While we love a good celebration of motherhood and truly do enjoy receiving handmade cards and crafts from our girls’, it’s the gift from the hubs that we usually find sorely lacking. Now don’t get me wrong, my huzz is a great dad and the standard Mom’s Day breakfast I get prepared is lovely…. But it would be nice to be surprised once in a while, no? So, at Love, Mom we aim to do our part for those who’d like, just once, to be wowed and offer up some gift guide suggestions that go beyond your standard flowers and well wishes.
Super Bucket Bag, $160, Some Of The Parts.
Let’s face it. Sometimes mom’s carry a lot of stuff. As much as we try to minimize, we still end up lugging water bottles and snacks and random toys, plus, you know, the things we actually need (makeup bag, wallet, sunglasses, keys). Designed by Anna Maria, the momboss behind kid-accessory brand MimiTENS, this large — and surprisingly light — bag features the same durable, waxed canvas, straps and clips as her kiddie backpacks, and is the perfect combo of utility and style that we covet.
Cali Crossbody Bag, $89 each, Poppy & Peonies.
For those of us who can manage being a minimalist — or for those who aspire to be — this stylish, vegan-leather cross-body comfortably fits all the essentials: keys, wallet, lip balm and sunglasses…Even better? You can pick your own signature shade: yellow (shown), blush, lilac, black or turquoise.
CLEAN Reserve Acqua Neroli, $130, Sephora stores or Sephora.ca.
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We know that scent can be a game-changer and when we sniffed this summery, sensory combo of bergamot, mandarin, jasmine and amber, we were sold. Plus, the moment’s made even more special knowing that they’re created with responsibly-sourced pure ingredients and eco-conscious manufacturing and packaging.
Modern Classic Leather Scarf, $350 from Tarnished Chivalry, email to [email protected]
Sure, jewellery is nice, but why not give that a rest this time? If you’re like us and love black and white with shades of grey, this handmade, white-washed leather scarf from Tarnished Chivalry is your jam. We admit we already own a few of her pieces and promise that this will become a wardrobe staple, elevating even the simplest white T.
A Table in Venice by Skye McAlpine, $36, and At My Table by Nigella Lawson, $27.
We’re suckers for a gorgeous cookbook and these from Skye McAlpine and Nigella Lawson, focus on meals to celebrate with friends and family and uncomplicated food.
A Table in Venice is filled with natch, Venetian-style recipes such as focaccia with gorgonzola and walnuts and risotto with zucchini flowers and scampi (mmmm…) and written by London-born, Venice-residing, Skye McAlpine, whose blog frommydiningtable.com, is a smorgasborg of yummy recipes and moody snaps of Italy.
This time around, Nigella takes a look at changing up classic recipes and adding something new, like spatchcock chicken with miso and sesame seeds. And while some ingredients may be hard to find (hello, Aleppo salt?), many recipes are easy enough to follow. But, it’s the desserts that really have my mouth watering: Sticky Toffee pudding, ginger and walnut cake and Blondie pudding. Yes, please.
We recently experienced The Micro, $78, and our skin was silky-smooth all day.
A manicure for mom is a classic, but what about something that will leave her with gloriously smooth skin, and in the same amount of time? Blitz Facial Bar has a slew of treatments (30 minutes!) to help any busy mamma look glowing. To really impress, add-on a skin booster of your choice for only $15. Or, bring the spa to her with one of their sheet mask’s that’ll give her complexion a boost.
Luna De Miel Hydrating Glow Serum, $68, floresboticario.com
Small batch skincare has us :), so we were totally stoked to discover Flores Boticario.
The simple, no-nonsense label and glass bottle is everything we love, plus the inside is pretty amazing, too. Handmade and cruelty-free, founder Ale focuses on a luxurious combo of essential oils to improve skin in a healthy and simple way.
Love Mom Note Cards, $40, phone cases, $45 each, Printed Matter Paper.
Whether the kiddies are 5 or 25, they’ll love receiving a note from mom. Kick it old school and have her send her words of wisdom and encouragement via these chic notes. For those that prefer an e-version, gift her with a pretty phone case instead.
Palomino Robe, $245, Soft Focus
We can’t say it any better than the description on the website: everyone deserves a beautiful robe in their life. Yes. Yes, they do. And, what better way to allow mom to lounge in style than with one made with tencel (sourced from eucalyptus plants) and through zero-waste manufacturing.
Signature Boxed Candle – Leslieville and Beaches, $38 each, Vancouver Candle Co., Augustkinn.com
We know, we know. A candle. But this isn’t just any obligatory candle. Themed by neighbourhood (Toronto, Vancouver and The Great Lakes, so far) these soy-based, hand poured artisanal candles feel personalized for the heart of the home (and for mom).