Decorating & Design

May 4, 2011

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

This Sunday, May 8th marks Mother’s Day in North America. While I don’t feel it’s necessary to spend money to show the mother figures in your life how much you appreciate and care for them, a well-thought-out gift is always a nice way to say thank you for all that they’ve done.

If you’d like to give a little something for your mom to enjoy, take a look at store-bought and DIY gift ideas below. Remember, it’s likely too late to order something online and have it come in time for Sunday, so it’s best to hit the stores instead.

 

This papier-mâché bowl is from Wola Nani, an NGO that helps women in South Africa who are living with HIV/AIDS to earn an income. The various bowls are made of recycled paper, too. Talk about a feel-good gift. $40, HomeSense.

Is mom a tea lover? This charming line would be great for afternoon teas and brunches. Amélie Set of 6 Dessert Plates, $25; Set of 6 Tea Cups and Saucers, $35; Teapot, $30; Cream and Sugar, $25, Chapters and Indigo Books + Music.

These monogrammed mugs feature cute, colourful patterns and a unique shape. The letters look like they were drawn on with a blue Sharpie (in a good way). If you have another mug you’d prefer to give, you can recreate this look with a steady hand. Using a porcelain felt-tip pen or marker from a craft store like DeSerres or Michaels, draw your mom’s initials on a printed or plain mug. For a truly personal touch you can write a message and include images, too. Homegrown Monogram Mug, $8, Anthropologie.

Perfect for those with a green thumb, this floral gardening tool set makes standard forest green sets look so boring. $17 for all three, HomeSense.

The message on this watering can is oh-so-true. It’s so exciting to plant bulbs in the fall and anxiously wait for them to pop up in the spring. Pair with a planter and seeds for a complete package. Thoughtful Gardener Watering Can, $28, Chapters and Indigo Books + Music.


Scented body creams and sprays are always useful and popular. These gift sets come in bright, fun watering cans for smaller plants. Sweet Pea Over-the-top Watering Can, $75; Forever Sunshine Watering Can Gift Set, $35, Bath & Body Works.


For those mothers who have a bit of difficulty keeping flowers alive, the sweet smell of geraniums can still be enjoyed with diffusers or candles. Paddywax Geranium fragrance diffuser, $30; candle in tin, $13, Chapters and Indigo Books + Music. Also available in jasmine and peony.

Have a mother who lives far away? Package stationery with postage stamps and a pen in hopes of receiving treasured letters later on. I’m always a big fan of Cavallini & Co.’s papers, too. Fringe Studio Yours Truly Stationery Box, $25, Chapters and Indigo Books + Music.

And how’s this for an unusual gift — a hammock. If your mom has sturdy trees in her backyard or structural elements that she can hang a hammock from, it would make a great option. Better yet, if the weather’s nice this weekend, hang it up for her when she’s not around for a pleasant surprise. It will be a relaxing place for her to spend lazy Sunday afternoons this summer. Vibrant Afternoon Hammock, $98, Anthropologie.

If you prefer to make your own gifts, try gifting terrariums, plants or flowers in vintage cans, or your own handmade art. Simple things like cooking a delicious meal, giving your mom a call or visit, and taking her out for the day, can be lots of fun and don’t cost much, either. And if she’s a design and decorating fan, a print or digital subscription to House & Home magazine will provide a year’s worth of inspiration. Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Photo credits:
1, 4. HomeSense
2, 5, 7, 8. Chapters and Indigo Books + Music.
3, 9. Anthropologie
6. Bath & Body Works