Mother's Day 2024
What Mom's actually want, how to get time to yourself, and inspiration for physical gifts from women-owned small businesses
As a mom of young kids, with many mom friends, a mom and mother-in-law, and a very dear mother-figure in my life, Mother’s Day is an important day to take the (extra) time to recognize and celebrate the work of mothering.
My phase of motherhood is in the thick of it, and it is physical - my children are small, and their physical need from me is great (literally still feeding one of them with my body!) Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine what the other phases will look like. With my oldest in Kindergarten - I get glimpses of it - a flash of what he is going to be like in a few years, where he wants more independence than attachment, but, then we flash right back to where we are today, and he is still a little kid, and it’s once again hard to picture what it will be like when the physical needs wane, and kids grow up. I am acutely aware that the change is coming, even if I can’t quite picture it, and that I will miss what I have today when things change.
This is so true of so many things in life - it’s hard to imagine anything other than what your experience is, and then, something shifts, and your experience is different, and it’s hard to remember exactly what it was like before. (This is especially true in the first year - things with a baby change so much and so often, but when you’re in the thick of it — the MOTN wakeups, the feeds around the clocks, it’s hard to know that it is just a phase and it will end). But, of course, I know there are so many different phases and stages of motherhood, and so many ways to practice and recognize motherhood.
No matter your phase or stage of motherhood, moms deserve to be celebrated. I typically see “the ideal” Mother’s Day celebration illustrated in one of two ways. The first - images of moms receiving elaborate, luxurious, and extravagant gifts. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that (your girl here would certainly not be turning her nose up at that gift horse), this is not a reality for many of us - my take is that many of us don’t have that kind of gifting budget, and that’s OKAY! The second, - is an image of a wholesome, pristine family day where everyone miraculously behaves appropriately, whilst on a fun and exciting family adventure - out to a restaurant, for a walk, maybe to a museum, and just tells mom how much they love her while doing activities as a family unit. In theory, there is nothing wrong with this - it’s quite beautiful. It’s just also kind of unrealistic in the sense that a perfect, pristine family day does not exist. The reality of this day is that it’s a lot of work, for all parents involved.
To prove my hypothesis that what mom’s actually want looks a little different than either of these things, I turned to Instagram and asked, “What do you want for Mother’s Day?” - and the moms delivered! A selection of specific responses are below, but the poll results indicated that 64% are interested in a physical gift and 36% are interested in an experience.
The conclusion: Moms want time to do something on their own, or they want a special or meaningful gift.
Because I love a gift guide, and a gift roundup (I mean, I myself am never without a wishlist of my own), creating a gift guide for Mother’s Day is something I cannot resist. But, I also wanted to make sure it’s a gift guide that includes things that moms really want, and that fit into our actual, real-life budgets! (If you’re curious, responses to the budget poll indicated that most respondents felt like $50-$100 is a reasonable budget (48%), followed by $100-$200 (25%), with the rest of the respondents split pretty evenly between under $50 or $200-500.)
And, I wanted to spotlight some of the women-owned, small brands and businesses that create and curate incredible things at a variety of price points - making these gifts not only accessible, but extra special and unique. I have been thinking a lot lately about my spending power, and am trying to be more conscious and thoughtful than ever about where I spend my money. I’m not always perfect, and I’m not (yet) able to support every single brand or small business that I love, I do think that special occasions, celebrations, and gifts are great times to shop from small businesses first! Not only are many of the women behind these brands mothers, many of them have origin stories around starting their businesses and brands at the same time they were building their families or raising small kids. I am always awestruck and so impressed by these women and I want to do everything I can to support their work!
So that’s the inspiration & mentality behind these ideas - things that moms actually want, that will inspire delight in the recipient, feel like a special treat, support a women-owned business, and won’t (totally) break the bank. (Everything is under $500, mostly everything is closer to $100).
Let’s start with a note on experiences…
If you are a mom, and your wish for Mother’s Day is to have time to yourself, may I recommend that you lay that out for your partner now. What this looks like and how this works looks different for everyone - it depends on your kids, their schedule, your home, etc. It may not be possible to happen on Mother’s Day. Do you want to be home alone? Do you want to get a massage/manicure/pedicure/facial? Are you booking a hotel room? Personally, I want a morning to myself to go for a run or walk, to write, and get ready for the day by myself, and then I will leave the house to get a manicure or pedicure or something like that. I’ll reunite with my family in the afternoon, (just as naptime starts, haha) and then we’ll do something to celebrate all together, and with my mom. This works for us! We have no major kids’ activity obligations on the day of, my husband can easily get the kids out of the house for a good part of the morning (but the whole day is very hard with the baby who still takes and really needs 2 naps). I find that my irksome moments - the things that will send me into a huff and feel rage are when I have to get involved in getting everyone out the door (like - it’s my alone time but no one is gone …) - so, I will talk about that with V and we’ll make a plan for how that is going to look. We exchange small gifts for holiday’s like this - In fact, I’m thinking I might just treat myself to one of the beaded necklaces I’ve featured below!
If you want time to yourself, but you’re not sure how to make it happen - here are some ideas for inspiration:
Find a spa or salon where you could go & get a treatment & send it to your partner. Bring a book, download an audiobook + go for a nice long walk afterward.
Ask a friend if they want to go out to breakfast or brunch and make a plan to have an adults-only meal out.
Sign up for a workout class and then take yourself out for breakfast or brunch afterward. Bring your book!
Go shopping in a mall or to a great boutique in person!!
If you are planning a night away in a hotel - call me, I’ll come with you!
If you’re in the market for a physical gift, read on…
Beaded Necklaces are a current obsession of mine right now - something I love to add to my stack as the weather warms up. They can add color and interest to my outfits that tend to be simple and neutral-heavy. Also, many gorgeous options at very reasonable price points! Some of my favorite shops & pieces include:
Essenziale - Spain-based shop that creates pieces with natural stones, real pearls and precious metals. If you love pink, she’s for you ($111), if you’re into blues, this amazonite one is IT ($142), if you want something daintier, or love pearls, here’s a beautiful option ($94). (Note: it was impossible to choose 3 here, you need to really give it a browse!)
Southern James Designs - Coastal-inspired beaded bracelets and necklaces. If you love color, this one is fabulous ($70) (I have something similar and love it!)
Webster Gray makes fabulous, made-to-order beaded necklaces. The pieces are so fun to add to your stack (especially as the weather warms up, IMO!) I have the kaleidoscope necklace, and I love this red one ($40). Kate does endless customizations too— she helped create a child-sized necklace for my son’s 4th birthday!
Fine Jewelry - If you are more interested in fine or semi-fine jewelry, then options are also abundant! I love to mix and match my fine jewelry with beaded or more costume-pieces to make a really interesting stack that feels really fun.
Dorsey makes lab-grown sapphire necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Their collections are stunning, and the brand is just so cool (I’m a big fan of the founder!
- her authenticity and transparency around her experience being a female founder is amazing). I love their huggie earrings - which are available in silver plated gold or 14K gold (starting at $120 for a single). The Clemence necklace ($270) is also beautiful.Mrs. Push - Founded by Melissa Mor, a fellow, New England-based mom of three, Mrs. Push is a one-stop destination for your push present (or, really, any occasion you might want to celebrate with a piece of jewelry). Jewelry, especially fine jewelry carries so many memories - Melissa’s selection of pieces offer so many different opportunities to have a customized piece that you will treasure for years. The Child Silhouette Charm ($315) would make a great addition to a necklace or charm bracelet you already have. I also love the Mini Engravable Heart Necklace ($195).
Beauty/Wellness- Who doesn’t want something amazing to add to your beauty routine? A little luxury that you can indulge in daily - nothing better than that!
Hanni makes bodycare products for “lazy people” - but I think they make bodycare products that WORK. Particularly - their moisturizing products are glorious - I use them everyday. Specifically - for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time - Splash Salve ($34) is an in-shower moisturizer - you rub it on all over while you’re still in the shower (after washing), give it a quick rinse, then hope out of the shower and go. For someone who loves body oil, but hates an oily feel - Good Aura ($34) is a quick-drying, non-greasy body oil. Finally, Water Balm ($34) is a spray-on body moisturizer with the freshest smell!
Crown Affair is a haircare brand founded by
, dedicated to routines and rituals to help you take care of your hair. The Towel ($45) is a microfiber waffle knit towel to protect your hair and help it dry in a fraction of the time of a terry towel. GREAT to cut down that getting ready time! The Clips ($54) are gorgeous (I especially love the carrera colorway), and super practical, but maybe more than you might spend on a hair clip for yourself. If you check out the brand’s Instagram account, they have a great tutorial on using the clips to let your hair air-dry with waves!For everyone who wants SLEEP: The story of my Sleep Crown pillow starts like the story of many people who have one — it started with Tibal (or maybe Courtneygrow or mysistermademebuyit??) I’m not sure who started it but they are all enthusiasts, so, the pillow was on my radar. My husband has slept in a cocoon with a pillow over his head for YEARS. So, two years ago, a little after I had discovered the product I thought it would make the perfect Christmas gift for my husband. I set multiple alarms to make sure I got an order places the moment the restocks went live. It arrived in time for Christmas. I was excited to give him the best give ever. I now use that pillow ever single night. The joy of a pillow over your eyes. Wow. Will never go back.
Soft Services makes body skincare products, but also provides information, guides and other tools to help people who are looking for solutions to their skin concerns. TheraPlush, their Hand lotion ($62) is amazing, and looks beautiful on your bedside table. The retinol body creme ($44) is on my wishlist!
Clothing/Bags
Julia Amory is a home and lifestyle brand - known for gorgeous patterns. I love how the brand creates classic pieces, but does them in fun colors, and unique patterns - they are many pieces that feel incredible wearable for me! The Husband Shirts make the best coverups, that can also be worn with jeans, wide-leg pants or shorts.
Jenn Lee Bags are are handmade in small batches, many of them taking up to 6 weeks to make. I love the Tulum Tote ($225), and the Baros Beach Tote ($295) would be the perfect summer carryall.
Lake PJs make the best, softest, cutest pajamas and loungewear in the world. I’d recommend the long short ($98) or short short ($94) , or a robe ($136) They also make great Kids PJs ($48) if you’re looking for a matching moment.
Hat Attack is a family-owned business, now run by the daughter of the husband/wife duo that founded the company. It makes hats and accessories with quality craftsmanship at an affordable price. A sunhat ($149) is the perfect item to add to your wardrobe headed into pool/beach/lake season!
Clare V makes incredible bags, accessories, and other goods. I cannot get the Pot de Miel ($215) out of my head! (PS: you can add a crossbody strap to it!!)
Le Bonne Shop is a one-stop-shop for good stuff. Their socks ($15), in particular, are great (and great to wear with sneakers!)
Min and Mon is a Columbian-based NYC brand that hand designs their playful, whimsical products. They have some really cool & fun accessories. I need to replace my card holder, and their beetle card holder ($58) is so fun!
Home
In Kind Magazine is a biannual print magazing focused on motherhood, career, personal style & a modern woman’s life. It is a truly unique treasure - both to read and collect and use to decorate your home.
also has a great newsletter! A subscription ($30/issue), or single issue ($40) would be a great gift!Half Past Seven Home is founded by two moms, who want to take the guesswork out of gathering and celebrating to make it stress-free. I have and love their lettuce vase ($139) (I received it for Mother’s Day last year!)
Helenita Home is a homeware collection focused on ceramics handmade in central mexico. I love the colors, patterns, pieces. The Helenita Pitcher ($148) would be a beautiful piece to display and use for drinks at home.
Furbish Studio has an incredible selection of home items and gifts curated - the owner, Jamie Meares has a great eye! I love their tabletop selection especially - a new set of napkins ($48) is always fun!
You can shop all the items included in this letter here. Thank you so much for reading! Wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day! xx
If you’re looking for more gift ideas:
If you like what you’re reading, please consider:
📱 Screenshotting your favorite part of this newsletter and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @ct_shopguide and I’d love for you to follow along!
🗒️Restacking or sharing your favorite part from the newsletter as a Note on Substack!
💌 Forwarding this email to a friend
👩💻 Commenting and liking this post on Substack!
All products highlighted are chosen by me, and some may include affiliate links. Your support is appreciated!
This is AMAZING!!! So realistic and still luxurious gifts!!
love so many of these treats. theraplush is my favorite hand lotion.