No matter how you mom (mother, grandmother, the fun aunt we all need, sister, foster mom, birth mom, adoptive mom), I hope you feel loved & celebrated on Mother’s Day. It can be a hard & complicated day for many so take that space if you need it. <3
If shopping is a hobby, then call me a master shopper. Gift giving is my love language. I love receiving gifts and giving gifts. It can be a card, an experience, flowers, or something simple, but the thoughtfulness is what matters. Partners and spouses- LISTEN UP. The mother in your life (your own and/or the one mothering your children) just wants to be thought of. After asking my Instagram friends and fellow BMC contributors, I bring you the Birmingham Mom Collective Mother’s Day Gift Guide.
Experiences
Experiences were the number one answer when I polled audiences, friends, and family. As women, we don’t tend to take care of ourselves well and do not always put our self-care first. Give mom the chance to check-out and take some time for herself. Bonus points if you book it for her and send her on her way!
My personal favorite spas in Birmingham are Retreat Day Spa, Ross Bridge Spa, and Santa Fe Day Spa. Either book her appointment OR get her a gift certificate so she can choose. If you get a gift certificate, be sure to add a thoughtful card to it.
You could also ask her BFF which is her preferred nail salon and book her a mani/pedi!
Gifts
Now, I can’t speak for everyone, but who doesn’t love a “happy?!” That’s what my mom always calls a little gift that will bring a smile to someone’s face. In Birmingham, we have some amazing stores to choose from, so that makes it hard to narrow this list down. I went in a few stores to scope out their spring merch and scrolled Instagram to see what everyone has for Mother’s Day.
Here are a few of my favorites!
- Wrapsody in Hoover is one of my favorite gift stores. They always have a great selection of home decor, accessories, bags, and more. I loved these earrings!
- Cottage Basket in Homewood is another go-to favorite of mine. The staff is so friendly, and the whole store makes me happy. I have this tumbler, and it is honestly one of my all-time faves. Make her commute cute with this travel cup!
- Another fave from the Cottage Basket is a TRVL Bag. I love these bags so much! I have them for myself and my daughter. This would be so cute in a pool or beach bag.
- A very popular request was the new Ashley Mac’s Cookbook! Chances are you have eaten Ashley Mac’s a time or two when someone has brought you food, or maybe your fridge is stocked with their chicken salad. Personally, Ashley’s strawberry cake is my birthday request every year.
- The Pants Store carries one of my favorite pajama brands, PJ Harlow. They are soft, satin, and just a dream to sleep in. I was given the robe as a new-mom gift, and it is amazing!
- Carrie Pittman Hill is an amazing local artist who creates such beautiful things. I love these mini framed florals!
- On my personal Mother’s Day wishlist is this beautiful and sweet necklace from Holland & Birch.
There are so many local shops around town that we love for mom gifts! Along with the ones mentioned above, we also recommend Monograms Plus, The Pink Tulip, Clover and Bee, Stella Boutique, and more!
Flowers
Gentlemen, this is for you. While any flowers will be appreciated, think a few days ahead and get flowers from a florist, NOT the grocery store. Oh, the brownie points you will earn from planning, ordering, and picking up flowers from a REAL florist! Now, if the grocery store is your only option, I have a great hack for you. Grab a vase from the Dollar Tree, take your bouquet out of the plastic, and—BOOM—your flowers look fancy!
A few of my favorite florists in town doing Mother’s Day flowers are Hoover Florist, Wild Things Flowers, and Norton’s Florist.
Restaurants
If you are planning to take her out to eat, make arrangements ahead of time. Get those reservations now! If the place does not take reservations, just know you could be waiting a while due to crowds because, generally, bigger groups eat out on Mother’s Day. (If you need help deciding on a restaurant, check out this list.)
One of my favorites, Real & Rosemary, is offering a take home brunch with a special card, floral, and gift. Check that out here. Other options for dine-in or carry out include Urban Cookhouse, Taziki’s, and Taco Mama.
If you stay in or dine out, just give her the gift of not having to plan, execute, and clean up from the meal. Trust me when I say not doing that is a beautiful, beautiful thing!
At the end of the day, moms just want to be thought of, recognized, and made to feel special. A card with thoughtful words, flowers to brighten her space, and meals/child care she doesn’t have to be in charge of for a day is really all it takes; everything else is the cherry on top.
To my mamas-to-be who are fighting infertility, I see you, I hear you, I know you. I have been there. Mother’s Day is hard. Try to celebrate the mothers in your life & know your day will come.
