
Not many people can compare to our moms. Who else can we point to that literally brought us into the world? Who is more excited to find out about our latest promotion at work? And yet, when Mother’s Day comes around, we feel pressed for ideas.
Flowers? Chocolates?
But isn’t that what you gave her last year?
Here’s our guide for 2019 to help you break out of the Mother’s Day gift befuddlement. This year, take confidence in these original and natural gift ideas that will really show her how special she is to you.
1. Massages
Moms get the reputation for being superheroes for a reason. And saving the world can take a toll. Massage therapists can do wonders to help restore sore muscles and bring movement to the lymph system, and in addition massages feel amazing. One of the best parts about this gift is that if you live far from your mom, you can still do some research for therapists local to her and give her the gift of a massage package from afar. For those local to Harmony Farms, there are many qualified therapists all around the Triangle. We’re happy to recommend Kai Baylis of Blissed Out and Sonja Galan of The Massage & Skin Spot.
2. Unique Cooking Kit
Has your mom ever talked about a new recipe she found that sounds mouth-watering but has a list of ingredients she doesn’t keep on hand? A gift basket of unique oils and imported spices might pave the perfect path for those new recipes she’s musing over. Infused oils (like avocado oil infused with Ginger Turmeric Orange from local brand Neomega) and roasted walnut oil from La Tourangelle are two ideas to jumpstart your search. And adding some unique spice blends like Herbs’ de Provence from brands with quality sourcing will provide inspiration for Mom’s next culinary adventure. We trust Frontier, Mountain Rose, and Simply Organic for our spices.
3. Mason Jar Messages
We all have days where we feel like the it’s us against the world, and moms are no exception. But you can give your mom a leg up against those blues with messages of love. Take a mason jar or a lidded box and cut out strips of paper long enough to write sweet messages of encouragement. Tell your mom how much you love her, write out short memories or “remember whens” with hilarious family stories. You know your mom best, so write out anything to make her smile and remind her how much she is loved.
4. The Best of the Family Recipes
Does your mom have recipes from Grandma that are on fading, precious pieces of wrinkled paper? This is your chance to rescue them and create a best-of collection for Mom. After you secretly raid her recipe box with your camera, create (either type out or hand-write) new cards with those recipes. When you’re finished, punch holes in the corner. After, pick up an key ring or a decorative kitchen utensil like a mini spatula and attach your collection to this new ring. You can even attach it to a strong magnet if she likes fridge decorating. Although this gift will require a little stealth, the payoff will be worth it when you see her eyes light up.
5. The Gift of Tea
Maybe your mom likes to drink tea but hasn’t branched out past peppermint or earl grey. Maybe she drinks chamomile but hasn’t tried Lavender Chamomile. A collection of new leaves might be just her new favorite pick-me-up. Given how many pesticides are sprayed on conventionally-grown tea plants, definitely choose a brand that offers organic tea like Yogi Tea or Traditional Medicinals. And for the more-crafty folks, you can make your own blends with different teas and even hand-make your own tea sachets with a little cheesecloth and cotton string.
6. Hand-made Terrarium
House plants not only bring health benefits like air purification and indoor humidity balance, but they have become more popular than ever. Rather than buying your mom a bouquet of flowers that fades quickly, create an open terrarium for her. Start with a mason jar or glass bowl, then add a layer of rocks, charcoal or gravel (for drainage), and then about 2 inches of soil. Plant your succulents or easy-care plants, add small pebbles on top, and you have a handmade gift for mom that keeps on giving. You can make it even simpler with an air plant that requires no rooting or soil. And if DIY on your own is a bit intimidating, make it a date with Mom! Local shops like Zen Succulent hold workshops where you can make your terrariums together under guided instruction.
7. Local Goodies Giftbag
(Did you know that we carry over 250 local products? We can absolutely help you find the ones right for her)
8. Home Spa Kit
Mom probably doesn’t pamper herself like she should. And you can encourage her to find that time if you build her a home spa kit. After you pick out the right basket or box, fill it up with natural bars and soaps, scented or unscented Epson salt, bath bombs, and organic body creams. And so she has one less excuse to not make time for this treat, lovingly write out the instructions for her “spa” night.
9. Essential Oil Gift Basket
Aromatherapy essential oils have a myriad of benefits and given the wide variety, you can tailor them to your mom’s particular needs and preferences. Does she need a de-stressor? Lavender oil can help with that, Senses refreshed? Eucalyptus may be just the right choice. With the rise in popularity of essential oils, diffusers are easier than ever to find in stores and come in a variety of styles. We recommend buying both your diffuser and especially your oils from high-quality, trusted brands like AuraCacia and Ancient Apothecary.
10. Gardening Day
Gardening is known to be a therapeutic activity for people of all ages, and if your mom likes to garden, having you there will only make it better. Set aside a special day where the two of you plan out and plant a garden bed together. Not only will you both have this special memory to look back on but she’ll have a beautiful garden to look over every day and think fondly of you.
Your mom probably most treasures the time she gets to spend with you, but she will be thrilled to receive a creative and unique gift from you this year. Just remember that we warned you: this year’s gift is going to set the new standard for her.