Mother’s Day has come a long way since it became a national holiday in 1914.
Not all of that forward motion has been good.
After fighting for Mother’s Day to be recognized, founder Anna Jarvis spent a big chunk of her time lobbying against the mass-commercialization of the day.
Her actions were well-intentioned, but once the retail party train got started, there was just no stopping it.
There are plenty of thoughtful things you can do for mom that don’t require spending lots of money, but if you want to buy your mom a great gift, here are some of my favorites this year. Some gifts are more affordable than others, but as history has shown us, you can’t put a price limit on your mama…
Mother's Day Weekend Retreat at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa: Enjoy a weekend getaway and a chef-inspired Mother's Day Brunch at Brasstown Valley Resort located two hours from Atlanta. The package starts at $159 (minus taxes and fees) per night for a minimum two-night stay between Friday, May 10th and Monday, May 13th. For more information visit www.brasstownvalley.com.
C. Wonder Tote: This slender bag is great for the workweek or weekend providing plenty of space for a laptop or weekend necessities. It has three interior pockets and a zipper top. The tote comes in solid colors ($78) or a striped version for $88. Available at C. Wonder in Lenox Square or online at cwonder.com.
An Image Journey with Authentic Beauty: Local beauty maven Aly Hoag has changed lives with her signature service that helps women refresh and update their look. For Mother's Day, get $50 off an Image Journey – a 120 minute appointment – and get 10 percent off all products or a gift certificate. To book an appointment, visit myimagejourney.com, or call Authentic Beauty at 404-849-0443.
L'Occitane Collection de Grasse: Four scents — Jasmin & Bergamote, Magnolia & Mure, Vanilla & Narcisse and Thé Vert & Bigarade — make up this new collection of fragrances. Let mom sample them all in a special gift set with purse-size, travel-friendly bottles of all four scents. It is $30 at L'Occitane stores or usa.loccitane.com.
Tea set for Two: This stackable ceramic tea set for two in pastel colors with metallic accents includes a ceramic teapot, two cups, and two saucers for $35 at Shopbop.com.
Stephanie Kantis Coronation Chain: The Coronation Chain by Palm Beach based jewelry designer Stephanie Kantis is elegant and very practical. The large version can be worn 15 different ways! The handmade links are bronze dipped in 24k gold with a protective clear coating. The chain comes in 18, 36, and 42 inch lengths. Prices start at $245 at SaksFifthAvenue.com or at stephaniekantis.com.
Cinda B Saddlebag II: When you need to go hands-free, nothing beats this awesome saddlebag from one of my favorite local designers. It has a roomy interior, adjustable strap and comes in a rainbow of colors. The new version also comes with a lower price of $78 at cindab.com.
JCP Bijoux Bar: JC Penney (JCP) recently launched the Bijoux Bar featuring affordable jewelry from some of the biggest names in design. Kara Ross created a collection modeled after her fine jewelry which sells at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus for upwards of $4,000. Her JCP line ranges from $45 to $225 at JCP stores and online at jcpenney.com.
Kindle Fire HD: My Kindle has come in handy for on-the-go reading, checking email and entertaining a toddler! This version starts at $199 at amazon.com.
Zoubaby umbrella: A monogrammed umbrella from Zoubaby, is chic, fun and a bit of insurance that it won't get swiped if you park it in the public umbrella stand. It is available for $20 at zoubaby.com.
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