Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate mom than to give her a few gifts that will help her to feel her best and encourage her to practice self-care.
A little bit of self-care can go a long way, especially for a mom! It’s easy for moms to get lost in motherhood and forget about taking care of themselves. Self-care looks different for different types of moms -- whether a busy working mom, athletic mom, new mom, pregnant mom, or foodie mom.
This is the perfect time to focus on moms, and I have some amazing gift ideas for different types of moms, all under $20.
As a mom of two little girls, ages three and five, I find that self-care can be a challenge. One thing I would like for Mother’s Day would be to have the entire day to myself. The ultimate gift of self-care! An entire day to do anything… alone. Even if that means puttering around the house or running errands; a trip to Target or just sitting at the coffee shop for a few hours diving into a good book with a hot latte in hand -- “hot” being the key term, because if you’re anything like me, it’s a treat to drink a hot tea or coffee. That is, if you even remember you made it.
If having the day off all to yourself isn’t an option or not something you’re interested in, I’ve come up with a few easy, accessible and inexpensive self-care gifts for the mom in your life, as well as for YOU. Go ahead and treat yourself to a little something this Mother’s Day. You deserve it!
Below is a round-up of gift ideas and activities for each type mom, so you’ll be sure to find a few ideas perfect for you (or that special mom in your life).
Pregnant Moms
A Good Read: Of course, I'm biased towards Pure Nuture, an essential guide to self-care during pregnancy. It's a short and sweet inspirational guide for moms-to-be, urging them to practice more self-care and ultimately create a healthier foundation for their growing baby. After all, self-care is also baby-care.
Coconut Oil or Sesame Oil: Keep skin smooth, soft and hydrated with a natural product containing no added ingredients or toxic chemicals; which is even more important during pregnancy. Moms-to-be often focus on the quality of the food they are eating. However, they sometimes forget that the skin is the biggest organ. Everything you put on your skin is absorbed by the body and can make its way to your baby. Natural cold-pressed oils like coconut oil are a great option. These oils can also help to prevent stretch marks. Massage with oil before or after your shower. Coconut also makes a great eye-make up remover. I could go on and on about all the benefits of this product.
New Moms
Journal: Keeping a journal is a great way to practice gratitude. Even if you’re not a fan of writing, keeping a list of 4-5 things you feel grateful for each day can be incredibly supportive and healing. Journaling can help mom keep track of diaper changes, feedings and the baby’s sleep schedule. It’s also a place where mom can write notes about how they’re feeling. I used my journal to write letters to my little ones. I then put them in a keepsake box for later… a little time capsule for each of my girls that they can open on their 18th birthdays.
Dark Chocolate makes for a decadent treat packed with antioxidants and great for moms avoiding coffee while nursing. I love chocolate and have a stash at all times, eating a square after lunch and dinner. Not only does it taste delicious, but it's also a mini stress reliever. The best brands are organic and have the fewest ingredients. One of my favorite brands is Alter Eco. It’s organic, fair-trade and GMO-free.
Busy Working Moms
Non-Toxic Nail Polish for an at home manicure and pedicure. Just like the skin, the nails also absorb whatever you put on them. Most nail polishes are full of toxic ingredients that you want to avoid. For this reason, I recommend a few brands that are free of the top 3-5 worst chemicals. (This is especially important information for pregnant women and kids.) Check out Scotch Naturals, Mineral Fusion or Butter.
Essential Oils are a great way for busy working moms to de-stress and relax, especially coming to and from the office. I recommend the Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Car Diffuser, and some of my favorite oils, which include Orange, Peppermint, and Lavender.
Foodie moms
A candle can create mindfulness at mealtime. How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Lighting a candle, taking a few deep breaths and saying a prayer or a thought of gratitude can help make mealtime a special time for mom. Slowing down and relaxing at meal time will help your digestive system to effectively do its job and allow your body to absorb more nutrients. Candles can emit toxins into the air when being burned, so for this reason, I recommend looking for an unscented candle made from soy or beeswax (or one naturally scented with essential oils).
Mason Jars: My favorite gift idea on the list! This is the most versatile gift, and they are a great option for any type of mom. A nice alternative to plastics, Mason jars are inexpensive and good for you, your family and the planet. They make perfect food storage containers. Fill them up with trail mix for a snack on-the-go, a smoothie-to-go, overnight oats and more. For your smoothies: in the evening put all of your prepped ingredients for your morning smoothie in the Mason jar. In the morning, pull the jar from the fridge and dump all the ingredients into the blender. When blended, pour back in the jar and take it with you. (Fantastic for ALL types of moms.) They also make cute flower vases.
Athletic Moms
Tennis ball and/or lacrosse ball: These are inexpensive, easy to find and portable. Massage your feet, legs and glutes with a tennis ball. It’s a simple way to do a self-massage and release “knots” or “trigger points.” The effect is similar to a foam roller, but more precise and easier to take with you on the go. Lacrosse balls are much harder and can be used for the back and shoulders. Go gently at first, and research the best ways to use these tools. I give myself a foot massage with a tennis ball almost every night before bed and take one with me when I travel.
Water Bottle: LifeFactory is my all-time favorite. These are glass, non-toxic, and available in fun colors and different sizes. They come with a protective silicon sheath over the glass, which allows them to be more durable. They also offer flip lids and lids with a straw. I recommend the flip lid over the straw. Drinking through a straw can cause you to swallow extra air, which could create bloating a gas; and who wants that?
Being a mom is one of the hardest and most fulfilling “jobs” in the world. Moms deserve so much love, care and appreciation. Not only from others, but from ourselves.
One of these ideas may be a perfect little gift for your special mom. Or, create a self-care package or basket and fill it with a few of these items... plus a few more that you know would be perfect for your special mom (even if that’s you).
Treat yourself or that special mom in your life to a self-care gift she can use on Mother’s Day and for years to come.
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