If you’re like me, then you have completely forgotten that Mother’s Day is next Sunday, you don’t have a gift and now you look like an ungrateful child. (Sorry, Mom!) Well, fear not – my editor asked me to compile this list of things you can find in the area that your mother will love.
Experiences
My mother says that the best gifts are memories. So make some new memories with her on Sunday.
A nature hike
My mother loves to hike. The BRLA offers a Mother’s Day meditation and trail walk that she might enjoy. Or, you can go on a hike (and do your own meditation) at the Westmoreland Sanctuary, Ward Pound Ridge, Butler Sanctuary and numerous other parks throughout the area.
A little pampering
Moms take care of us so much, so let’s take care of them a little. Get her pampered with a massage. There are several local businesses offering mom a professional massage, or you can give her one yourself right at home (perhaps you can make a little coupon book so she can redeem them when she needs it most).
A nice meal
Moms spend their whole lives making sure we have something to eat, so let’s give back. Treat mom to brunch, lunch or even dinner at one of the many local restaurants in your town.
Five local arts and cultural organizations (Jacob Burns Film Center, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival and Storm King Art Center) have come together to create the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass. This ticket bundle includes: four complimentary passes (plus two coupons for free popcorn and soda) for any regular screening at the Jacob Burns Film Center, two tickets for tours of three National Historic Landmarks in the Hudson Valley, two tickets to a concert of your choice at Caramoor, two tickets to a weekday performance at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, and two tickets for a day of your choosing at the Storm King Art Center. This entire package is $185. Now you and your mom can make memories together all summer long.
For the Home
My mother recently moved, and I know she would love some new things to fill her beautiful house. Here are a few my mom, and yours, might like.
A place to sit and relax
For all the work that our mothers do for us, they deserve a place to rest their feet. Here are some incredibly comfortable chairs and sofas I like from Country Willow in Bedford Hills. Or, get her a customized hand-made bench from New England Antique Lumber in Mount Kisco and let her pick the wood and style she’d like.
Fashion books
It’s always nice to have some books around the house to read (or at least make it look like you read). And why not have beautiful books where you can explore fashion trends of the past? You can find some gorgeous leather fashion books that will stand the test of time at La Maison Fete in Bedford. Let her (and/or her guests) explore the world of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes or Yves Saint Laurent. Maybe even improve your mom’s fashion sense a little.
Some house decor
Does your mother’s house look boring, but you can’t really tell her that? Give her some decor instead. Here’s a few things I would put in my mother’s house: A stunning bar cart from Country Willow or one of New England Antique Lumber’s stunning hand-made cutting boards, side tables or coffee tables.
For Her
Maybe your mother doesn’t want something for her house, or she doesn’t enjoy nature and art enough to make it a gift. That’s fine – everyone is different. Get her something that’s just for her.
A beautiful guitar
Give the gift of music with a one-of-a-kind hand-painted electric guitar from local artist/musician Julie Rosenberg. I recommend the the jag-style “Sonia” with its alder body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard with white pearl inlay and side dots or the jazzmaster-style “Jazzmaster flash” with its alder body, maple neck and maple fretboard with black face dots inlay and black side dots. She can either play it, hang it on the wall as a work of art, or both.
A new tote bag
My mom always has a bag with her, and it has everything from tissues to EpiPens to phone chargers. But her bags are a little old and a little plain. I think she deserves a new one. Luckily, La Maison Fete has some lovely, sustainable and durable jute bags that are perfect for summer. Plus, with a variety of sayings (Ciao, Kiss, Bonjour, Merci, Rosé, Namaste and Soleil) or plain, you’re bound to find one that’s perfect for your mom. (Note: They are sold out on the company’s website, but the wonderful ladies at La Maison Fete do have them in their store.)
Jeans
Moms love jeans. After all, she probably gave you some of hers. (Get it? Genes.) So why not give some back? You can find some great ones at a variety of local shops in our towns. And if you’re not sure what’s in style this spring, I, the young hip Gen Zer, see that big baggy jeans, and bell-bottoms are “trending.” (That’s a good thing.) But not all moms like to be “trending”, so just pick what you think she’ll like best and get a gift receipt just in case.
Gorgeous jewelry
It’s a gift that has existed since the beginning of time. Jewelry is a great way to give mom a gift that will last years and highlight her beauty. There are some truly stunning baubles from ICD Jewelry in Chappaqua that I know my mom would like.
Monogrammed jewelry box
Does your mom have a lot of jewelry that she “keeps” scattered on her night table or dresser? If so, it’s time for a beautiful, monogrammed jewelry box to keep her organized. La Maison Fete has a collection of Living Pearl’s elegant vegan leather/faux suede jewelry boxes available at affordable prices ($35 for the small, $55 for the large) and they’re hosting an event on May 11th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with calligrapher Sunset Scribe (prices range from $15 – $25) at their shop. So you can celebrate Mom twice in the same week. She can pick out her own jewelry box, sip on some cocktails (there’s lemonade for those who don’t drink.), enjoy some sweet treats and even a hand massage from Bedford Massage with oHHo’s Dream Cream.
Homemade scrapbook
Scrapbooks can be a nice way to keep memories, and they’re something Mom can have forever. So print out some photos, head down to your local art supply store and start scrapping. You’ve got a week, but you can do it. Here’s a video on how to start.
And lastly, the greatest Mother’s Day gift of all … you. When I asked my mother what she wanted for Mother’s Day, she said: a massage. But then she said that mothers just want to feel appreciated. So go call your mom, or give her a hug, or just tell her you love and appreciate her and all the work she does. And at the very least, make her a card to memorialize how much you love and appreciate her. She’s earned it.
Ceres Shifrin
Ceres Shifrin is a college student who loves writing, playing the Sims and singing/acting in musical theater. Ceres’ number one life goal is to own chickens, hopefully just like Bill Withers (pictured here).
