Mother’s Day Gift Guide | Last Minute Larry edition

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE | Husband Last Minute Larry edition

…in other words, all of these items are Amazon Prime eligible, people.  This is not a sponsored post (I like to think of it as more of a community service project…), but it does contain affiliate links.

• Ultimate Ears waterproof bluetooth speaker: We have a similar one that we use in our basement gym at the Cape (but let’s be serious: this one is cuter), that I’m planning to bring outside for lots of summer sing-a-longs (and maybe some grown-up music, too).   Bonus points if you charge it + set it up.
• Scout Bagette bags: Stick with me on this one (and also feel free to blame me if this does not impress/delight your mother/mother figure/wife/grandmother/etc.).  At 20-ish dollars, these might strike you as steep for reusable grocery bags.  And you might think this is a v lame Mother’s Day present (and you might not be wrong).  But I think I get more compliments on these bags than I do on my own children (who are beautiful and amazing and well behaved usually… except for the the day before Thanksgiving 2017 when they both somehow unbuckled themselves and “fell” out of the car-shaped carts while I was paying for our groceries and I did that terrifying whisper thing that’s worse than yelling and promised them they would never go in a car cart again).  AND.  A young man bagging my groceries just last week told me these bags were lit.  And that I was the real MVP (the fact that this made my day… and that I am telling you… is evidence of my lameness, but okay…).  They hold far more than standard reusable bags and are easy to wipe clean.  And they’re cute.  That’s sort of the running theme here. Cute + functional.
• Ladies Drawing Night:  This is one of my favorite books to flip through when I’m craving inspiration.  It is full of projects that can be completed in one night (since becoming a mother, finished projects are few and far between, so this feels really good).  Maybe you could include a note about having a little drawing night with your mom/wife/partner/grandmother/mother figure?  Or offer to take the kids out so she can host one with friends?
• bkr glass water bottle: This is a cute way to show the mom in your life that you love them (see: heart) and also want them to take the best possible care of themselves (by staying hydrated, but also in all the other important ways they can practice self-care… and perhaps you can help make some actionable plans and express how you’ll support these plans?).  And to repeat… it’s cute.
• fitbit Versa (special edition): I recently upgraded to this newest version of the fitbit, largely because it is water resistant (which means I won’t be flinging it from the shoreline onto our beach blanket in a panic), but I am really digging the new design and features.  The special edition comes with a set of black bands too (or you can go with one of the standard colors which are also great looking).  
• Herschel Supply Co. backpack:  I think backpacks are stylish again (is that right?  or am I too late?) and what mother wouldn’t relish in the opportunity to be handsfree, even for a bit?  
  
• The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein:  One of the few books I re-read and come back to often.  It’s uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring.  I find it equal parts woo-woo and accessible, which is one of the reasons I really like Gabrielle Bernstein. 
• Tile Mate + Slim combo pack:  After discovering these little lo-jack type things, I basically stuck one on/in/around all the things we lose, forget about, and regularly need.  Nick and I both have a set on our keychains, and I have one tucked in my wallet and in the little pouch thing that holds my wireless headphones.  I’ve seen people attach them on to loveys (so smart) and other favorite kid objects, too.  It helps when things are lost (because you can easily locate them using your phone, and you can also use the tile mate to ring/find your phone)… but even better, it saves me the time and mental energy spent looking and wondering where things are.  I’ve made the choice to (surrender to technology) and simply stop using my time in that way.  It has definitely contributed to calmer mornings.
• SkinOwl Beauty Drops (Lavender):  I have used and love this facial oil for a little over a year now (you can find my full skincare arsenal here) and could not be happier with how it keeps my skin hydrated, calm (and maybe even a little glowy?).  SkinOwl is a woman-owned, clean + sustainable beauty brand.  They make several formulas (including geranium and maqui berry) for specific skin types and needs, which makes this a perfectly thoughtful and personal gift. 

And if you’ve made it this far and are wondering… No, I did not keep my promise/threat about the car carts.  

Also On Tap for Today:

• A perfectly grey + foggy (my favorite weather!) run at Castle Island
• Grocery shopping (with my lit AF reusable bags) + cleaning the fridge + food prep
• Interesting approach: Calendar.  Not to-do list.  by Devi Parikh, Medium

What’s your gift giving style?  Do you plan ahead?  Are you a Last Minute Larry?