Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner! I can't believe that this will already be my second Mother's Day.  It is such a special day for me as I think on how blessed I am to be "Momma" to a charismatic, rambunctious, sweet, and loving toddler boy.  Mother's Day really isn't about gifts, but it sure is wonderful to receive something meaningful and thoughtful from your little one or significant other that says "I love you, Mom" or "Your a wonderful Mother to our son".  It is also a very special day for MY Mother.  I know she never expects anything, but, we love to let her know how much she means to us, how much we love her, and how thankful we are to her.

Here are a few gift ideas for the Mothers in your life, new or veteran.

Mother's Ring - My siblings and I bought a Mother's Ring for my Mom a few years ago.  We got her a white gold ring with a diamond (my brother) and two sapphires (my sister and I).  She absolutely loved/loves it and is so proud to show it to everyone.  There are so many options out there and everyone has different tastes.  There are a lot of neat options on etsy that you will be able to find in whatever price range your little heart desires.  Here are some cute ones:

Mother Stacking Ring Set

Hand Stamped Mothers Ring

Stackable Birthstone Rings

Stacking Name Rings

Birthstone Initial Stacking Rings

Stackable Initial & Birthstone Rings

Mother's Necklace - I received a necklace on my baby boy's first birthday - Just like the one below with his initial and birth date.  I wear it all the time and I love that it is unique, delicate, and dainty. My necklace was from Ellie Rose Custom Jewelry, they have an etsy shop also.

Recreate A Sibling or Family Picture - I love this idea.  I have seen these across the web and I think they are just so fun and clever.  It would be perfect to print the two photos to 8x10s and put in a double frame, I am sure your mom will get in a good laugh and love it.  Here are some funny ones on buzzfeed.

Fitbit - Now, don't just get your mom a fitbit, it REALLY isn't that thoughtful or special of a gift, but I am sure it is something that she will appreciate (I say this because I want one but don't want to buy it for myself).  So, maybe get your mom a fitbit and then take her to lunch and for a walk in a beautiful park so you can show her how it works!  There are other kinds of activity trackers at different price points.

Lotion - My hands have really taken a hit since I became a mom. The constant washing, soaps, cold weather, etc. have made my hands dry and cracked. It was hard for me to find a subtle hand lotion that left my hands smooth and moisturized throughout the day.  I prefer Caldrea hand balm. The different scents are divine but subtle. I have a problem with lotions that have an overpowering scent.

Candles - If you are going to get your mom some hand lotion, you might as well get her some relaxing candles while you're at it!  Caldrea also has great aromatherapy candles.

Plants/Herbs - Flowers are thoughtful, but depending on the type, they don't last long.  Give the special lady in your life something that she can benefit from or that is long-lasting. Succulents or herb boxes are wonderful. There is a great succulent etsy shop that can create the arrangement for you or you can do a DIY planter box with herbs. Or just give her a planter box and garden shop gift card.

Wine (or Beer!) Subscription Service or Gift - There are so many options out there. Here are a few:

1. Glassful - Take a quiz, wines are selected for you, and delivered to your door. $45-$100 wine gift box

2. Club W - Makes monthly recommendations based on a "Palate Profile" you create. From the recommendations, you select 3 bottles for that month's delivery.  The monthly fee starts at $45/month (includes shipping)

3. Monthly Clubs - This site has more than just wine or beer clubs. You can incorporate cheese and chocolate by designing your own. The monthly shipments are $45+.

Massage or Facial - You can purchase a gift card through Spafinder, they are accepted at various spa locations worldwide. Otherwise, you can scope out specific spa locations near you that may not accept spafinder gift cards and order one through them direct. 

Coffee Mug and Coffee - Have a custom mug made with photos and include a package of your mom's favorite coffee or gift card. Shutterfly and Snapfish have some great photo mugs that you can easily upload photos to.  Here are some promo codes I came across for mugs or customized gifts:

Shutterfly

HOMESWEETHOME - 40% off home decor (I'm pretty sure that would include mugs)

TU2BDW98323JJ5 - 25% off all regular priced products

Snapfish

25X2DAY - 25% off your order plus free shipping - Expires 4/30/15

TODAY50 - 50% off your order 

RETAILMENOT90 - 55% off plus free shipping on your order over $90 - Expires 

These are just a few of the ideas that came to my mind. There are so many options and, of course, the most precious gift you can give a mom is time, hugs, and letting her know how much you love her.

Free Valentine's Day Printables!

We just got our monthly newsletter from Carter's daycare.  Along with the typical monthly announcements and lunch menus, included was an "Older Infant Valentine's List" for their Valentine's party this coming month.  My immediate thoughts were CUTE and UH-OH.  Cute because I remember how much I loved getting Valentine's cards (not at age one, but from grade school) and Uh-Oh because that means I need to put some proper Valentine's together for Carter's itty bitty classmates.  Of course his class only has 6-7 other kiddos so buying a big box of Valentines just doesn't make sense AND these kiddos don't eat candy, so I needed to come up with an alternate plan.

I immediately thought about photoshopping together a quick Valentine with some Daniel Tiger clipart I have from Carter's first birthday party (I've been meaning to post about that and will do so later).  But I also thought about the other parents that are in the same boat as I and are looking for an easy alternate to store bought Valentine's cards.  Below are the Valentine's that I created for Carter's classmates and I have included a FREE PRINTABLE for you if you dig Daniel Tiger as much as my little guy.  If Daniel Tiger is not really your style, I have also included a list/links of other free printables I came across during my initial searches for homemade Valentines.

If your looking for treat/toy ideas to accompany the Valentines - Look through the dollar sections of Target, Walmart, etc. for safe toys, mini books, flash cards, or get a box of baby mum mums to give each child a safe and healthy treat.  

Click HERE to print your Daniel Tiger Valentines:

Below are links to more free Valentine's Day Printables:

One Charming Party

Amy Is The Party

Buttoned Up

Classic Play

The Handmade Home

Mer Mag

Pumpkins and Posies

Happy Early Valentine's Day!

Citrus Lane - January Box

We received another box of goodies!  Our little guy loves tearing through the box, pulling out, and inspecting everything.  This month both he and I thoroughly enjoyed the surprises.

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box full of baby & parent goodies.  Each box features products catered to the age group of your child (or children) and these are often new or unique products.  I have been introduced to a lot of new brands through the boxes.  They also usually offer additional discount options if you visit that particular brand's website to purchase more products.

If you'd like to try out Citrus Lane, you can do so by CLICKING HERE (referral link).  And there are also a few promo codes I've located on the internet to discount your first box:

Promo Codes (I have not verified that all codes are valid):
bemine - 35% off your first box plus free valentines gifts
TAKE40 or SAVE40 - 40% off your first box
FIRST or 50PCT - 50% off your first box

Here is what we received in this month's box:

1. Chronicle Book's "You Are My Baby: Woodland" board book.  This is a very cute and fun book.  Baby boy would turn the pages of the little book in the center and I would turn the big pages.  This will be kept at the cabin because he will see these types of animals there!  This book retails on Chronicle Book's website for $8.99, but you can sign up for their email list and get 20% off!

2. JJ Rabbit's dipPLATE.  This environmentally and baby friendly plate is super easy to clean and fun for baby!  I haven't used it to separate my boy's food, but he did it all on his own, plopping his bananas in the little "dip" section and keeping his macaroni on the main plate.  This plate comes in a variety of colors and two animals.  This plate retails on JJ Rabbit's website for $9.99.

3. Earthworm wooden toy from Begin Again Toys.  This is a great addition to our little boy's animal collection.  It just so happens he didn't have an earth worm! And he loves this little worm's big smile.  This wormy worm retails on Begin Again Toys' website for $11.00 and they have tons of other fun toys to check out.

4. Hot Chocolate on a Stick from Popbar. Uhhhh-MAZING! This little treat for momma was a BIG HIT.  Right away I warmed up a cup of milk and stirred this deliciousness in, and wow, I must tell you I went straight to their website to see what other treats I could get my hands on.  There is such a variety and so many I want to try.  With time... I will, I must pace myself! This hot chocolate on a stick retails on Popbar's website for $2.99 but you can get variety packs or other treats.

5. Fabletics 60% off First Outfit Offer.  So as I am gulping down my big 'ol cup of hot chocolate, I read the details on this offer.  60% off my first activewear outfit from Fabletics sounds like a great deal right about now as my waistline expands from this tasty treat!  I went ahead and placed an order for my first outfit, 3 pieces for what worked out to be only $28.  Once I receive my order, I will let you all know how their gear stands up to my next yoga sculpt class.  You can visit Fabletics website to get your first discounted outfit.

All in all, we were very happy with this month's Citrus Lane box.  And, although I may seem a bit selfish saying this, it was nice to have a couple goodies in their for momma.  I definitely needed and appreciated them!