HeatherMother’s Day is around the corner. May 13th in case you haven’t marked that in your calendar. We all know what that means – lovely kid-made breakfast in bed, uninterrupted time soaking in the bath, sweet school craft projects and dinners out with mom (or mom-in-law). Us moms love feeling appreciated just like everyone else! Shower us with kisses and do the dishes but if you’re really wondering what kind of gifts us moms would love, here are a few suggestions from our team!
FOR THE NEW MOM:
Looking for a unique gift for the new mom? How about a Links of London Pin to wear on a favourite sweater or cardigan. The heart-shaped hook on some allow wearers to hold special Keepsake Charms such as the First Steps Charm and Home is Where the Heart is Charm, which can be engraved complimentary! Starting at $125
Dry, itchy skin can plague many new moms. Boasting a line of organic, plant-based, cruelty-free products; bāsd body care offers indulgent and hydrating washes, lotions, and scrubs that won’t harm you, your babe or the environment. These all-natural and organic products feature ingredients you actually know and can pronounce. The special Mother’s Day Gift Box includes a body scrub, wash, lotion and Wize Monkey’s coffee leaf tea discovery pack. Starting at $49.99
In between changing diapers and folding laundry, mom can find a few moments to sit, relax and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Sloane Tea offers an assortment of premium specialty teas. It’s packaging of tin cans is reminiscent of the old world luxury inspired by travels across the world. With names like Citron Calm, Celebration Medley and Jade Halo, mom is sure to find a few moments to unwind and dream of exotic locales.
Handmade with love from the mamas of Kenya to the moms at home. This beautiful hand-made Mother’s Day Rafiki Bracelet at Me To We is a versatile piece that can be worn as a bracelet or necklace. In Swahili, the world for friend is rafiki. Not only that, the bracelet also gives back to the community of artisans who create these pieces. You’ll want to see the entire collection. Using traditional art forms, each piece is handcrafted by a mama in Kenya who is empowered thorough earning a fair wage for her work.
FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO BE IN THE KITCHEN:
There’s something therapeutic and oh so satisfying for those of us who love to be in the kitchen. Is it desire to feed the ones we love? Definitely! We spotted this Marcato Ravioli Tablet ($89.50) that’s will raise pasta-making skills at any level. Made in Italy, this tablet has 10 perfectly cupped holds designed to hold just the right amount of filling. Edges are tall enough to cut and seal the pasta laters without crushing. Available at Lee Valley.
We’ve been lusting for years for the Bentley of blenders, the smoothie making, soup swirling powerhouse that is the mighty Vitamix. Starting at $419 for the small model means cracking piggy banks to get what you want, but hey, you’re worth it!
FOR THE MOM WHO HATES TO BE IN THE KITCHEN:
Be your own Uber Eats and pick up a basket from eponymous gourmet good purveyor Pusateri’s Fine Foods. Their Bundle Brunch is on until May 14th at Pusateri’s locations across the GTA. The DIY Bundle Brunch features any 1L freshly squeezed juice, 4 Gryfe’s bagels and either smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives or bacon, eggs, and chives for under $25.
If you are looking to try something a little different, why not pick up a few spice packages from Jaswant’s Kitchen and make her an Indian meal she won’t forget. These all natural seasonings make it super easy to re-create popular Indian dishes from the comfort of your home. The Indian Sampler kit is a delicious place to start! For availability check here. Starting at $5.99
FOR THEATRE LOVING MOMS:
There’s no shortage of incredible stage productions and events happening in Toronto. Musicals that sure to please include Annie (starring Leslie Nichol who you may recognize as Mrs. Patmore of Downton Abbey!) that’s great for the entire family, Chicago is a sure bet and we know one of our editors ALWAYS takes her mom to see Phantom of the Opera — yes that’s coming in June! Complete line up of shows here. 
FOR MOMS WHO LOVES THE LITTLE EXTRAS:
Let mom know how much she means to everyone in the family with the Citrus Silver Slice Pendant with Tree of Life Charm. This necklace signifies family, strength, stability and connectedness; with the Tree of Life charm surrounded by the names of the people she loves most. Starting at $120
Mom will love cozying up in the Reve Blanket by Stray & Wander. This Turkish blanket has so many ways it can use – toss it on your bed or couch as or throw or use it at the beach or on a picnic for a comfy place to lay and relax. Available in Black, Silver Grey, Forest Green or Lilac. Order online $120
No time for the spa? Bring the spa to mom with a gift basket from Callie Essentials. Created with essential oils, water and botanicals, these luxurious products rejuvenate her skin without breaking the bank. We love the body oil spa blend made from luscious oils such as Patchouli, Bergamot, Lavender, and Geranium.
Thinking of taking mom on a picnic and wanting to bring some wine along? The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle is the perfect to keep the perfect temperature of your vino on the go. Unbreakable, insulated, and crafted from stainless steel, it will help you get your favourite vintage from A-to-B without breakage or the introduction of a plastic-y taste. Designed to fit the content from a whole standard size bottle of wine. But not just for wine, it’s double walled insulated so it will keep other cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks for up to 6 hours. Available at Mountain Equipment Coop.
Since we are talking about wine, why not surprise her with a bottle of Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir. This non-vintage sparkling wine has a refreshing lemon citrus aroma that is complimented by the red currant characteristics of the Pinot Noir. This soft and crisp wine is best served chilled with soft white cheese. Yum. Available at the LCBO.
Moms little trinkets are scattered around the house? We love this stylish and modern little keeper dish by Kate Aspen that will keep our everyday jewellery handy. We spotted this on the Amazon Canada Mother’s Day Gift Shop – a great curated selection of goodies selected just for mom! This one=stop destination makes it easy to find useful and even unique gifts including Mom-made finds that features over 500 handmade gifts from small businesses around the world. You’ll want to watch over the next couple of weeks for added deals. 
Soon she’ll be spending more time outdoors and we are in love with this inviting allen + roth Morisset Patio Daybed spotted at Lowe’s. This contemporary style speaks our language — sit back and relax. The soothing blue tones are made of Olefin fabric backed by a sturdy aluminum frame and comfy foam cushions. Yeah, this is life.
FOR THE TECHY MOM:
She is always looking for brands that give back. Apple has recently launched the latest (PRODUCT) RED items. In the latest line up you’ll find the Special Edition iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus that are finished in the symbolic red colour. If she already has an iPhone X, you can grab her a leather folio that also functions as an all-in-one wallet and cover crafted in French leather. There are also Apple Watch bands, Beats headphones, iPhone cases and more in the (RED) line. Over the last 11 years, Apple has directly contributed more than $160 million to the Global Fund worldwide with the line of (RED) products. That equates to 815 million days of lifesaving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn babies.
Gamer moms, we see you! If mom is right in their playing Forza Motorsport or Minecraft with you then get her own custom Xbox Designer Lab Controller starting at $99.99 CDN. With endless combinations and the opportunity to personalize, you can take mom to the next level. Very cool.
Broadbent Sisters are designers and curators of beautiful things, but beauty isn’t everything, function and design are key elements to their array of Google Pixel Phone Cases, starting at $50. The sisters, who call Toronto home, have made a case for every mood with their deluxe patterns and mesmerizing designs. Protection and beauty, mom approved.
FOR THE DIY MOM:
There’s no denying that gifts made by hand are ones that are seriously cherished, and moms always get all the bragging rights. We look to Lee Valley for their amazing workshops where you can truly make something for mom and learn a new skill. Sign yourself up for classes, or even better, bring mom along. Upcoming workshops include Grow Vegetables in Containers and Small Spaces, Build a Bee Hotel (great for ages 12 and up), Beginning Carving A Soapstone Inuksuk, Carve a Canoe Paddle, and more. Our team has joined in several classes including beginner WoodTurning — we highly recommend signing up fast as the workshops are quite popular and vary from location.
But can’t get into one of their locations? They also has a few nifty DIY project kits including saddle stitching to make mom a leather passport holder, pencil case and other fun projects.
Also, Heat Pens ($39.50) are becoming quite popular these days with DIY makers. This tool has multi-functions. Not only is it great for soldering but it’s great for pyrography, stencil cutting and hot stamping. Comes with 11 different interchangeable tips for more control and precision so mom can really get creative and grab a Learn to Burn book too while you’re there – a great guide for beginners. Found at Lee Valley.
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH BLOOMS:
Honestly, we’d be thrilled with a bouquet of dandelions but Mother’s Day is complete with a colourful bunch of fresh flowers. Shops at Square One (Mississauga) will have a Mother’s Day Weekend Pop-Up Market featuring many independent florists from across the city. The pop up will also include sweet treats and artisan gifts specially selected for mom.
