Local Richmond Mother’s Day Gifts

It’s that time of year again. Time to think about how to thank the mother of your children (or, the mother of you) for all she’s done in the past year to keep your family afloat. To consider all the ways she loves you, all the ways she sacrifices, and all the things she keeps track of in her head so you don’t have to. Time to thank her for her planning, her caretaking, her mental load, by coming up with the perfect gift that says “you’re the best and we love you.”

No shade to the folks who run to the grocery store and get cut flowers and a card; the fact that you have done that in the past is lovely because it means you remembered and that’s important. But how about you go a little deeper this year? You don’t need to buy something just for the sake of buying something - several of the items below are not expensive, and one could even be done by spending no money - but speaking as a fellow mom, it’s nice when you put some real thought into the day. These are all local, Richmond Virginia small businesses, who would be happy to help you put something together for her special day.

Book People

Does the mother in question like to read? Help her treat herself to the book she’s been wanting to buy, or the one that was so good at the library that she wants it for her shelf but just hasn’t managed to buy yet (this book falls into that category for me). Book People is a small local bookstore that notices when people make purchases, and really appreciates the business. They’re sweet and you can’t go wrong there. If you don’t know the book she wants, a giftcard is easy to buy online.

Typical Self care, but make it untypical.

Maven Made is a local, women-owned business making plant-based skincare and wellness products. If she’s getting regular showers - kudos - their shower sugar scrubs can make a regular routine feel more special. Or curate your own gift set and put something thoughtful together for her. Not sure what kind to get her? A gift card that she can spend how she likes is a good decision.

Time.

You know what most moms would like more of? Time. Either time alone to do something special for herself, or one on one time with her children doing something she’d like to do. Moms spend so much time doing what her family wants to do, instead of prioritizing herself. Sometimes (often) even sacrificing personal hygiene in order to keep the family peace (see the above about regular showers). Give her the gift of time, to spend how she likes.

However! Don’t just take the kids out of the house for an hour and say, “have fun.” She’ll end up cleaning something or wondering what to do with said time, and it won’t be fulfilling for her. Go the extra mile and plan something for her, so she doesn’t have to. A time with friends that she hasn’t seen in a while, or a spa day at a local spot. Or make it simple and get her a giftcard to Black Hand Coffee Co or Gelati Celesti so she can enjoy some time to herself. Or let her stay home but give her parameters around the time so she doesn’t have to make decisions for once. “Two hours to read that book you’ve been wanting to read.” “90 minutes to plant those seeds you’ve been meaning to get to but can’t because the toddler keeps pulling on you to blow bubbles for him every time you go outside.”

And/or also set up times for her to have one on one dates with each of her kids. Plan for it over several weekends so it doesn’t feel rushed or forced. Moms so rarely get to spend time with each kid individually in a relaxed, no rush, date-like setting. And kids love it, too. Alone time with Mom is a gift for everyone.

Printed photos of her with her kids

Has she gotten photos done recently (like, in the last year)? Is she having trouble motivating herself to get them printed? Do it for her! Order prints of her favorites directly from Richmond Camera online and get them delivered to your house. Easy peasy. Don’t know which ones are her favorites? Challenge yourself to find a way to ask her without telling her what it’s for. Make her wonder what you’re up to.

Motherhood Porchraits

Does she not have any updated photos of herself with her children? I can fix that for you. Motherhood Porchraits are 10-minute sessions for moms and their kids, and they’re happening on Saturday, May 11 (Mother’s Day weekend!), Wednesday evening, May 15, and Saturday, May 18. They’re a perfect way for your favorite mother figure to get into photos with the people who made her a mom. Here’s more info on that and a link to book.

I hope this is helpful! It’s still April, which means you have a couple of weeks to choose one of these and get orders placed or spots booked before it’s too late. Just remember that even local mail can take a while. So don’t wait around!