Mom Gifts That Aren't Dumb
Many of my friends are far better gift-givers than I am. They are the ones, not I, that always return from trips with playful gifts in hand. I am more of the forgetful, last minute, earnest, budget-stretching, sort of gift-giver. So I frankly never thought about writing a blog about gift-giving.
Then I got a little irked. Especially around the holiday season, on-line there is list-after-list of “Special Gifts for the Women in Your Life”. But these lists are AWFUL! Fancy perfume we’ve never heard of, unhealthy lotion sets full of junk, jewelry that looks like it’s from the entrance of every department store? CLEARLY not written by anyone in the know!
So, here are some REAL ideas, from a real mom FOR real moms! And, full disclosure, here are my biases:
If you are the mate of this mom, do NOT discount the value of genuine, thoughtful, and intimately chosen gifts. This list was originally for “Moms-to (give to friend )-Moms”, so has a practical and more playful tone. Giving ‘just’ these presents could be the same as giving a vacuum (bad idea in most circumstances.) I promise you that she really longs for you to think about her interests uniquely.
I am a small business owner, and I am very protective of other small business owners. I urge you to visit the real merchants of your town, and wander their brick-and-mortars and ask for ideas. They are working very hard to be in business to serve your community. More of your money will be kept in your local economy when you shop locally, $68 of every $100 you spend with small businesses. Only $43 stays when you shop at national chains. Otherwise, I have prioritized smaller-scale businesses here where I know about them. Amazon is a lot of fun; also it is not neighborly.
MOST of these ideas I’ve actually given and/or received, or have been recommended by close friends. I will let you know if I’ve tried this exact item or source; but still, these are just ideas, please use your own judgement.
They are NOT in any particular order.
Under all circumstances,
Think of the personality, journey, stage of life and overall interests of the mom in question. Urban grandma is going to appreciate a different tone than the back-to-nature young mother.
Powered by the sun, XTorch is equipped with a flashlight, lantern, and USB port all in one. I have one, it charges on a window sill in my kitchen, and has worked every time for 3 years. Appears to be a company owned by real people with a real story, this light is being used around the world. I was drawn to it’s ability to sit on a surface and be a powerful light, with their stories of medical situations in no-power situations. It IS hard to be the only one at a birth in the dark and also hold a flashlight, been there. On sale at the moment for $35.
There are many among us that adore stones, crystals and rocks of all descriptions. I’ve met the owners and purchased from this particular shop directly at wholesale shows; they’re always very kind, capable and knowledgable. Don’t underestimate the value of a stone heart to be carried in her coat pocket. (I usually have one in mine, and have given it many times.) It you want to really go down this rabbit hole, look up the qualities attributed to some of the varieties before choosing, to really amplify the supportive meaning of your gift. Your local area almost certainly has a ‘Rock Shop’ run by a fun and quirky rockhound. Worth the trip, especially if you are helping a child get a present for an adult. ($1, $12 & up, even waay up.)
A perfect gift for a mom’s first aid shelf or baby shower.
The Organic Herbal Bath is my own recipe, perfected over 40 years of brewing up post-partum herbal baths for moms’ tender bits and their babies. It’s been used by 1000’s of mothers, and they routinely come back to send them to their friends. They also share it’s their favorite ‘go-to’ for diaper rash, wound care, post surgery healing, sunburn, road rash and mental health days. $16 - $106
This really elevates food, and supports a thoughtful attitude at mealtime to pull out a wood-handled grater instead of the green canister from the back of the fridge. I’ve given a fancy version of a parmesan grater (along with a nice chunk of quality parm) as a gift to a family member, and they constant look with delight for an opportunity to use it. Some choices here. Again, you may have a kitchen shop or fancy hardware store for pleasant local shopping that will also smell good this time of year! Accessorize with artisan cheese. $15-60 ish.
If you have a home remedies kind-of-mom, THIS is for her (unless she already has a citrus juicer of some kind). I have had this exact one in my kitchen for over 15 years, and I use it nearly daily. The hand citrus juicer is a great accessory if the mom in question recently got my ‘Get Well Soon’ course, or is trying to do more home-cooked meals. I cannot emphasize enough how easy to use and clean up this is, and how quickly it lets get ALL the juice out of lemon or lime so much better than our hands. (I’m making a reel someday to prove it.) I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that cheaper models have less satisfying edges (sharper?) and shorter longevity. $30
Providing inspiration and information to help families match nature time with screen time, 1000 Hours has become a global movement and community.
Their products are a great way to support a family’s outdoor adventuring or New Year Resolution to get outside more; 1000 Hours offers jump ropes, hats with LED lights, back packs, books, homeschool curriculum and so much more. Founder Ginny Yurich’s new book, Until the Street Lights Come On, is a true delight! $14- $330
Lutz Tool Co, 15-in-One Ratchet Screwdriver
My sons originally put this in my Christmas stocking, and it is still one of my favorite gifts ever! I’ve given it to friends, and consider it one of things that ‘EVERYONE’ needs in their kitchen junk drawer or tool box. Around here it’s typically found at the ACE Hardwares; I urge you to accept no other brand. This is hardy, inexpensive, and does EVERYTHING a screw driver needs to do. No batteries, goes either direction, and is easy to use. In the last 60 days I’ve tightened the screws on my kitchen cabinet doors, the loose handle of the pressure cooker, the legs of a wobbly table and two other things I can’t remember. $13
Living Libations Essential Oils and Body Products
Enthusiastically endorsed by one of my most trusted colleagues, Living Libations products are of the highest quality, and simply made. This could be that extra-special gift for the mom who loves oils and potions, and is particular about quality. Their “carefully crafted creations are innovations of exquisite quality that illuminate, calibrate, and celebrate the life-force energy of people, plants, and the planet. Every component of a Libation is a bioactive, botanical ingredient. Their opulent oils, essential oils, infusions, and elegant extracts are highly concentrated and formulated with the focus of feeling good with the skin you are in.” We think so highly of this company, Indigo Forest will eventually carry it. $9 up (avg. ~$30)
Simple, elegant, inexpensive, and makes the cashmere of coffee. (Swoon!) And if she is grinding her own organic beans at the same time, she is avoiding some of the worst problems with coffee (mold contamination, rancidity, additives or contaminants.) Down side? Tapping out the grounds and rinsing the filter without icking your hands or worrying about your drain. Not for everyone, but pretty fun for the right coffee drinker. $22
In Get Well Soon, you’ll find calming, effective, natural approaches for everyday family illnesses -
Like sore throats, ear aches, flu, diarrhea, fevers, colds, respiratory illnesses and more! It includes a comprehensive 56-page manual to use immediately, and 5+ hours of video instruction to help her get up-to-speed and comfortable with each type of illness and natural modality. As a mom, you know she’ll be on the front line of the all the usual germy adventures of family life; this supports her best efforts, and invests in the health of her family into the future. HINT: MANY moms have DM’d me on IG that they are hoping for this for Christmas. (Really.) Regular price $225, $50 off with code FRIENDS50 makes it $175.
I like the purple boxes for mailed gifts and thank you’s; it just makes a mom feel special and royal. The chocolates are quite good, and the boxes add a bit of glam and fancy to an event or message. But again, don’t forget to check out your area for a local chocolatier. Not only will you get to sample their wares, but they often make very special regional creations and gift sets. $28-$100
Clearwater Cultures Probiotic Creams and Body Care
Company is dedicated to “creating natural & holistic solutions to the health of the microbiome of skin and home.” Their products are homegrown and handmade using biodynamic and permaculture practices. One of my clients gifted me products from Clearwater Cultures, and they are really special. Wise Woman Cream and Healing Cream were both fabulous. I've also both used and given the lip balm, high quality and a relief from mass produced versions. Some of their products require refrigeration. This is not a glamorous gift, but will be meaningful to and deeply enjoyed by the mom who’s experimenting making her own body care. $4 - $60 ish
Scarves can be solid gifts when they are extra soft, are from a special place, or big enough to wrap around her and her child also. These seem to do all three. When you can find a great deal on scarves, it can also become the thing that goes to the WHOLE group (of aunties, homeschool moms, etc.). I have no personal experience with this company or it’s products, but I want to. Best deal here if you need a quantity; it appears their ‘wholesale’ price is available to all. 10 for $249
And the Coupons
Coupons for time, assistance, or an extra set of hands are beautiful gifts in this time of mothering that is often busy and isolated .
Here are some mom-to-mom (or relative/close friend) coupons ideas that are the special gift of love or money, depending on how much you have to offer and how far your bandwidth can stretch.
From personal experience, I am counseling you to NOT go overboard in a gush of holiday generosity. If you are an overwhelmed mom yourself, DO NOT offer housecleaning coupons to multiple friends! The idea is to increase your strength together, and time together. So in that spirit, how about a personal coupon for:
Being a babysitter or mother’s helper. If these are small babies mama is not leaving with anyone, could you offer to sit while baby is napping so she could do errands, or to come over and be the extra hand in her chores for a few hours (fold clothes together, read books to the kids or make lunch while she tackles a room, desk or personal project.)
Provide a few shifts of a postpartum doula (usually 4 hour blocks), or visits of a housecleaner (find one that uses natural products.)
Foot rubs or shoulder massages; you do need to know her well, but this is popular between some sisters or best friends. Or a coupon for a massage at well-vetted place. *Make sure this appeals to her, many of us are very particular about who we let touch us; no judgement if she wrinkles her nose.
Pedicure. Yours if this is your thing and she’s your bestie, or a coupon to a lovely place AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR BABYSITTING.
Car detailing. Do it, or an offer to take it in and bring back.
Take her kids to the library or playground one afternoon, giving her a few hours at home by herself.
Ironing - could you take home a basket worth and bring it back in a few days?
Are both families wanting to get healthier, or outdoors and away from screens more often? Try downloading one of 1000 Hours Outside cute trackers, roll up with a ribbon, and a promise to join together for some number of hours the first (pick your day) of the month to get you both going.
Bring lunch (and your kids if you have that sort of friendship) and help her with maintainence projects that help her get a breather - fold clothes or clean out her kitchen cupboards, basement or garage together. Be very attentive to your kids, don’t let them undo another part of her house at the same time!
Bring over a quart of bone broth the next time you make some.
What is your ‘thing’, that you could share?
Are you the gardening wizard, and could offer a coupon for a few extra seedling starts in the Spring? Does she always admire your herbal tea, and could you bring her a half gallon once/month this year? Are you the organized one? Clutter buddies SAVE some of us! Are you a chatterbox with grown kids, and could offer some relief as a visitor or driver for her aging parent?
Of course every mom is different, but when I was drowning in toddlers, all I wanted was an extra pair of hands so I could make progress on cleaning, food, sleep or catching up on a million things. The best gifts, of course, are both fun to give and to receive.
I hope you have some fun ‘thinking outside the box!’ All of these ideas offer the opportunity to share meaningful gifting, and hopefully also provide greater connection and community as well.