It's time for my obligatory Mother's Day gift guide. I don't mean to sound cliche, but if I had it my way, my top picks for presents would include the following: a nap, housecleaner, and original finger-painted art pieces from my sons. Oh, and an all expense trip to somewhere sandy, warm and tropical- full time nanny included. But since I live in reality, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of cool finds mom will use and enjoy.
For the beauty-loving mama:
I know Rodan & Fields likely takes up your Facebook feed, but there's a reason for that. My sister's background is 20+ years in the skincare biz, and she swears by the products. For mom, she suggests the AMP MD system- an alternative to micro needling. The extreme firming benefits in just one minute per night and it comes with an amazing night renewing serum. And for mom's baggy, tired eyes, my sis recommends the REDEFINE Eye Cream. If you suffer from sleepless nights, you need this stuff- it has powerful peptides that fights dark circles and fine lines.
Another neat company you won't find in mainstream retailers is Beautycounter- chic make-up mom will love. Beautycounter has banned more than 1,500 yucky ingredients often used in everyday products, setting a new health and safety standard. Treat mom to some fabulous lip sheer...a silky-smooth, long-lasting formula that is lightweight and ultra-moisturizing. Every shade has been color-tested to ensure that each hue complements all skin tones. Plus, there's no synthetic fragrance—simply a sophisticated hint of vanilla planifolia.
Instead of buying mom a gift certificate for a manicure, consider getting her Liquid Palisade- an innovative tool making at-home manicures quick and easy. Consider it a painter's tape for nails, helping mom paint her nails in all the right places. Now available at Sephora.
As moms, we rarely have time to do our hair, so why not give mama something quick and easy to feel dressed up on a daily basis?! Violet Love Headbands are a great solution for moms wanting to keep hair out of their face. There are over 100 stylish colors/patterns to choose from, and the headware is absorbent and washable.
For the sentimental mom:
AwesomeBox is simply awesome. This super innovative company helps you create a distinctly personal and unmistakable thoughtful gift. Easily curate personal memories, stories and photos of your loved ones, and package them into an eye-catching one-of-a-kind gift. The unique thing about AwesomeBox is that you don’t have to create it alone! Invite friends and family across the globe to add messages and photos online to deliver something personal. I put one together as a momento for my son's first birthday...I gathered messages and photos from all our family members and the outcome was fantastic. It's an adorable keepsake that will definitely make mama feel loved.
For the movie-loving mama:
You've likely seen Redbox kiosks in grocery stores, but did you know there's an online database that makes movie renting easy and affordable? If you're looking for an inexpensive way to pamper mom, buy her a few Redbox gift codes- she can use them to rent movies whenever she wants.
For the shoe-obsessed summer-loving mom:
Get her some new kicks! Mom will appreciate these comfortable summer sandals from Vionic. I particularly like the Samar Backstrap Sandal flaunting two buckled straps for adjustability and high quality leather. The best part- Vionic shoes are meant for walking...they're designed with Orthaheel technology and biomechanically engineered with a deep heel cup to enhance stability, substantial arch support and a firm yet flexible midsole.
Since mom likely lives in flats (over heels), you can also pamper her feet with new ballet slip-ons. Therafit Shoes makes super cute and comfortable suede ballet flats that flaunts superior arch support, a roomy toe box and padded cushioning for long days and nights. Made with genuine suede leather uppers and textured rubber bottoms for long lasting quality and stability. They're built to last the everyday grind of mom life.
For the baby-bumping mom:
If your wifey is expecting, treat her bump to something special. Anna Naturals’ Baby Bump Oil is perfect for stretching bellies. Lightweight and non-greasy with a subtle orange vanilla scent, the oil relieves itching and discomfort from a growing belly. A blend of all-natural oils, including safflower, sesame, jojoba, avocado, and wheat germ makes it safe to use every day to help hydrate the skin.
For the germaphobic mother:
Yes, that's me. The GermGuard Phone Case is tough on scratches and tough on germs. With silver embedded into the soft touch plastic, this case has an effective rate of 99.5%, which means any germs transferred from your hand to your phone won’t be there for long. This technology has been used in hospital equipment for years to keep it germ free.
For the jewelry collecting mama:
My new obsession is Sugar Bean Jewelry. I especially love the Black Onyx Hamsa Bracelet, a meaningful and chic gift for mom's wrist. There are also plenty of "fancier" options, like "Loved" necklaces sure to make mom's heart melt. Sugar Bean bling is high quality and affordable; plus, you'll be supporting an Arizona-based mompreneur; the founder lives in the Valley.
No need to spend hundreds on new bling- Isabelle Grace recently released the softer side of elegance; their all new Sugar Pearls Necklace Collection. These gorgeous graduated pastel pearls flaunt Swarovski crystal detail. Available in 5 gorgeous colors: blue taffy, cotton candy, dew drops, lemon chiffon and mint julep.
For the photo-taking fanatic:
Mom will be uber hip sporting a colorful SideKick360 from MeFOTO. This smartphone adapter provides mobile photographers and filmmakers with solid camera support and precision control. Indispensable for creating sharp photos, videos, time lapse and long exposures. The 360° rotating ball joint allows for quick repositioning from vertical for photos to horizontal for video and anywhere in between.
For the mom who has everything...and more:
If your bank account allows, treat mom to an A-list experience via IfOnly. This website offers fantastic experiences and adventures that are totally celeb-worthy. Some of the gifts are worth thousands, but what mom wouldn't want to fly high over Napa, cook with a celebrity chef, get dressed up via Rachel Zoe or be serenaded by a Broadway star? A portion of each purchase goes towards a select charity. Regardless, you'll have fun daydreaming as you browse the website.
Nadine Bubeck is a multi-media personality, author, blogger, PR pro and blessed boy mama. The TV News anchor turned all things mama contributes to numerous publications and is often utilized on TV as a parenting expert. Her niche: everything mom, baby, toddler, child, and family. She is the author of Expecting Perfect: My Bumpy Journey to Mommyhood, and founder of All Things Mama Media, LLC, the parent company for All Things Mama TV, BoyMamas.com, and more.
