Just forward this in your group chat✨
the guide that I pulled from my own closet/kitchen
Every year, Mother’s Day arrives with the same energy as a toddler who skipped nap time: chaotic and demanding attention. If you’re a mom, you already know the real prize isn’t brunch. It’s a nap. Or a room-temperature latte. Or a 45-minute scroll without being interrupted.
Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your mother-in-law, a friend who’s deep in the toddler trenches, or you’re the one who deserves the gift (hi, hello, welcome), this list was made for you. It’s full of thoughtful, elevated gifts that are pretty, practical, and guaranteed to be used more than once. I should know, I own & use each of these for myself.
And yes, you can absolutely send this to someone with a “just in case you needed ideas” text. Or… you could forward it to yourself. Nothing wrong with being the gift-giver and the gifted.
Here’s what to send (or screenshot and strategically leave open on their iPad):
In this column you’ll find:
💐 The chaos and charm of Mother’s Day gift shopping
📚 My current reads and how many I’ll actually finish
💄 The under-$20 beauty products I can’t shut up about
🎁 A gift guide for moms that’s actually made by one
⬆️ This week’s highs:
I went to the library and got a physical book and now I’m in the middle of Fourth Wing on Audiobook, Outlive on Kindle, and Happy Place in a paperback. What are the odds I finish one of these by the end of May?
I’m truly stepping away from my phone so much more now and I feel great about it. Social media free weekends are exciting and I look forward to separating work from my personal time. Am I just getting older?
⬇️ This week’s lows:
According to my Oura ring, my body stress levels have been outrageously high in April. Like record-levels of being stressed. I do realize that body stress can happen even if good things are the cause, but I’m trying to add in intentional time for rest. The real villain is that my Oura won’t count my accurate steps. I got 5190 on my walking pad last night and it said 2900 - jail.
Girlies, how do we fix this!?
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my hair care routine and I’m due to write up a post about my favorite shampoos & conditioners, but I’ll share my top pick. This shampoo/conditioner duo is magic for my thin hair. Yes, I have thin strands, but a lot of hair. It’s sulfate free and leaves my hair shiny, squeakily clean, but super hydrated.
I’m such a sucker for PH products. I love the idea that based on your particular skin, the blush will look a little different on everyone. This one being a drugstore find is so exciting to me — you gotta try it!
Can you do me a favor? If you like this, will you hit the heart ❤️ at the bottom of your email? I pinky promise it helps me and will only take you a second!
What a girl wants, what a girl needs
My mom actually picked this out when we were wandering around the mall last week. This bag is cuteeeee. She’s soft. She’s structured. She says, “Yes, I’m stylish and aware that Coach is very much back.” Choose a pastel if you want spring vibes or black for “cool mom” energy.
My husband and I have only agreed on two things with our whole hearts: 1) how adorable our daughter is and 2) how amazing these sheets are. Hot sleeper? Cool sleeper? Either way, you need these. These sheets will make your bed feel like a spa, even if you haven’t gone to a real one since 2019. Cooling, soft, and sustainably made — you deserve good sleep bestie. I have 3 sets and zero regrets (I asked Sijo for a code, it’s SABRINA20)
Because nothing says “momma is taking a nap, daddy will make you breakfast” like a silk eye mask that looks like luxury and feels like boundaries. Mine changed my life postpartum and I’ve bought 2 more since.
Yes, I added this to the list after watching Meghan Markel use it in every episode of her Netflix show. Beautiful enough to display. Functional enough to make you cook four days in a row before giving up and ordering takeout. The color options? Aesthetic serotonin.
📰 In case you missed it…
This will make you actually WANT to get into bed. Guys I’m telling you these may *look* like every other pajama out there, but it isn’t. These plus the sheets above will change your GD life.
Okay, this one I own and have personally gifted to my mom. More moody than Le Creuset. The absolute one pan that you need in your home, but mom wouldn’t spend the money on it herself. There is no “seasoning” or upkeep on this pan, you just wash as normal, making it worth every penny.
Weirdly life-changing. These are the ones you’ll slowly throw out your old ones for. No wedgies, no VPL, no drama, one size fits all.
For the mom who’s baking banana bread, birthday cupcakes, or just likes her kitchen to look cute while roasting frozen Trader Joe’s croissants. Not a huge fan of the cookware, but the nonstick bakeware comes in dreamy colors and stacks beautifully, even in small kitchens.
I never gave into the fad, but the chokehold that this tumbler has on me is real. I finally believe in the Stanley craze. It’s chic, easy to carry, and fits in your car cup holder. Hydration, but make it coastal granddaughter.
I get a compliment every single time I wear this, which means you know it’s a good one. The viral set that makes you feel like you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie. Soft, elevated, and worth it.
Whether you prefer gold hoops, diamond studs, or something dainty—there’s something powerful about putting on earrings, even when you’re in sweats. That little sparkle goes a long way.
Subtle sentimentality. Whether it’s your kid’s initial or your own, it’s one of those pieces that people will ask about, and you’ll get to say, “It was a gift.” (Even if you bought it for yourself.)
These dresses have still been in style since 2020 and they aren’t going anywhere. The rare dress you can nap, parent, and look chic in. Throw on sneakers and a cardigan, and you’ve got a spring look that takes no thought.
The new color is giving “IT mom” energy & the upgraded motor actually replaces your blow dryer. Bonus points if you add the Chitosan styling duo. No one talks about it, but that combo? Game-changer.
For the mom who needs to carry snacks, wipes, sunglasses, lip balm, and six tiny dinosaurs… but wants to do it in style. Clean lines, good leather, and space for everything.
Whether you’re deep in the newborn fog or negotiating with a three-year-old about wearing pants, you deserve to be celebrated. Not just on Mother’s Day, but especially on Mother’s Day. These gifts aren’t just pretty, they’re practical luxuries, reminders that you matter too.
So go ahead and forward this. Text it. Print it and tape it to the mirror. Or be bold and buy it yourself. Because sometimes the best gift is not having to drop hints at all.
Happy almost Mother’s Day, mama. You’re doing great. 💐
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I love that you use all these products yourself!
Ugh, my Oura seems to be doing the same thing lately. You’re not alone!