Like I wrote before, I was e-mailed several (literally hundreds) options to recommend to you for Mother’s Day. Below are ten of my favorite picks that are not included in the daily giveaways this month. I have broken them up into 5 that I have personally reviewed and 5 that I like based on what I’ve read.
The reason that I differentiate is that sometimes things look and sound good based on what you know of them, but then when you get them, they don’t live up to expectation. That happened while I was pulling together my picks. I was sent a beautiful photo jewelry box. At first glance it was perfect. However, when I received a sample, I was disappointed in the poor quality. The picture on the cover chipped easily and the hinges that connected the two pieces of the jewelry box easily came undone. I let the company’s agency contact (who was great about everything) know that I would not be able to recommend the product. In any event, here are my picks…
“Tried and True” Picks
-Tillia Beauty: The only reason that this company is not included in the giveaway is that I loved the two products that they sent me to review so much that I kept one for myself and gave the other to my own mom! Tiffany Lerman, who designed the line, is a mom of two who wanted to introduce products so that moms could indulge themselves. She hit the mark. I love, love, love the Pink Grapefruit Bubble Bath ($20). I keep walking around with it open telling the visitors to my home, “Smell this!”, because it smells so fragrant. I can’t give this product a better compliment than to say that it has made me (a shower person) go back to taking baths at least once a week. I’m also impressed that the company is able to make such wonderful products (did I mention that they are paraben-free and eco-friendly?) at such reasonable price points ($12 – $30). Tillia is definitely one of my top Bath & Body company picks!
-Smock: I love stationery and this company makes some wonderful tree-free greeting cards. I was sent five of their various cards (including 2 Mother’s Day cards) to review. Each card was special. The various designs were simple yet elegant. I also like that Smock prints their stationery (and wedding invitation) on bamboo paper. On the environmental side, the company is wind powered and has teamed up with American Forests so customers have the option to purchase a tree along with their stationery. For more information on the individual and sets of stationery, visit www.smockpaper.com.
-Choclatique: Chocolate tops many moms’ gift wish lists. Choclatique makes some pretty amazing chocolates. In particular, I was sent the Bubbly to review. Since I don’t like either dark chocolate or the taste of alcohol, I knew that I wouldn’t be the best judge. I had an appreciative reviewer (that just so happened to have gotten engaged the week that I received the chocolates!) try them out. These gluten and nut free chocolates are excellent. They are made with Dom Perignon and finished with 24-karat gold. Fifteen pieces retail for $40.
-Wii Points Card: This is a great gift for “gamer” moms, because the recipient can choose to download the game of their choice from the comfort of their own home (from their Wii console). These cards come with Wii Points already on them. In addition to getting the card online, many retail stores that sell Nintendo products also sell them.
-Baby Nambé: Practically every mom likes a nice photo frame. Baby Nambé provides great options, especially for special occasion photos. I tested (and returned) the rectangular Baby Nambé Photo Frame. It was well-designed and sturdy. I also like that (since the line is designed with new moms in mind) that the Baby Nambé line is BPA-free. The three frames range in price from $50 – $100.
“Looks Great” Picks
-If You Give a Mom a Martini: I haven’t read this book yet, but I will read it by the end of the month. I’ve heard great things about it. The full title is If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself. The co-authors Lyss Stern and Julie Klappas have compiled 100 ways that they and their friends (including several celebrities) spend their time when they have 10 minutes to themselves. The aim of the book is to remind moms to focus on themselves as well as everyone else. I’m all for that!
-My Publisher Photobook: Every mom has a ton of pictures and kid-art. You can put everything together in a keepsake PhotoBook. They have a reputation for quality printing and being simple to use. Lastly, at $30, they are a budget-friendly option.
-Shower Hug: Created by a mom after having her first baby, this breast-covering product has received great reviews. It is made with knit terry velour to provide expectant and new moms with gentle, soothing support. ($27.95 for the original)
-The Butler Bag by Jen Groover: I’ve read great things about this line of bags. They’re both fashionable and functional (there are various compartments within each handbags so that you don’t have to search around for various items in your bag. Anything that saves moms (even a little) time sounds good to me. (They range in price from $99-$1400.)
-Tributes.com: Mother’s Day can bring mixed feelings for those who have lost their moms. This site provides a great way to honor and remember the mothers that have been loved and lost. You can build a tribute (sharing photos, memories, etc.) for a special mother, grandmother, aunt, or friend on www.tributes.com. (Membership ranges from free to $7.99/month.)
