The Best (Ethical/Local) Mother's Day Gift Guide

The Best (Ethical/Local) Mother's Day Gift Guide

May 03, 2016

Mother's Day is one of the most celebrated occasions of the year; with good reason of course. Whether you are shopping for your Mama, Mama-in-law, Wife, Godmother, Grandma, or a special Lady in your life, here is a gift guide I have curated in order to help ease the stress of last-minute shopping! 

1.  On-the-go

 

Apolis Local + Global Market Bag – This bag benefits the Bangladesh Project, and you can choose from over 200 different cities to find one that bears special significance. Tote around anything from groceries, toys, books and so forth.

Sseko Black Cross-body BagThis leather convertible crossbody bag can be worn in three ways - as a folded crossbody, full-size crossbody, and a clutch for the Mama who doesn’t have time to swap bags.

  

Sezane Jack SneakersThese shoes were made for chasing after the littles to running errands or hauling a cab, all in style. Crafted in Portugal, these sneakers are made of leather both in the upper and inner linings. A bit of added luxury to what may seem like an ordinary basic. They also come in camel and leopard to suit each Mama’s taste.

 

 2.  Gourmand

 

A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse – Mimi Thorisson is a mother herself to five children of her own, and two older stepchildren. Their large Brady Bunch-esq family lives in a gorgeous old estate in the countryside of France. This cookbook is full of mouth-watering recipes, and scenic French countryside shots taken photos by her husband.

 

Thirstystone Marble + Wood Paddle Board – Marble and wood on a serving board, need I say more?

 

Try The World subscription – A cultural treat that continues to give year round. Try The World boxes allows you to try a taste of each part of the world, all the while without leaving your doorstep. Curated by celebrity chefs who work with small, family-owned companies who follow artisanal methods of production.

3.   Fashion Maven

 

Soko Circle Sway necklace – I love the fact that this new necklace by Soko allows you to wear it multiple ways. Soko is my go-to site for beautifully designed, high quality jewelry created by artisans in emerging economies, all while using natural and upcycled materials. BONUS: They’re currently having a Mother’s Day Promo (score!) -- Take 20% off your purchase with code: MOMSFORMOMS.

 

Sseko Interchangeable Ribbon Wrap Sandal -- Each sandal is handmade by women in Uganda, and allows high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. These fun sandals include interchangeable ribbons that you can tie multiple ways, or purchase in various colors from their website!

Sezane Belli Bag -- French-label Sezane makes the chicest accessories for the classic or bold fashionista without breaking the bank. This gorgeous geometric suede patchwork bag on chain also comes in all black.

 

 

 4.  Book lover

Out of Print totes + pouches – This company prints “out of print” books onto bags, totes, clothing, mugs, you name it. There is definitely something nostalgic upon seeing these prints. What’s even better is that each product sold donates a book to a community in need, through Books for Africa.

Raven + Lily Uzma Recycled Cotton Journal in Wood Grain Print -- A simple little notebook that’s small enough to tote around for random musings, epiphanies and darling sayings from the littles.

 

Bookworm Wall Clock – Time is never on a Mama’s side, but a fun clock may help her momentary forget about her to-do lists, and unwind to a good read. Society 6 features and supports independent artists.

 

5.  Gardenista

Natural Sweetgrass Hanging Basket – How cute is this hanging basket by Indego Africa? Fill it with greens or flowers (or something fake, I won’t judge) to brighten up any room or patio. Handcrafted by the women of Imirasire cooperative, your purchase funds their educational training programs.

 

Photo courtesy of Room for Tuesday

Fiddle-leaf plants have been all the rage lately, and the fact that they’re low maintenance and easily attainable from your local nursery is pretty awesome. If someone without a green thumb like me can keep one alive, just about anyone can.

Farmgirl Flowers – Let’s face it, how many times have you received a bouquet that was delivered in sad shape? Not to mention the tacky, generic look they all seem to display. If you’re looking for something different, Farm Girl Flowers claims to deliver affordable and locally grown flowers using minimal waste, giving you a tasteful and unique looking bouquet. Give the Mama in your life the bouquet she deserves.

 

6.  Creative

Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunting Coloring Book – Coloring books are no longer just for kids! Art can be therapeutic, and I’m sure any Mama would be willing to have a couple hours to herself to color, de-stress and unwind. Just make sure the babysitting is included.

 

Online Modern Calligraphy Class – It’s the gift that keeps on giving…the art of calligraphy isn’t only for the talented. For only 15-20 minutes a day, she can learn how to write her own beautiful calligraphy from the comfort of home.

 

Garzapapel Handmade Drawing Paper Notebook – This luxurious 180g recycled cotton paper was designed for dry media, and handmade in Spain using old world techniques combined with ecologically friendly techniques.

  

Everlane Heavyweight Tee – Ah, the cliché artist or classic Parisienne striped tee. This one is made of heavyweight 2-ply cotton, making it a great staple for any Mama’s wardrobe.

I hope you found this list helpful! At the end of the day, the most important thing any Mama would love is a shared meal, phone call, a much needed nap, or heartfelt card expressing your utmost gratitude and thankfulness -- and that is truly priceless. 

xo,

Davina

 



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