May 9 is Mother's Day and it's time to spoil your number one fan, built in best friend and protector - your mom! Regardless of the occasion, I like to find unique gifts that don't break the bank. Gift giving can be mundane but I put together a list of my favorite items that will promote you to mom's favorite child.
1. Botox: The Gift of Youth
There's nothing wrong with looking ten years younger! For the past few years, The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery runs a Mother's Day gift card promotion that can be used for injectable services. My sister and I usually buy a $125 gift card and in return, we receive a $25 complementary card. If you purchase a more expensive gift card, the free card increases in value as well. My mom loves this gift because it saves her money, she feels better about herself and she actually uses it!
2. Personalized Monogram Jewelry
Monogram jewelry is the latest trend and if you're looking for a sentimental gift, this will do the trick. The Double Name Ring by mint&lily is a customizable name ring that wraps around your finger. I love its simplicity and right now it's discounted from $50 to $39. If you're looking for something else, mint&lily has a variety of necklace and bracelet options that are customizable as well. My mom loves jewelry and I have no doubt that a ring with her daughter's names on it would make her smile.
3. #TeamRLN
#TeamRLN is a small jewelry/accessory business that is perfect for any mom that wants to stand out. Recently, chunky headbands have reemerged as a staple accessory. Whether you're looking for detail with beading, patterns or bows, these headbands will help mom pull her hair back and look cute at the same time. I've also adored the earrings from #TeamRLN for years because they are vibrant, unique and excellently handcrafted. Each accessory ranges in price but Mother's Day is a perfect time to splurge and spoil mom.
4. Smart Photo Frame
Display her favorite photos on the Nixplay Smart Photo Frame. It's easy to upload pictures to this digital frame from the Nixplay App, Google Photos, Dropbox, social media and email. The gadget also comes with a remote control and it can even play videos with audio. There's a variety of size and color options available and most are decently priced. Nixplay is currently offering a promotion and some are on sale for less than $200. This interactive frame is something mom will cherish as memories happen in real time!
5. Apple AirTag
Give mom the gift of security with AirTag, Apple's latest release. Attach this device to nearly anything - a purse, keys or even a diaper bag and use your phone to locate its whereabouts. One AirTag is fairly affordable at $29 and a pack of four costs $99. Pair the AirTag(s) to your phone, just like you would wireless headphones, and if you misplace something, open the Find My app to locate the item or ask Siri to find it.
6. Cook Together
Show mom appreciation by gifting her quality time. If you're a NY native, NY Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY offers incredible cooking classes. Whether you want to learn basic cooking techniques, Italian specialties or the best delicacies to pair with wine, you can find it here. Tickets/person range from $50-$100 and there's tickets still available for a virtual Mother's Day brunch that you can enjoy from your kitchen. If this Finger Lakes staple is far from home, I suggest seeking local options that are similar to this.
7. SnackMagic
If you see your mom once or twice a year, this gift is perfect for you! First, pick your budget and then send your gift via email. When mom receives your gift, she can select snacks ranging from chips, spreads, chocolate and drinks. She might even be introduced to new brands as well. Once snacks are selected within the budget you created, SnackMagic ships the food items directly to her. It's an interactive and customizable gift that is great for a mom who lives out of town.
8. The Adventure Challenge
It's time for some fun with a few impromptu activities with the Adventure Challenge! Each book edition includes secret activities to complete. The rule is, once you uncover the activity by scratching off the silver film, you have to do it! There's also a suggested money, time and location guide to help pick an activity that's just right. For only $39.99 you can give the gift of creating memories and family fun. Don't forget to take advantage of the 15% off Mother's Day sale with the code '15FORMOM'.
9. Game Night
Put down your cell phones and spoil mom with a game night, curtsy of Five Below. For $1-$5 you can purchase some of the most popular games like Headbanz, KanJam, puzzles, TV show trivia, checkers and Family Feud. This is perfect for kids/teens or even adults on a budget that want to keep Mother's Day simple yet fun.