Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is around the corner and is a special time to share your love. The goal? Make it memorable!  Celebrate moms, grandmothers, aunts, and the special women in your life who have mentored or nurtured you.

I miss my Mom and grandmothers like crazy and deeply treasured all the Mother’s Day holidays we shared together. Enjoy every second you have, and when it comes to Moms, don’t resist a generous impulse, a kind thought or saying “I love you” often. In fact, make that every day and year-round. 

In the meanwhile, here are some gift ideas that will be enjoyed this year to make Mother’s Day a special day for new moms, your mom, mother-in-laws, grandmothers and beyond. 

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Lullabuddy plays soothing lullabies that are music to baby and mom’s ears.

For new moms

Lullaby oh my: Give a gift that’s music to Mom’s and baby’s ears.  The “fit-in-your-hand” small, cubed Lullabuddy ($60) plays award-winning singer Mae Robertson’s lullabies. Enjoy these favorites or connect to a personal device to play your own playlists using Lullabuddy as a Bluetooth speaker. The 60-minute timer plays just enough music for baby to fall asleep. Lullabuddy is small enough to pop in a diaper bag or tuck into a stroller pocket to calm on demand. Grandparents will find this gadget easy to use. Lullabuddy.com or Amazon.

A Great Baby: Mom’s love to dress their baby in style. A Great Baby is dedicated to dressing baby in luxurious cuteness from personalized blankets and bedding to clothing and accessories. Created by Mary Zimmer more than 30 years ago when she began sewing for her own children, her designs and soft fabrics are irresistible.

Use the font preview tool to choose the font you like, then add the name selection to the blanket print you like. Give A Great Baby 10 days to create the order for you, then expect a fabulously packaged gift to arrive in the mail. You can also include a handwritten note.  www.agreatbaby.com

DockATot is a beloved product by new moms, and the ultimate docking station for your baby. Multifunctional, it offers a comfy spot that lets baby rest, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time, travel and get diaper changes. DockATot has been designed to offer a snug and soothing environment for babies. A true multitasker, the DockATot Grand is also a great choice. This travel friendly, helpful gift is available at Baby Braithwaite, www.babybraithwaite.com, or Happy Mango, www.shophappymango.com.

Blanket mom with love: Seen on national talk shows and beloved by a huge following, Butterscotch Blankees are adorable and a wonderful keepsake. This amazing company believes that every gift should be as unique and vibrant as your loved one. That’s why the blankets come in a rainbow of colors and custom designs. From personalized baby blankets to knit hats with a child’s name, these luxury gifts are made to endure a lifetime of love and snuggles. They’re also warm, cozy and timeless. www.butterscotchblankees.com

Can you say cute?  ShopBlakeRuby, is a very popular resource for personalized gifts for kids of all ages. Atlanta Mom-Entrepreneur Alison Weiner custom makes adorable, personalized T-shirts, jean jackets and sweatshirts for you or someone you love. Seen on “Today” and featured nationally, check out these trendy styles, glitter options and more.

New moms will love adding their little princess or super hero’s name to a wearable tee or a message to mom like “World’s Best Mom.” You’ll flip over these one-of-a kind gifts for Mother’s Day, family trips, reunions, from “Most Lovable Grandma” to “Most Awesome Aunt.”  Order ASAP and enjoy viewing an array of irresistible gift ideas on Instagram @shopblakeruby, or email shopblakeruby@gmail.com.

For the traveling mom: Make a travel basket for Mom filled with travel accessories and other items. Travelbadger is a great suggestion to include with pre-packed, clear TSA-friendly toiletry kits. Created by two moms, you simply choose the brands you prefer and Travelbadger will mail you a customized kit. The Travelbadger online store is a great resource for hard-to-find travel items such as safe ID card sleeves, cable luggage locks and waterproof phone pouches.  www.travelbadger.com

The Intown Salt Room offers a one-hour spa experience for mom.

Ah, spa: Check out the latest advancements in spas with the Intown Salt Room.  Give mom the gift of relaxation this Mother’s Day with a Salty Bundle Gift Card for a one-hour experience. Incorporating 6,000 pounds of Himalayan salt décor, this gift includes 30 minutes of dry salt therapy and 30 minutes of meditation with sound therapy. The latter combines zero gravity seating with vibrational music for a whole body sensory experience, leaving you rested. No changing or spa attire required. Intown Salt Room is located in Grant Park at 563 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, 30312. Visit www.intownsaltroom.com.

Just name it!  John’s Alterations, a well-known resource in Buckhead, features a beautiful assortment of baby gifts, monogram services and personalized items for Mom including personalized spa robes, luggage and makeup travel bags. This popular monogramming institution adds names and initials to your gifts, or check out John’s array of items every mom will love.

The Gund Flappy the Elephant is an animated lovable stuffed animal new moms and babies will love.

Gotta get a Gund! Flappy the Elephant is an adorable singing animated plush toy with two different play modes. Press the left foot to play an interactive game of peek-a-boo, and the right to hear the song “Do Your Ears Hang Low” in a cute child’s voice. Made from high-quality, huggable plush material that is surface-washable. $40.

GUND is proud to present one of our most beloved teddy bears – Snuffles. It is softer than ever with ultra-plush fabric that feels like snuggling a cloud. Snuffles features a unique crescent design that lets him look into your eyes with every hug. The only teddy bear that faces you in a hug. Snuffles has been a beloved and bestselling GUND teddy bear for more than 30 years, and is now in a trending gender-neutral gray color. Snuffles features soft, ultra-huggable plush built to famous GUND quality standards that is also surface-washable. $20.

The authors of “The Home Edit,” which makes a great gift, appeared recently at the MJCC and were profiled in the AJT.

For mothers and grandmothers

A love of reading: You can’t go wrong with a gift card online or at a bookstore for Moms who love to read. Gift a fabulous book on The New York Times bestsellers list.  Or, check out Mom’s book club list and see what’s she’s reading next. With a little research and understanding mom’s favorite type of books, you’ll surely have a novel gift.

One favorite is “The Bridal Chair” by Gloria Goldreich, a novel about Marc Chagall’s daughter. Or, check out the popular home organizing book, “The Home Edit” by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. These Nashville authors were a sensation at the Book Festival of the MJCCA.  The new or expecting mom will adore I Love You books such as “Love is a Tutu” by Amy Novesky.

Check out “Mommy Wishes” or “Grandma Wishes,” which are beautiful books perfect for any Mom or Grandmother to read to a little one.  (Available at www.amazon.com).

If a personalized book is on your list, check out www.frecklebox.com for some creative books you can personalize and even include Mommy and Grandma in the acknowledgements or storyline.

Build your own basket: Alon’s Bakery & Market offers a delicious array of items in the city and allows you to “build your own gift basket.” You can customize one that Mom would enjoy with all her gourmet favorites. Fill your basket with an assortment of sweet sensations from their chocolate kitchen or indulge in imported confections that only Alon’s carries. Add some daily-made breads, pastries and cookies or surprise her taste buds with special pastas, oils, sauces, chutneys, spreads and specialty products from all over the world. It’s easiest to order online or visit one of the two locations in Dunwoody or Morningside. Alon’s staff will assemble your selections into your custom gift basket. Baskets are priced based on your selections. Prices start at just $25 and delivery is available in metro Atlanta. www.alons.com

For the stylish mom: Established in 2005, Dora Rae Boutique is an Atlanta based high-fashion women’s retail boutique specializing in designer jewelry, handbags and clothing. Splurge on a piece from the Dora Rae jewelry collection or shop from hand-picked merchandise for the perfect gift.  Check out the stylish clothing, beautiful accessories and gifts for all Moms who wish to be right on trend. Dora Rae is located at 5299 Roswell Road, Suite 108, Atlanta, 30342. Boutique hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Give something fragile. Something fragile is always a hit!  From the beautiful Baccarat butterflies in every color to Michael Aram’s gifts galore to Rosenthal’s stunning Phases Vases, there are endless choices for the stylish Mom who values something beautiful for her home. Or, if Mom is no-fuss, check out Fragile’s line of unbreakable serving pieces. Entertaining Moms will love a gift from Fragile’s elegant display of presents. Fragile is one of Atlanta’s leading gift resources and has something for every Mom and Grandmother on your list.  When gift giving, call or visit Fragile and make Mother’s Day special, just like Mom.  www.fragilegifts.com

For the eco-friendly mom: Here’s a gift that sheds new light on jewelry. If Mom or Grandma is a sustainable, recycling, eco-friendly mom, she’ll love this one-of-a-kind handcrafted recycled jewelry called smartglass. A smart way to look good is to consider Kathleen Plate’s handcrafted wearable works of art from post-consumer beverage bottles transformed into pretty creations.  She calls it upcycled beverage bottles…really, and they are so pretty, like sea glass. www.smartglassjewelry.com

Cook up this gift!  Consider giving Mom a gift certificate subscription to JChef,  the first and best-rated certified kosher meal kit company in the U.S. It ships across most of the country and delivers to 35 states, including Georgia. Jchef makes it easy and sends a weekly box of pre-portioned ingredients and fresh kosher meats and produce straight to your door.  Included are easy to follow recipe sheets with pictures to help even the most novice chefs cook like a pro. Most meals take less than 25 to 30 minutes, start to finish.  A fun way for subscribers to cook with their families and spend more time together. Founder Gabriel Saul is always available to help recommend recipes or answer any questions; you can even chat with him on the site any time. www.jchef.com

Touch Note:  Check out this wonderful and easy-to-use app that’s just in time for Mother’s Day. Your photo of choice is sent on a post card in minutes with a special message just for Mom.  It’s a reasonable way to stay in touch and a fun way to send a picture-perfect gift.  www.touchnote.com

These gorgeous keepsakes are gift boxes filled with beautiful orchard-fresh fruit and kosher-certified gourmet delights.

Give a fruitful gift: The Fruit Company is nationally known for elegant, premium fruit and delicious gifts as well as organic options. Freshly harvested, irresistible hand-sorted fruit is beautifully presented with the utmost care to detail. You’ll find a wonderful selection of kosher-certified gifts, perfect for every occasion. With more than 75 years of exceptional fruit growing experience and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, your gift will always feature an abundance of the very finest produce. The fruits of your gift-giving efforts are bound to be appreciated.  www.TheFruitCompany.com 

Mezuzahs by Michael Aram are beautiful gifts for the home.

Check out your synagogue gift shop: When it comes to gift giving, support your local synagogue and show appreciation for the devoted staff and amazing selection of gifts for new moms, baby, moms and grandmas. Every mom will love the plethora of items that you’ll find, from Judaica gifts to beautiful home décor to usher in the Sabbath. Not to mention the outstanding idea of giving mom a gift with purpose. The best gifts are at your fingertips.

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times bestselling author, media personality and communications expert appearing often on television.  www.robynspizman.com