The Mommy Gift Edit
Over the past couple of years I have wrote about what Mothers REALLY want for Mothers Day. After having Siena I even thought about things I WISH I got for my baby shower. Or that I WISHED someone would gift me. They were not things for the baby but more like things to save my sanity. I pulled together a list of items that go beyond Mother’s Day. Maybe you have a friend who just had a baby or an upcoming shower to attend. If you make up a basket of these items, it will definitely be outside of the box. However, after the baby is born you will quickly become MVP. And, Dads, pay attention, it is more about the process of being thoughtful. Moms bear the mental load of it ALL. It doesn’t even have to be an expensive gift. It could be as simple as planning the day and packing all the snacks, water bottles and etc before she even THINKS about it.
10 Minute Power Shower Basket
Self care looks different for everyone. However, all the trendy self care talk used to frustrate me. No matter how hard I tried I really didn’t have time to sit in the bath tub with a glass of wine. It actually stressed me out more thinking of all of the “me” time I didn’t get because my life was not structured like those I saw on social media. However, there are a couple of things I have on hand that make a 10 minute shower feel like a refresh. I like to call it a comprehensive shower haha! One where I take a minute to do more than just splash on and off soap and water. Also, I have learned to close the door and tell myself that my husband can handle anything for 10 minutes, no matter what I irrationally think!
Shower Mist- Just a couple of sprays of this and a deep breath in makes me feel like I am at the spa. Or at least in the waiting room.
Face Exfoliator Mask- I found this back in the day when I worked with the Fab Fit Fun box. After I wash my hair I spray this one my face, let it sit for a minute or two. Then I am amazed at how much dead skin washes off on my fingers as I gently rub. It takes like 2-3 minutes to do. This one is a little pricey but worth it. But a less expensive but equally fun option is the Origins Drink Up mask, which can be found at Target. While you are at maybe slip a 10 dollar Target giftcard in the basket for mom to get a coffee while she shops for diapers!
The Calm App Subscrition- This can give a couple minutes of meditation or quiet music to drown out any craziness going on outside the door, furthering the faux spa like atmosphere.
Bed and Bath Time Ritual Set- Every once in awhile I will do something like this. Where after I put her to bed, I take a long shower, and get myself into bed, and call it quits. No work, no long Netflix binge, just relax until my eyes close. I do this when I see that I have been out of control irritable for awhile. Or its been a month of me not sleeping well. This also helps me not get full blown sick sometimes. This 14.99 kit has it all!
So these are my 3 major elements, but other nice ideas are a good razor, a super hydrating lotion or hair mask. Little things go a long way in 10 minutes!
The Best Blowout Basket
Blow Dryer Brush- Why it took me so long to invest in one these, I will never know. Using a blow dry brush makes me look like I had a professional blowout every time. This is coming from someone with a lot of hair that hates blow drying their hair. They can be on the expensive side, and I am slow to recommend the Revlon Brush because I hear a lot of reports about hair breakage. The Dyson model is the best but is also over 400 dollars. So I have two middle of the road recommendations below.
Blow Out Cream-I know it seems a little “extra” but it helps the health of your hair as well as makes the blow out come better over all. Plus it lasts longer!
Hair Mask- After having a baby you will no doubt notice your hair going through crazy changes with hormones. It may become dry, and then there is the breakage! Having a hair mask to throw on once in awhile is great
Shea Moisture Hair Hydration Mask
Dry Shampoo- I feel like at this point, it is a given for moms and busy ladies everywhere!
The Hat- Honestly, half the week I resort to the hat with yoga pants!
Mama Hat- I am always getting asked about this hat everytime I wear it!
Adidas Hat- I love the grey color!
Also, throwing in a giftcard for some blowouts that are local would be such a treat! Step if up with the offer to babysit as well!
The Cozy Afternoon/Night Basket
One of my favorite things still to this day is my robe and slippers. Once I found ones that loved there was no letting go. I remember spending a lot of time reaching for them in the middle of the night for feedings. Being I would spend long mornings (that sometimes stretched in afternoons and etc) in my pajamas, it was nice to have matching pair or set at times. It made me feel a little bit more put together, even if it was just for myself. This went a long way in the early months and beyond.
Pact Robe- This one is a little heavier which I like!
Victoria's Secret Short Cozy Robe- A little bit heavier for those winter months
Slippers:
Pom Cashmere Slippers- A little bit of luxury and fun!
Cross Fuzzy Slippers-These are sooooo comfy and yet sturdy for around the house, even to run outside and grab the mail!
Pottery Barn Fur Slippers- These are my personal fav, and there is a matching robe!
Miscellaneous Ideas
Another sweet idea is a gift card to a personal stylist session or a clothing box. I found that when I was ready to start going out again, I had trouble finding things I wanted to wear. Or my clothes were over 2 years outdated and I was just unmotivated.
Shopping Services at Bloomingdales
Does your mom or wife like to read? Send her to Barnes and Nobles for however long armed with a giftcard to the bookstore and starbucks. Encourage her to find a new book and spend the time reading the first couple of chapters. So often we feel guilty about truly using our time for ourselves. Or if we get a child free moment we run necessary errands. That is NOT FREE TIME! For me, I have to literally be forced.
Moms carry a lot of the mental load. What we do not see if that they are constantly putting others over themselves. It is a rewarding service to raise a family, however it doesn’t mean it is easy. That goes for anyone who is a caretaker choosing to spend their time on the needs of others. Giving someone a mental rest is even more important the physical gift. Beat them to the planning and thinking, then give them the tools or outlet to enjoy themselves!