The Mother Side — Check Out Part 2 of Our 2016 Mother’s Day Gift Guide!
A mother’s love is simply invaluable — to use the words of Marion C. Garretty, as quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul, it is “the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” You’ll never be done thanking your mom for her love, warmth, wisdom, and encouragement, but here are are a few tokens that will make her feel appreciated on Mother’s Day and beyond.
Karma Living Frida Kahlo “Paint Me A Picture” Tea Towel Set, $34.99. Available at ModCloth.com
Latina mothers, art collectors, and Frida Kahlo fans will appreciate these unique, painterly tea towels by Karma Living, which nod to the late Mexican artist’s “Me and My Parrots” self-portrait while also incorporating other elements associated with her iconic look such as the fresh flowers adorning her hair and a shawl like the ones she often wore over her dresses and blouses. Each set includes four 100% cotton towels, all machine washable.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Octavia Off-the-Shoulder Geometric Print Top, $198. Available at BCBG.com
Help mom bring out her inner flower child with this stylish off-the-shoulder top, which features a handkerchief hemline and fluttering sleeves, as well as a sunny geometric print.
Soludos Cherry Dark Denim Smoking Slippers, $65. Available at Soludos.com
You’re the apple of her eye, but she’s your “chéri” — or, rather, your cherry! Let her know you’d cherry-pick her out of all the moms in the whole wide world with these darling slip-on espadrille shoes, featuring dark denim uppers embroidered with fruity motifs.
Rosantica Isabel Set of Three Tasseled Gold-Tone Bracelets, $220. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Inspired by the colors of the outfits worn by Frevo dancers or passistas during carnivals in Brazil, these snake chain bracelets feature sections wrapped in red, green, orange, yellow, and blue thread, as well as playful tassels that accentuate their festive vibe.
Tory Burch Spongeware Pitcher, $98. Available at ToryBurch.com
Nodding to the dominant blue-and-white color scheme of 19th century ceramics but featuring an abstract print for a contemporary take on the theme, this hand-painted pitcher is an ideal gift for mothers who enjoy entertaining. Not only can it be used to pour water, lemonade, and sweet tea, but it can double as a flower vase and centerpiece.
Via Spiga Skylar Sandals, $195. Available at ViaSpiga.com
Mom can put on her dancing shoes — literally — when you gift her these sexy Skylar sandals, featuring a 3″ heel, open toe, and on-tend lace-up front.
Mom Life: An Adult Coloring Coloring Book, $8.99. Available at Amazon.com
After all those years helping you color pages with outlines of barn animals and princesses, it’s mom’s turn to hold the crayons and colored pencils. This hilarious adult coloring book illustrates many of the common scenarios and stages faced by moms: the terrible twos, the desire to normalize breastfeeding, the many mishaps that can occur during tub time, and so forth. Any mom will relate to the sentiments and scenarios expressed in the book and enjoy a great laugh, all the while relaxing with a glass of wine and some colored pencils.
The Giving Keys Inspire Rebel Lock Necklace, $109. Available at TheGivingKeys.com
Zacasha Lava Stone Rosario Set in Turquoise, $99. Available at Zacasha.com
Pot of Wishes, $14.95. Available at TenThousandVillages.com
Who needs a genie? This 4″-high ceramic pot, made in Bangladesh, is designed to function as a treasure chest of wishes, hopes, and dreams. Tucked inside the pot are 12 blank pieces of paper, all carefully rolled up and tied with string. Moms can unfurl each note, jot down a wish, roll the paper, tie it, and tuck it inside the Pot of Wishes. Dutiful children can then review Mom’s dreams and wishes and help to transform them into realities.
Adriana Castro Pipa Clutch in Lizard, Watersnake, and Leather, $1085. Available at AdrianaCastroOnline.com
Want to splurge on a big ticket item? You can’t go wrong with this Adriana Castro clutch which features a combination of exotic lizard, water snake, leather, and ostrich skins. The textural juxtapositions are intriguing and elegant, while the contrast between the clutch’s cerulean blue body and the black-and-white scales along the front flap add a fresh and modern twist.