Mother's Day is just around the corner, and I'm sure there are dads and kids all over the continent rushing around to get mom that perfect gift. While I'd be hard pressed to turn down a beautiful piece of bling, for me, Mother's Day is not about expensive gifts. Mother's Day has always been about spending the day with my mom. We usually go out for brunch or lunch as a family; when we were kids, gifts were generally hand-made, and as we got older, just a small token that she would enjoy and appreciate.
This is my 3rd Mother's Day as a mom, and while every day is Mother's Day as many people put it, there is a certain charm about the 2nd Sunday in May -- especially if it means you get a little bit spoiled. This Mother's Day, I'm most excited about spending the day with my little girl; I'm not sure what my hubby has planned, but it won't involve elaborate gifts (at least I don't think so).
In terms of "gifts", homemade is great for kids. Last year, I created beautiful Fairy Gardens for the moms and my grandmother and they were a huge hit. I've got another DIY up my sleeve for 2014, but I can't share just yet.
If you're not crafty, but still want to get mom a gift she'll love, I've got some great, tried-and-true ideas that I've either received, or have purchased for myself:
For the Mom-to-Be
Moms-to-be need to be recognized, even if they're not quite "official" moms yet. They are carrying a precious gift. When I was pregnant with Isabelle, I enrolled myself in pre-natal yoga classes and I fell in love. Not only is the yoga good for your body, mind and soul, but the class is a little escape for mom-to-be, and she'll get to socialize with others in the same position as she is. I recently started classes again at Stratusphere Yoga in Vaughan -- highly recommend.
For the Mom of Young Children
Books. Books are awesome. For Donny's first Father's Day in 2012, I went out to the bookstore and got a few good "daddy" stories. There are so many great mommy books around.
One of my favourites right now is My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell.
Isabelle already knows the words to this one (we read it a lot); the story goes through the daily rituals performed by mom. Mom reads, writes, drives in the carpool, bakes cookies, etc. I love reading this story and get a kick when Is fills in the blanks for me: "My Mommy's good at....everything!"
For Moms of Young Girls
Like I said earlier, I think Mother's Day gifts are best as experiences. If you have a little girl, Glama Gal Tween Spa has created a wonderful opportunity to spend a little time with your little loved one. The Bonds in Bloom Mother's Day afternoon gives little girls a chance to enjoy mock-Mimosas, indulge in a rose manicure, create a special keepsake box and more with mom. Glama Gal Tween Spa boasts 6 locations in Toronto and the GTA. Recommended age is 4+ for this one, and aunties and grandmas and other important ladies are more than welcome to join in on the fun. I can't wait to do this with my babe.
I can't really suggest ideas for the Moms of Young Boys, but other ideas for moms with little kids (male or female): go to the movies, have a picnic, visit the zoo, go for icecream. Whatever you do, make it memorable!
For Moms of Any Age
Moms of all, and any age, need to be celebrated on Mother's Day. Here are a couple fool-proof ideas:
The Spa: Manicure, Pedicure, Facial, Massage, or all of the above. Moms are busy people and often think of themselves last. Why not treat mom this year to a spa service, or even better, a full day at the spa? You don't have to go far for great service either. While overnight spas out the city are luxurious (I'm told -- I've never been!), I'm partial to day spas that are close to home and convenient. I've been a long-time patron of Sanctuary Day Spas and have taken advantage of their facials, massages and hand and foot treatments. Don't know what mom will like? You can get her a gift card and she can decide for herself.
Wine. Spoil mom with a nice bottle of wine. This can be a vintage or grape she's never tried, or just one you think she'd like. Most moms I know don't sit and enjoy a glass (or bottle) to themselves enough. A quick trip to the LCBO will open a world of possibilities, and while you may think wine is an impersonal gift, if you put a little thought in it, I'm sure she will appreciate it. You can also pair the wine with a wine tour, or tasting, perhaps, if you think she'll go for that. I recently tried a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon by Cocha y Toro -- perfect for meat dishes, it's fruity yet robust and smooth.
And there you have it -- a few suggestions for mom that won't break the bank, but will score you some points where Mom is concerned. If you're still trapped for ideas, stick with the basics -- breakfast in bed, a day lounging in PJs and tell her how much you love and appreciate her. That's all we want.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed on this blog are my own. Cocha y Toro wines were provided for review purposes (pre-pregnancy of course!).
This is my 3rd Mother's Day as a mom, and while every day is Mother's Day as many people put it, there is a certain charm about the 2nd Sunday in May -- especially if it means you get a little bit spoiled. This Mother's Day, I'm most excited about spending the day with my little girl; I'm not sure what my hubby has planned, but it won't involve elaborate gifts (at least I don't think so).
In terms of "gifts", homemade is great for kids. Last year, I created beautiful Fairy Gardens for the moms and my grandmother and they were a huge hit. I've got another DIY up my sleeve for 2014, but I can't share just yet.
If you're not crafty, but still want to get mom a gift she'll love, I've got some great, tried-and-true ideas that I've either received, or have purchased for myself:
For the Mom-to-Be
Moms-to-be need to be recognized, even if they're not quite "official" moms yet. They are carrying a precious gift. When I was pregnant with Isabelle, I enrolled myself in pre-natal yoga classes and I fell in love. Not only is the yoga good for your body, mind and soul, but the class is a little escape for mom-to-be, and she'll get to socialize with others in the same position as she is. I recently started classes again at Stratusphere Yoga in Vaughan -- highly recommend.
For the Mom of Young Children
 |
| Photo: Harper Collins Canada |
One of my favourites right now is My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell.
Isabelle already knows the words to this one (we read it a lot); the story goes through the daily rituals performed by mom. Mom reads, writes, drives in the carpool, bakes cookies, etc. I love reading this story and get a kick when Is fills in the blanks for me: "My Mommy's good at....everything!"
For Moms of Young Girls
Like I said earlier, I think Mother's Day gifts are best as experiences. If you have a little girl, Glama Gal Tween Spa has created a wonderful opportunity to spend a little time with your little loved one. The Bonds in Bloom Mother's Day afternoon gives little girls a chance to enjoy mock-Mimosas, indulge in a rose manicure, create a special keepsake box and more with mom. Glama Gal Tween Spa boasts 6 locations in Toronto and the GTA. Recommended age is 4+ for this one, and aunties and grandmas and other important ladies are more than welcome to join in on the fun. I can't wait to do this with my babe.
I can't really suggest ideas for the Moms of Young Boys, but other ideas for moms with little kids (male or female): go to the movies, have a picnic, visit the zoo, go for icecream. Whatever you do, make it memorable!
For Moms of Any Age
Moms of all, and any age, need to be celebrated on Mother's Day. Here are a couple fool-proof ideas:
The Spa: Manicure, Pedicure, Facial, Massage, or all of the above. Moms are busy people and often think of themselves last. Why not treat mom this year to a spa service, or even better, a full day at the spa? You don't have to go far for great service either. While overnight spas out the city are luxurious (I'm told -- I've never been!), I'm partial to day spas that are close to home and convenient. I've been a long-time patron of Sanctuary Day Spas and have taken advantage of their facials, massages and hand and foot treatments. Don't know what mom will like? You can get her a gift card and she can decide for herself.
 |
| Photo: cochaytoro.com |
And there you have it -- a few suggestions for mom that won't break the bank, but will score you some points where Mom is concerned. If you're still trapped for ideas, stick with the basics -- breakfast in bed, a day lounging in PJs and tell her how much you love and appreciate her. That's all we want.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed on this blog are my own. Cocha y Toro wines were provided for review purposes (pre-pregnancy of course!).
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