the best best: gifts for your mom, mum, mother, etc.
Mother's Day is right around the corner, naturally I've got you covered.
I feel like I start every newsletter marveling at how fast time is passing, but seriously, how is it already almost Mother’s Day? This year, Sunday, May 11th, also happens to be my birthday, which I have to assume is only adding to this jarring feeling. It’s not so much about the aging (I’m good with that!), but more about the fact that it came so quickly, I have no plans to celebrate this year. I had a vision for the perfect celebration, but naturally, life’s busyness got the best of me. So, here we are! However, I am a firm believer that it’s never too late to celebrate and gather all your favorite people. Which means I may pivot this vision to June, stay tuned!
Enough about me, this is about the mothers! However, at this time of year, I do often think about how my husband will have to navigate this holiday in the future. Since my birthday tends to fall right on, before, or after Mother’s Day. It’s like having a birthday on Christmas, there must be a strategy in place for the gift-giving. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I’m sure he’ll love sorting that out! lol In the meantime, I am here to help you with your gift giving, because naturally, I have loads of ideas.
I realize that not all moms are created equal when it comes to gift-giving. Some are simple, easy-going, and will be happy with anything you present, or may not even expect anything at all! While others are particular, already have everything, or seemingly are a different shoe size in every brand. No matter what category your mom may fall in, ultimately, I think the vast majority of moms are happy and grateful to be celebrated in any capacity. Because let’s face it, motherhood is absolutely the hardest job out there. And the closer I get to that next phase of my life, it makes me appreciate my mom—and all the moms, that much more.
By no means is gift-giving the only way I show my love, gratitude, and admiration for my mom, but I do always strive for the perfect gift. Because, as I have said before, there really is no better feeling than watching someone unwrap an item that is thoughtful, potentially fills a void, and puts a smile on their face! Especially when that someone has given you so much throughout your life.
Naturally, my mom, like all the women in our family, is particular. So, coming up with the perfect gift is something my sister and I typically tag team, because two particular minds are better than one. However, this year, we’re going to be ahead of the game, because below I’ve rounded up the best best gifts for the moms in your life—or maybe you are a mom, and should treat yourself! Because moms deserve all the treats, and I’m confident there is something for every mom here.
Happy early Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there—the world would not function without all of you!
Xx, my best best!
1. Soft Services Theraplush.
There is a reason why this appears on every gift guide I create. This is one of my favorite gifts that I have ever received. Shout out to my friend Nicole Sisco! She also introduced me to Soft Services in general, which has quickly become a true favorite in the beauty department. They have the best products, and somehow even better packaging? Which says a lot!
The Theraplush is an overnight retinol repair treatment/hand cream. You apply before bed, which is easy to add to your routine because it’s permanently stationed on your nightstand in this chic refillable case. The formula restores skin, maintains tidy cuticles, strengthens nails, and keeps your hands looking young. So truly a gift that keeps on giving. I have the original unscented, which comes in a yellow case, but they now offer scented—the Theraplush Hold, which comes in pink!
2. Essentials from DONNI.
Elevate your mom’s day-to-day looks with a piece or two from DONNI—a the best best brand fav! These pieces will quickly become fast favorites and are guaranteed to be on heavy rotation all summer long. The quality, the price point, the effortless vibe—there is a reason why many of my wardrobe staples are DONNI. Spread the good word to your mom!
1/ The Linen Relaxed Shirt 2/ The Linen Crop Stripe Pant 3/ The Chino Drawstring Short 4/ The Rib Scoop Tank 5/ The Rib Kick Flare 6/ The Linen Shell 7/ The Pop Simple Pant
3. Swimsuit from Hunza G.
Everyone can always use a new swimsuit in the rotation. I personally like to treat myself to a new bikini each year—either at the end of the summer season (i.e., on sale!) or in the spring, so I have all summer to enjoy the newness. Hunza G is a great option for gifting. The silhouettes are classic and look great on all body types, and they are only sold in one size, so no guessing involved!
1/ Ruby Bikini 2/ Celine Swimsuit 3/ Sadie Swimsuit 4/ Nadine Bikini 5/ Julia Bikini 6/ Cutout Swimsuit
4. A dress she can wear all summer.
Similar to swimsuits, I typically add one to two new dresses to my wardrobe at the start of the spring/summer season. As mentioned, my birthday falls perfectly in this window, and I typically request one from my mom :-) When adding a new dress to my wardrobe, I’m always focused on styles/silhouettes I can wear on repeat. Neutral colors, breathable fabrics, and I always love something that can be dressed up and down.
1/ Hill House Home The Cosima Nap Dress 2/ La Maregold Ali Top & Saxa Skirt 3/ Rails Selani Dress 4/ DISSH Gabby Dress 5/ Sophie Rue Luiza Button Front Dress 6/ Argent Trench Dress 7/ COS Striped Gathered-Waist Midi Dress 8/ DÔEN Leslie Dress 9/ Sophie Rue Piquenique Pintuck Shirt & Skirt 10/ La Maregold Juliette Dress
5. Elevate her everyday jewels.
I feel like we all have those special pieces that we wear every day. For example, I have three layered necklaces that I truly never take off my body—shower, sleep, workout, they’re with me! These pieces become our base for all other accessorizing, and there comes a time when these pieces need a small upgrade. A few of my fav pieces and brands below!
1/ Dorsey Classic Martini Round Cut Studs 2/ Aurate Lab Grown White Sapphire Tennis Necklace (use code ALEX20 for 20% off!) 3/ Chan Luu Phoebe Drop Earrings 4/ Dorsey Hendry White Sapphire Stud Earring 5/ Zoë Chicco Mama Necklace 6/ Ariel Gordon Signet Necklace (Great necklace for kids names because you can stack the medallions!) 7/ DONNI June Pearl Earring (I wear these weekly!) 8/ Monbouquette Bubble Drop Earrings 9/ Lizzie Fortunato Tile Earrings 10/ Dorsey Bennington Sapphire Bracelet 11/ Dorsey Lucien Earrings (top recommendaton!!) 12/ Roxanne Assoulin The Box Chain Charm Necklace
6. The perfect hat.
I love to lay out in the sun (don’t tell my dermatologist!) but I also love my youthful skin. While I apply tons of sunscreen, everyone needs the perfect hat on deck to help hide their face from the sun. The below are perfect for the beach, and beyond!
1/ Lack of Color Holiday Bucket Hat 2/ Jenni Kayne Crochet Raffia Sun Hat 3/ Jenni Kayne Canvas Sun Hat 4/ Janessa Leone Teagan Bucket 5/ COS Straw Bucket Hat 6/ Janessa Leone Suni Bucket
7. Upgrade her everyday bag.
Like our everyday jewels, I feel like we all have our favorite everyday bag. This is the bag that you take to work every day, grab when you’re off to run errands, etc. These bags often get the most action, and with action comes natural wear and tear. It may be time for an upgrade!! Check out what your mom is currently working with, it might be time for a little newness.
1/ Dragon Diffusion Dark Brown Egola Bag 2/ J.Crew Packable Tote 3/ COS Maxi Bag 4/ Freja Chrystie Bag 5/ Cuyana Classic Easy Tote 6/ Madewell Tote 7/ Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Tote (I carry this daily!) 8/ Bembien Mira Small Bag
8. Statement (fun!) jewelry.
I have primarily been a delicate jewelry gal for the last decade, but have slowly been integrating some chunkier, statement items to jazz up my everyday looks. I feel like summer is the perfect time for the chunkier pieces—we’re wearing less on our bodies so it’s really the accessories’ time to shine.
1/ Anita Berisha Mini Mermaid Earrings 2/ Chan Luu Shore Necklace 3/ Anita Berisha Nautilus Collar 4/ Chan Luu Phoebe Ring (This could 100% an everyday piece!) 5/ Lizzie Fortunato Sardina Charm Necklace 6/ Lizzie Fortunato Sardina Pearl Earrings 7/ Lizzie Fortunato Sky Stone Necklace 8/ Simon Miller Raffia Deco Earrings 9/ Cult Gaia Cleo Ring 10/ J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings
9. Shoes that are comfortable & chic (i.e. Rothy’s!)
I just got my first pair of Rothy’s and they are SO comfortable. Beyond looking cute, they are also sustainable—made from recycled plastic bottles in a zero-waste factory. So not only will your feet feel good, but you can feel good about the purchase. If your mom does a lot of walking or has big summer trips on the horizon, these are the perfect gift!
1/ The Almond Slingback (pictured!) 2/ The Square Mary Jane 3/ The Casual Clog
10. Beauty items she likely won’t buy herself.
I am skincare obsessed—and lately, haircare obsessed, which has always been on the back burner for me. Maybe it’s a coming-of-age thing? lol As an obsessed woman, I love to spread the good word and become an evangelist for the items I buy on repeat. The best way to do this is to buy your favorite products for your favorite people. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, but I highly encourage you to package up a few of your personal favs!
1/ Crown Affair The Towel — I love this towel so much because it keeps my hair secure and actively drying while I get ready. Something I wouldn’t prioritize buying myself, which is why I think it’s the best gift! I would bundle this with a few favorites from Crown Affair, like The Dry Shampoo featured here! You can also get one of their pre-bundled assortments, like the Air Dry Collection.
2/ Nuface Mini & Starter Kit—The Nuface was my gateway into daily gua sha, which has had a huge impact on the appearance of my face—it is less puffy, I have paused botox, etc. This is a great tool for beginners!
3/ Violette Fr Bisou Balm — This has quickly become my hero lip!! Easily to apply and the color is perfect.
4/ Flamingo Estate Night Blooming Jasmine & Damask Rose Candle — One of the best smelling candles IMO! And all of the Flamingo Estate products are just excellent.
5/ Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo — One of my favorite Crown Affair products. Not only does it work extremely well, but it’s easy to apply, doesn’t turn my hair white, and also smells delightful!
6/ Soft Services Buffing Bar — Can’t say enough good things about Soft Services!! These bars are such a treat in the shower.
7/ RŌZ Milk Hair Serum — I use this daily, it works so well to de-frizz and smells SO good.
8/ Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum — This has made my eyelashes grow SO long!! I am on my second bottle and highly recommend it. And not to brag, but I regularly get compliments/comments on the length of my eyelashes! lol
9/ True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil — Not only is this oil anti-aging, but it is the most delightful smelling serum. I truly experience joy every time I apply.
10/Nécessaire The Body Duo — Anything from this brand would be an excellent gift. The richest products that feel so good on your skin.