Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Dear friends, I know the struggle of shopping for mom. What do you get the woman who already has the most important thing a mother could ever ask for..... a perfect daughter? If you are like myself and have already given her the greatest gift of all, you are going to have trouble once a gift-giving holiday comes around. Friends, I urge you to keep it simple. Don't overthink it, and don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. To help us all out (Initially, this research was conducted for myself. But sorry, Mom. Your gift isn't on here. So NICE TRY.), I've put together a list of items that should make any mother a little less embarrassed to acknowledge you in public.

FLOWERS

For the most part, moms love flowers. They are pretty, they smell good, and they make excellent centerpieces. But I'm not just talking a lovely bouquet of flowers that will last a week or so. I'm talking hanging baskets, hydrangeas, or something that would adorn her beautifully manicured yard. You can even opt for a lemon or orange tree, depending on where your mom lives! Though I'm sure your mom would be quite happy with a vase brimming with lovelies, why not step outside the box a bit? Check out a local nursery, farmer's market or even Home Depot or Lowe's!

ACCESSORIES

As a woman, I understand that the success rate of buying clothing for a woman is not the best. We have such specific tastes and, unlike men, you can't just buy us a 32x34 at any store and have it fit perfectly. Since it's such a hit or miss thing, I find that accessories are a much better bet for the woman in your life.

• These initial necklaces from Anthropologie are not only lovely, but also a simple and safe option. Classic and chic, just like mom.

photo credit: Anthropologie

Friends, you can never go wrong with Kate Spade. I repeat... never. And these earrings?? They are so cute they might cause mom physical pain. If you think she's strong enough, get them for her.

photo credit: Kate Spade

• This adorable vase is the perfect accessory for mom's home. I can attest to this because I actually have it, and I'm a little obsessed. Bonus points if you fill it with flowers before giving it to her!

photo credit: Modcloth

LOCAL GOODIES

Hit your farmer's market to find something delicious for mom!

• Here in Pensacola, for example, we have East Hill Honey, which specializes in handcrafted honey! Their branding is so gorgeous that mom probably wouldn't even mind if you left a jar out on the counter. Not only is honey delicious, but local honey is great for combating seasonal allergies! It's a win-win! (East Hill Honey also sells hand-made honey soaps)

photo credit: East Hill Honey

• Check out a local art gallery for something that mom will want to show off at home. It doesn't have to be a painting. Wall displays in general are harder because you never know if mom really wants it hanging on her wall or if she's just put it up there because you're her kid and she doesn't want you to know how much she hates your gift. Look at things like vases, or cool coasters or something that wouldn't take up so much space, but really adds to the room.

SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

Subscription boxes are basically the gift that keeps on giving, and who doesn't like getting packages in the mail?

• Extend your Mother's Day gift a bit by signing mom up for the Novel Tea Club! Not only do they send her a new book every month, but it also comes with tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a little something extra to enhance the reading experience like a candle or a bath bomb! I've never tried this one personally, but I might just have to sign myself up. I mean MOM. Sign MOM up. My fingers slipped a little on the keyboard, that's all.

• If you can't afford to take mom on a trip, this is definitely the next best thing. Every month or two months, Try the World sends you a lovely, Tiffany-blue box that contains goodies from a certain country. Not only are the items delicious, but it also includes a guide on what dishes to make with each one, but it even suggests songs to play at the themed party you will inevitably have once your box arrives! Ole!

The Ace in the Hole... DESSERT

• My mother and I are alike in a lot of ways, but the strongest similarity is probably our sweet tooths (teeth?). There is no doubt that I inherited mine from her. Anytime I travel, I always find a place that sells macarons and I bring a box home for the two of us to share (and hide from my dad and brother. They don't appreciate them they way we do and are therefore unworthy.) The last time I was in New York, I stumbled across a place called Dana's Bakery and got a box of macs that were some of the best I've ever had. The champagne mac? Maybe my favorite ever. So, for Christmas last year, I ordered a box of their mac mix and a free dozen macs came with it. There were a few problems with the shipment of my order, but the people at Dana's were so wonderful throughout the whole process that they definitely earned a lifelong fan in me. SO, all this to say that, if your mom loves pretty desserts, check out Dana's Bakery! And if she REALLY loves macarons and you want to remind her why you're her favorite, enroll her in the Mac of the Month Club!

I took this at the Gansevoort Market location of Dana's Bakery in NYC! So adorable!

• Listen, I recently had my first Edible Arrangement, and those things are no joke. If mom is health conscious, but likes to cheat a little, get her one of these beautiful bouquets. Not only do they put chocolate covered strawberries in there, but they also put caramel on apple slices, then dip them in chocolate, and THEN throw on a dash of sea salt... These are good people. Give them your money.

YOU

• The greatest thing you could ever give your mom is yourself - your time, your effort, your companionship. Believe it or not, she probably actually LIKES having you around! So take her out to dinner (or better yet, BRUNCH. MAYBE IT'S JUST ME BUT BRUNCH IS THE BEST THING EVER.) or to the spa or to a show! And if you can't be there, gift cards to restaurants or a spa or tickets to a show that she can use and take someone else along.

At the end of the day, the best gift is letting her know how loved and special she is. The method is completely up to you. Happy Mother's Day, y'all!