Gifts That Show Appreciation For The Mother (Or Woman) In Your Life

By Cathie Arquilla
Senior Travel Writer and Resident Stylist

For some, Mother’s Day can be tricky. My mother wants candy, either See’s or Leonidas. I want something super femme, and yes, I want something from my husband even though I’m not his mother. 

As Mother’s Day approaches, here’s a list of products I’ve tested that make terrific gifts. A mother isn’t necessarily a woman, so most of them can be used and enjoyed by either sex. If you don’t have children, consider celebrating anyway, you had/have a mother, and you may be a Godmother or a cat or dog mother. We all need ways and reasons to treat ourselves or the people we love special. 

For the unconventional woman, a rule breaker, check out Artizan. Mixed metals, chunky and delicate combos are de riguer for this design team. The pieces are well crafted and high-quality, a terrific value because they believe “Luxury should be accessible to all.” Let me say it; this jewelry is for a cool mom.

In fun, fanciful prints, the 100% rayon World Market Robe, is perfect as a lightweight robe or beach cover-up. It comes in one size, so gifting is easy. Made in India, a “global mommy” will love it. 

The Lavender Luxury Gift Box by Whispering Willow is a lavishly curated lavender extravaganza! Lavender is known for its calming properties. Whispering Willow has built its business around lavender products that harvest dreams of Provance. The Body Oil spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and smells delightful! The eye pillow is also a winner, soft fabric, lightweight, and dreamy. 

Kedzie’s faux sheepskin crossbody smartphone bag is a cute way to keep your hands free while corralling kids. At $30, it’s a good value, another reason this bag makes me smile. 

I like serums and use one daily. The trouble is there are so many out there claiming to do everything from plumping skin to reducing age spots to brightening skin texture (what does that mean, anyway?) Enter Clear Label’s Hyaluronic Acid + CBD Serum. I love the texture. It’s a cross between a lightweight cream and a serum. The CBD, aloe vera, and vitamin E, combined with the “moisture magnet” hyaluronic acid, are said to soothe and smooth skin. Reviewers say so too! 

What mother wouldn’t like a massage? If you can’t spring for that, consider this CBD cooling cream for joint and muscle pain from Alure – Global. Rub Allure Relief into the shoulders and neck, take deep breaths through the nose. Smell menthol, feel its cool fiery sensation. Relax.

Shampoo bars are a new thing. Made with oils and butters, they are usually detergent-free and moisturizing. AND they are travel-friendly. Ladson’s has a Moisturizing Daily Shampoo Bar that felt gentle and cleansing on my color-treated hair. The lather could have been more, but I think that’s a matter of getting used to using a bar instead of a liquid. The classic apothecary vibe of their branding speaks to their sustainability. Ladson’s sources its ingredients globally from small harvesters and crafters. That’s something to feel good about while washing your hair!

I also liked Desesh’s Solid Argan Oil Shampoo Bar and Conditioner Bar. The invigorating combo scent of lavender and lime will wake up any sleep-deprived mom. Their unisex products bring sustainability to everyday routines as well. 

Her favorite perfume is always nice. But this year, consider a little egg-shaped Chanel luxury, Le Lift! It’s a nifty squeeze piece that ejects the most divine hand cream. Quick absorbing, subtle smelling, sensual feeling, it will forever remind Mother of who gave it to her. 

BOBS Skipper Wave booties from Skechers were exactly right for my recent travel reporting on spring skiing at Banff Sunshine Village. These crazy-comfortable, memory foam stylish boots are wearable from plane to city to slopes!

What makes a Luminosa Vida candle more than just a scented candle is the packaging and messaging. You matter, you are worthy, powerful and beautiful!, was the sentiment inside the Spring Has Spring candle box. The candle was cushioned by zig-zag packaging paper in pastel colors, making “the reveal” something special for someone you love. 

Wine is fine! Along with chocolate and flowers, wine is a lovely gift for the mothers in your life. Scout and Cellar’s wine club delivers a curated collection of Clean-Crafted Wines to your door. By the end of the year, you’ll have a sommelier in the family! 

All style. No sweat. The Straw Hat Bike Helmet is a contemporary interpretation of a vintage style. It hosts two separate components: the YAKKAY Smart 2 bike helmet (a Danish-designed helmet) and the Bike Pretty Straw Hat cover. It’s a perfect fit for a woman who wants to ride her bike in style.