Seven Mother’s Day Gifts I Actually Want

Mother’s Day falls two weeks before my birthday, so it’s not a big gifting holiday in my house. Kyle typically buys me a pop-up card and pays for brunch. But this year, he asked if I wanted a gift because he has asked for a range finder for Father’s Day. Thus, the search began.

01. Monica Vinader Jewelry // I feature MV jewelry a lot on this blog.  When I started buying better quality jewelry a few years ago, I found that this brand had the best bang for my buck.  The pieces are well-made, unique, simple, and easy to wear.  

This green onyx bracelet has a rolo chain (my favorite) and a series of inline emerald stones.  It’s a pretty alternative to the tennis bracelets you see on so many influencers these days.  This bracelet has a more playful, bohemian feel that is really wonderful.

Also, her pendants are really lovely.  Simple and elegant.  Something you won’t tire of in a few years.  The lockets are my favorite.

02. Year & Day Serveware // Last year, I found a Year & Day salt cellar and spoon rest at a garage sale.  I remembered the brand as one of those viral DTC companies that was everywhere for awhile and then disappeared, but the pieces were really well made and I loved the pale blue-green color.  Fast forward, and I’ve purchased several other items to go with them.  

This rectangle baking dish is a phenomenal item for making enchiladas or roasted veggies.  I’ve also baked cakes in it.  I also recommend the salt cellar as a gift.  I add a box of great salt and a brass spoon.  Or if you’re in the market for new dishes, theirs are really sturdy and pretty.  They’re also dishwasher safe and microwave safe, which isn’t always a guarantee these days.

03. Soft Services Hand Cream // If you need a luxury gift for a grandmother or mother who does not want a lot of things cluttering her house, this luxurious Theraplush hand cream is the thing.  It comes in both an unscented option and a floral-scented option.  I keep mine by my bed to apply it before bed, and it is incredibly hydrating without being greasy.  I’ve been using it for a month, and I love it as a luxe upgrade to an every day item.

04. Chord Baseball Cap // A few weeks ago, I purchased this Chord baseball cap for a Saw it on Social post.  Mary Orton is a longtime follow for me, and I trust her recommendations.  But a $135 baseball cap?  Come on, girl.  So I decided to try it on my own dime. 

First, this is the best, most well-made baseball cap anyone has ever made.  I own hats from Anina Bing, Favorite Daughter, Clare V., well known designers who sell hats for $40-$75.  I bought the Chord hat in a washed denim is made of much stronger material (the pale denim is 100% cotton), the construction is better, it holds its shape better, and the details are nice.  

Also, I’m not sure how to describe the fit, except to say it sits lower on the head than most hats I own, and so it has a more fitted appearance.  Somehow that gives a more feminine and more stylish look.  

Am I still skeptical that a $135 baseball cap is a must-have?  Yes.  But I am constantly surprised by the number of women who stop me on the golf course and in the grocery store to ask me about it.  

If you wear hats frequently and you’re looking to upgrade this basic piece, I can confirm that everything the other influencers have said about the hat is true.  It’s well-made, fits great, and holds shape.  I asked for the black one for Mother’s Day.  

05. Kindle Case // I have now worn glasses for 33 years. And after all that time, my eyes can no longer read books on my iPhone without tiring instantly. Thus, I purchased a a real Kindle. Yes, I love a paper book too, but I can’t travel with four books in my carry-on without breaking a hip.

If you’re in the market for a case, I think Page the Shop has really cute ones. I own her striped option, but when I travel for work, I keep things more professional with this monogrammed one from Etsy. If your Mom loves to read, I recommend a Kindle or a new case.

An attorney friend has the Kindle Scribe and uses it for all note taking. She is completely obsessed with it. She is such an evangelist for the product that if I didn’t hate the look of my own handwriting, she might have convinced me.

06. Ana Luisa Jewelry // Looking for well-made jewelry for under-$100? Ana Luisa is your brand.

These two-tone drop hoops are the perfect earring for travel. Wear the hoops for day, add the drops for night. They also blend in with any other jewelry you might be wearing. And the difference in textures is really fun.

Also, I love that the brand makes solid gold options in a reasonable price point. I bought their teeny-tiny birthstone charm to add to my Sloane necklace.

07. A Great Tote // I feel like Mom always needs a great tote bag. I keep this Williams Sonoma Market Tote in my suitcase when I travel for bringing home gifts. (You can also fit flat shoes in the wine slots.) But a mom-friend recently suggested this Sunnylife beach bag with long handles. She carries hers to the pool all summer.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author; all saw it on social items are purchased with my own money, no gifts or partnerships are solicited or accepted}