackable raw-cut cuffs.
Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion by Philosophy $37
Philosophy has been a beauty go-to for those of all ages and all backgrounds for quite some time. This year, the veteran brand wants us to remember that May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. For this month only, 100% of their net proceeds will go to Hope&Grace Initiative. This initiative gives funding to mental health organizations in the United States.
Purchase a great product and help others along the way- mama would be so proud!
Adult Tutu starting at $50
The title of this sounds so silly and maybe that’s part of the fun. However, these classic skirts are anything but silly. One of the most famous photos of Marilyn Monroe was taken by Milton Greene, which shows the seamless merging of the woman-child dichotomy through the star’s almost angelic-like appearance in the tulle dress series. As her photos have been analyzed over-and-over again through the years, many have argued that her appeal was not actually in her sexuality, but rather her ability to show deep vulnerability which is epitomized in the classic shot. Designer V.Marie has taken a cue from this iconic image and has created playful tulle and chiffon skirts which help remind us that although we are so very powerful, there is also strength in our fragility.
(Tip: Half of the fun of the V. Marie Shop comes from customizing your piece. The colors of the tulle are so much fun to scour through. Give your mom a gift certificate for the length she would prefer, and allow her to design her own skirt!)
Adult tutu under $50 can be found here!
Eve Lom TLC Cream $59
Hands-down my favorite moisturizing cream on the planet. It works great as an anti-aging and protective coat at night, while also balancing out oil and protecting combination skin against breakouts. However, I’ve also used this during the day when I have been in the arctic or in other extreme weather conditions and my skin never got dry or chapped. I know this word is overused, but it really is amazing.
How cool is this!? Tea drops are the new all-natural way to make a cup of tea. They are created using honey, herbs, spices, fruits, florals, etc… and come all ready to drop into a hot cup of water. Give mom a variety with this sampler by Tea Drops.
Paddywax Library Collection $20
Is your mom a bibliophile? Check out this candle collection by Paddywax named after classic novelists. Each scent is carefully crafted to emulate the personal taste of author and the spirit of their work. (Photo features the John Steinbeck smoked birch and amber candle with a famous quote and photo of the late American writer.)
Mermaid Tights $24
Our kids never want to stop playing and neither should we. These pearly-pink mermaid tights are so sheer and subtly done that they can easily be an everyday wearable item for any mermaid-loving mom.
Himalayan Sea Salt Shot Glasses $28
Himalayan Sea Salt is suppose to have amazing health benefits and tequila is essentially the elixir of the gods, so you can’t go wrong by giving your mom this set of beautiful himalayan sea salt shot glasses, which you can then bust out and cheers to her good health.
Landeau Flowers $169
I was hesitant to put a bouquet of flowers on here, but this is above and beyond the expected-yet-overpriced typical arrangements. With Landeau, it isn’t only about the quality of the roses, but the quality of the packaging. The round boxes are designed after similar floral arrangements in Paris and the simplicity of it all makes for quite a statement piece.
Ice Wine Bottle Chiller by Grate and Barrel $39
Chilled wine never looked so good. This mold freezes into a single-bottle sized cylinder that can be customized for any occasion. I’ve seen slices of citrus, fresh berries, and florals all used to create unique centerpieces out of this icy chiller. (Ice lasts for up to 6 hours.)
Natural Shower Steamers from Lizush $30
Make an everyday shower a little more special with these aromatherapy shower steamers. All you do is place one at the bottom of your shower and wait for the release of essential oils that will turn your shower into a spa-like steam room. This box of 20 comes with lemongrass, mint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, and lavender scents. Lizush products are 100% natural, 100% vegan, never tested on animals, does not contain toxins/synthetic chemicals, and does not contain any GMO ingredients. (Not to mention the entire process from start to finish is 100% handmade.)
Crystal Water Bottle by Crystal Palace $69
For centuries crystals have been thought to have healing powers, but regardless of your beliefs, even a skeptic could be seduced by its natural beauty. This stunning glass water bottle contains a quartz crystal at the center that instantly turns your hydration system into portable art.
Michael Aram Pomegranate “Catch All” Dish $49
I’ve been a fan of Michael Aram’s designs for quite some time (coincidentally Michael’s unusual middle name is the first name of my son). To this day, one my favorite go-to gifts is his pomegranate “catch all” dish. The pomegranate fruit in Middle Eastern/Mediterranean culture is rich in symbolism and often attributed to fertility, abundance, and good fortune. The positive meaning and simple design make a perfect mother’s day gift for the person who has everything.
Bath Tray with iPad/iPhone and Wine Holder $49
If your mom makes the most out of her bathtub, consider gifting her with this bath tray that will not only protect her tech devices while she’s soaking, but also hold her wine and tea. She may never leave.
These candles are made from a rare pink onyx that glows beautifully when lit. I know this is a bit of a splurge for a candle, but the packaging is very Sabrina in Paris, the quality of the candle superb, and it will make anyone who receives it feel special.
Shoulder Necklace $152
Body jewelry is making a come back this year and by that we defintiely don’t mean belly button rings and body chains (although you do you… no judgement here). To pull off a high-end look, we suggest choosing pieces that focus on the shoulders or back. This gorgeous gold crystal and opal shoulder necklace by Blair Nadeau has the shock factor with the elegance of a classic piece of jewelry.
Framed Butterfly $40
I gave my dad a framed Monarch butterfly one year for Father’s Day (Monarchs are very significant to both of us) and it is still one of his favorite presents. These are great if you have any personal connection to the gift. However, it is also great for the science or natural-loving mother out there. This real butterfly from Bugs Under Glass is even larger and more vibrant in person. They have a multitude of rare iridescent butterflies and moths in their store. (Note: Most butterfly taxidermy is by collection of the insect after it has finished its short life-cycle.)
Handleless Mug $65
This handmade clawfoot ceramic handleless mug will make any cup of coffee or tea seem special. It’s truly a gorgeous statement piece.
I love tea and this farmer’s market blend has been getting rave reviews from local audiences. In addition, they carry a sultry rose tea, but I am partial to this blend because it has a gentle touch of stevia.
Let Your Boobs Go Wild French Terry Shirt– $26
Designed by a 7-year-old breastfeeding advocate, this shirt is a hilarious feminist response to “Calm Your Tits.” It comes in multiple styles at the IANtB shop, but I’m partial to the Heather Gray off-the-shoulder number.
Well, thats it! Please add any additional ideas down in the comments or head over to our Facebook page to join the real-time conversation.
Happy Mother’s Day!
