Mother’s Day can be a complicated day for a multitude of reasons. If that’s the case for you, skip this one & please take care. 🌼
Otherwise, if you’re reading this in email, I went a little nuts…you’ll have to hit ‘expand’ to read the whole thing.
Moms might simultaneously be the easiest and hardest people to shop for. Easy, because there's a very obvious playbook: candle, lotion, spa gift card, jewelry. Hard, because she'll be grateful, she'll use it, and yet she was quietly hoping for something with a little more heart.
The thing is, we do love all of those things. A massage? Yes. A beautiful candle? Always. A piece of jewelry that feels like me? Take my whole heart. But there’s a version of every one of those gifts that lands and a version that feels like you grabbed it at the checkout. The difference is almost never the gift itself, it’s the thought behind it. A massage gift card is nice. But telling her you booked it, you’ve got the kids all day, here’s the place, go to lunch after and take your time — that’s a completely different thing.
Here’s the thing about moms: we’ve spent so long taking care of everyone else that we’ve often stopped tracking what we actually want. So let me tell you what my perfect Mother’s Day actually looks like. My husband takes the kids and the dog first thing so I can wake up slowly and actually luxuriate in bed for a bit, and when I come downstairs there’s a card from him and a homemade one from the kids waiting for me on the table. We get coffee out, maybe tackle something around the house together — cleaning out a closet, planting some flowers — and spend the afternoon at a park as a family. I get a workout in by myself, a long shower, and I’m not in charge of any chores or thinking about what’s for dinner because my husband is cooking something delicious.
The through line of all of it is simple: I am not the default parent that day. That’s the real gift. Anything else is icing.
I asked my pals on IG what the best gift they’d ever received was, or what they were hoping for this year. Some of my favorites:
“Sleeping in and a morning with no drama” (s/o Fanny Adams for this one!)
“An afternoon alone with a book (and maybe an iced latte)”
“Major car wash (like detailed!)”
“Framed photo of me and my kids”
“An extra visit from the cleaners”
“A baseball glove so I can practice with my sons”
The range! But also, notice how many of them aren’t really about a thing at all. Or if they are, it’s about the thought.
Which brings me to my gifting philosophy: If you’re going to give a thing, give her something she’d never buy herself, or something that shows you’ve been paying attention.
The thing she mentioned once in passing. The upgrade to something she uses every day but would never splurge on. Literally anything monogrammed or with her kids’ names or faces on it. The little luxury that feels perfectly her.
This is a gift guide for moms, from a mom. Hope it helps!
Mahjong Mat. I don’t play Mahjong yet (but I want to!), but one of my besties does, and she says that every Mahjong gal in the know needs a mat. I love this one! Said bestie also told me that this brand is HOT in the North Shore Chicago suburbs. Boots on the ground!
Celisse Little Something Set. Celisse is the new cool nail brand by Jessica Blumenthal. Thoughtful formulas, easy yet beautiful colors, and quick to dry. An instant boost for your nails that’s cheaper than going to the nail salon, but still feels like a little luxury.
True Botanicals Eye Patches. These are the ones I use and love!! And they’re on sale right now. She will love.
perfectwhitetee Ziggy Sweatshirt. This style is one of my top three sweatshirts right now and I just bought this color for spring. The Ziggy is a shrunken sweatshirt style (I like my larger size) that is “inside out,” meaning it’s sort of fuzzy on the outside like a sweatshirt would normally be on the inside. It’s become an elevated basic for me that does feel slightly different, but in an understated and interesting way, not in a try-hard way.
Chan Luu Turquoise Earrings. I’m so glad that turquoise is back — it reminds me of my grandma in the best way. I love the modern twist on these!
Déhanche Belt. I think Déhanche belts are absolutely gorgeous and seem like a family heirloom, but for not that crazy of a price.
Embroidered Bandana. This looks so pretty and I love the elevated bandana vibe. I also love it with the sweatshirt and earrings above!
Ossa Phone Cord. I have a couple phone cords from Ossa and they are so fun! This one is the wristlet size, which I think is the best for everyday. And do we see the flowers?!
Varley Set (Sweatshirt & Pants). I have this exact set and it is what elevated loungewear dreams are made of. Super comfortable and soft, but chic enough to leave the house and still feel put together. Millennial moms, this would make a great gift for our moms too! TTS.
A Borrowed Designer Bag from Vivrelle.* Vivrelle is a luxury membership that allows members to borrow designer handbags, jewelry, and accessories monthly. I am not typically a designer bag girl, not because I don’t love them, but because they don’t fit my budget or my life right now. THAT SAID, I am now definitely a borrowed designer bag girl. There is something about a designer bag you love that just instantly makes you feel cool and elevated. I think this would be such a fun Mother’s Day gift for the fashion girlie! Code ARIANEANUSBIGIAN to get your first month free.
Jane Pope Name Ring. I saw this on friend Kristin Ellen Hockman last month in Charleston and now ohhh do I want one… two! One with each of my kid’s name engraved on it and then I’d stack them. This is a splurge, but a winner.
Personalized Passport Holder. Is there anything chicer than a personalized passport holder en route to vacation? No. If you’re going on a trip soon, this would be great! Planning on buying for myself eventually.
Lake Pajamas Robe. Lake Pajamas are the softest and coziest and this robe looks like no exception! Perfect weight for the warmer months.
Flamingo Estate. If you’re going to do a candle, Flamingo Estate is a sure win. Literally any one, but this looks pretty!
Soft Services Hand Cream.* This is a nourishing overnight hand cream with retinol that I personally love to use before bed. It also looks beautiful as a thing on your bedside and is refillable!
Jaymes Paper Stationery. I learned about Jaymes Paper from Janelle Taylor and am obsessed. The founder and designer, Jaymee Harney, has been making homemade cards for friends and family since 1997. Custom stationery would make for such a special gift.
Crown Affair Dianna’s Nighttime Hair Ritual. We love Crown Affair and we love founder Dianna Cohen. So why wouldn’t we love her nighttime hair favorites?! I love everything I have from Crown Affair, including this, this, and this. Plus it all smells amazing.
Aurate Tennis Necklace (7ct).* I have this and I really really love it. As far as tennis necklaces go, it is really great quality for an approachable price point. It has lab grown white sapphires and I got the yellow gold vermeil version because I predominantly wear yellow gold and wanted it to match my everyday. I also have (and love) the Dorsey Kate tennis necklace, but that one feels more statement/event-y to me, versus the Aurate one is a size that I really feel like I can get away with daily in my uber casual town. I got the 7ct, 16in and to me, it’s perfect. Code ARIANEA20 for 20% off.
Call It By Your Name Mini Basket Bag. This is the brand right now. I think we’re going to see it everywhere this summer (and Frosso confirmed it’s already all over Paris), so get ahead of it. (@Austin — that’s my husband — this is your cue!).
Call It By Your Name Toiletry Bag. Had to add another option because I’m just loving these!! And you can customize this one!
Hatch Restore. I have! And have been loving as an alarm clock — waking up to light with soothing music is kind of the best. But it’s also meant to help your bedtime routine and keep phones out of the bedroom. For the mom that wants better sleep, this would be great.
Florence Girod Salad Bowls. Isn’t she gorgeous?! Adding a few of these into the mix is sure to instantly make a salad for lunch more exciting.
Wellie Garden Boots. It is spring after all! It’s gardening/muddy season, plus these are just so cute and come in lots of different colors. My mom reads my Substack, but otherwise I’d buy for her…
The Gift of Styling. My amazing friend Kate Lowman has officially launched the outfit guide to end all outfit guides (out today!). It’s a curated collection of 20 real-life outfit formulas (literally think for occasions like school runs, work, dinner with friends, etc.) for women who want getting dressed to feel simple, intentional, and like themselves. So…all of us? This is her whole philosophy and I just love it. She nails it! And then of course, if budget allows, what we wouldn’t all give for a personal styling session with the likes of Allison Bornstein (here) or Reva (here).
Ballet Flats. There are so many great ballet flats out there (including these that I have and love! Code Ariane10) but wanted to feature Yuni Buffa on here as a newer & up-and-coming brand that you may not already know. I saw these IRL on friend Megan Karp and have been lusting over them ever since. Love the long square toe bed and super soft leather. Soo many fun colors too.
Merit 5-Minute Morning. Moms need simple, but great. And makeup products should be no different. Enter… Merit! Clean, beautiful makeup. I have their under-eye concealer and lip gloss, and I want MORE!
Baggu Pouches. Give me all the Baggu pouches. I use them as toiletry bags when traveling, bags within purses, bags for kids snacks, literally anything. So many fun patterns and are sure to be a hit with moms of all ages. (I have given these to both my mom and MIL before and they still use and love!)
A Framed Picture. This is just such a nice, personalized touch. If I got nothing else but a framed photo of me with my kids, I’d be ecstatic.
Ruti On The Loose Pants.* If you’re new here, I’m a bit of an evangelist for these pants. I included them in my holiday gift guide as well. They are just the best as an everyday, no fuss pant that goes with everything, look cool, and are so comfortable. I have also given these to my mom and MIL to rave reviews. Another gift for all the ages! I personally like to size up for a bit more movement, but my mom told me she prefers her normal size in these, so something to keep in mind generationally on preference of fit! They’re currently on sale (!) but when they’re not, you can also use my code ARIANE15. Oh and I don’t have the new linen ones, but they look great!!
One-of-a-Kind Beaded Necklace. My college friend (and fellow mom!) Darrin makes these and they’re just my favorite. I have now collected several necklaces, as well as bracelets. She’s a local Brooklyn gal with a jewelry business as her side hustle. Each piece is handmade with a mix of new & vintage beads so everything is one-of-a-kind. For the most up-to-date selection, follow her on Instagram and DM to purchase. Website here too.
Alex Mill Tote. This tote is nothing new and yet I still want her so. badly!!! Customize with her initials and you’ll be her favorite forever. Can’t go wrong with any color combo.
Polo Baseball Cap. Just a chic basic heading into sunny days.
The Best Button-Down. Is it just me or are Frank & Eileen button downs the best? I have two (in white and french blue superluxe) and I live in them in spring/summer. This one definitely falls into the category of elevated basics that she doesn’t want to buy for herself, but will most certainly love.
THE Pants (Leset). Another one of those elevated basics. The Kyoto pants are one of the cool girl / cool mom pants. I have the cypress color, but I want them all because they are that good. True to size!
Great Socks. Might sound lame but one of my favorite gifts to receive and give are a great pair of socks, and I love mine from Comme Si. I have the ivory, but a fun color for spring would make for a great gift.
La Ligne Mini Marina Sweater. This is the cotton, rollneck version of my all-time favorite Mini Marin sweater. I have this one in a stripe, but am eyeing a solid! Specifically this beautiful blue color. Code ARIANE10.
Okay, all done! Gtg do all the mom things now.
xx Ariane
Ps. This post includes affiliate links, but I’d never promote anything I didn’t love! *denotes gifted product.
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