2009 Holiday Guide: Gifts For Mom

I sat next to a gentleman when I was on a plane on my way to Womma last month who was fascinated by my arsenal of beauty and fashion magazines.  He was the smart engineering-type, so lest he think I was the most vapid human being he had ever met (clearly I’m in the top 5, but certainly not number one), I offered him a little information about what I do for a living.  Then he asked for a suggestion on what he could get his wife for Christmas.  His exact words were “she likes little gift set thingies.”  Wow.  So I’m like, um, gift sets of what?  Socks?

Then he starts thumbing through a copy of Lucky (MY copy of Lucky, that is) and pointing out things she would like.  Finally I offered for him to take it home with him, and reminded him to use it wisely – he basically had a perfect list and guide of items right at his fingertips.  He also took my card, so on the off chance that his wife is reading this post, all I can say is I TRIED.

In case you haven’t picked up a copy of Lucky lately or you just have a wife or mother that is exceedingly difficult to shop for – here is a short list of a few ideas that will hopefully make your shopping experience a bit less painful.

momAgenda — I received my first momAgenda back in January and since then have discovered that I am unable to live without it.  It’s a one-stop source for everything I need to keep me organized – it has sections for my personal schedule, then I take advantage of some of the “Kids” column’s to keep my professional life organized as well (I only have one, so why waste all of that space?!).  Conference calls, doctor’s appointments, travel arrangements, playdates, and birthdays all have their place in my momAgenda.  The two ribbon book markers help me keep track of my current week, and my month at-a-glance, but you can use them however you want.  Even my favorite wines have a place in my momAgenda!  There is currently a sale going on site-wide at momAgenda with 15-40% off of everything in stock PLUS free shipping!

Soft Hugwear – Soft Hugwear is the stuff my soft, fluffy cloud dreams are made of.  They make blankets, eyemasks, travel pillows, and spa wraps, like the one above (which I own and LOVE).  This new, uber-posh line is available at WalMart, and I have got my sights set on the travel set!

Keurig Platinum Single Serve Brewing System – Let me just start my opinion of this with a WOW.  This has become the #1 item in my house that I just simply CANNOT live without.  I’ve recently become a coffee addict — which is tough in a house where no one else likes it.  I would find myself brewing a whole pot of coffee and only drinking a cup, so I started cutting it down, but it really is a good bit of effort to go through for just one cup of coffee!  The Keurig has totally changed that for me.  I keep the reservoir filled, grab the flavor of coffee or tea that I want, pick my size, and in one minute I have the perfect cup of coffee, and no more than that.  The difference is in the K cup – this little cup pre-filled with different options of coffee or tea – that you pop in the top of the brewer, then close the lid.  When you’re done, you just throw the whole cup away.  No mess at all.  Already have a type of coffee that you love?  You can create your own K Cups as well, so don’t worry!  I can also choose the size cup I’d like – which is perfect for early mornings when I’m grabbing my coffee on the go.

Philosophy Skincare – I debated adding this under my beauty guide, but I’ve got to say – a little pampering goes a long way for moms.  Any mom would be ecstatic to find this gift set under the tree – it includes everything she could possibly want to care for her skin – including Philosophy’s signature face wash, an exfoliating scrub, their signature moisturizer “Hope in a Jar” as well as the version for the sensitive eye area “Hope in a Tube”, as well as a micro delivery peel.  This kit is skincare heaven, and probably a splurge that mom would never get for herself.  The Miracle Worker Kit that you see here includes $156 worth of products for $86 bucks – plus FREE shipping from Sephora right now!

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So there you have it, a few awesome last-minute picks for mom — stay tuned for some amazing giveaways, and check our the Technology section of the guide for some suggestions for the tech-loving people in your life as well as some of our newest giveaways!

My Top 5 Mother’s Day Picks

Every day is truly Mother’s Day right?  Each day I spend as a mommy is more rewarding than the last, and I’m sure that moms feel the same way across the board.  However, it seems there is this day coming up this weekend…something about Moms, a day, kids, and um…oh yeah!  PRESENTS!  Ha hah!  No matter what you think, presents are typically a part of a Mother’s Day Celebration.  Since I’m not hiding the fact that I kinda like presents, I give you my top 5 Mother’s Day Picks!

#5)  A LITTLE PAMPERING — I love to be pampered and I (clearly) have a penchant for beauty products.  If you want to give mom a little of the pampering treatment without sending her to an expensive salon or spa, try some of these at home options!  All of these can be purchased for a very reasonable price, and are sure to make mom swoon!  I love the Sephora Manicure Set, the Clairins Self-Tanning Kit, and the Tropical Jasmine Body product collection!

#4) ORGANIZATION — This January I got my very first momAgenda and I LOVE it.  I can’t even fully express the love that I feel for it, actually.  I was always one of those chicks who would buy day planners and organizers but they never quite seemed to “fit” me.  The momAgenda is perfect, and really fits my needs as a busy mom.  I truly use mine everyday, and it has seperate spaces to keep myself, my daughter, and the rest of my family organized.

#3) A DIGITAL SLR — I am a picture nut, freak, etc.  I took over 10,000 pictures in the first month of Little AG’s life alone.  I have had many point and shoots, and I am finally ready (desperate?) to upgrade to a digital SLR.  I asked around to some of my photography-saavy friends, and they recommended that I get the Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera ($415) or the Canon Digital Rebel Digital SLR Camera ($699.95) to start out with.  If you have a preference or have tried one of these, please let me know!

#2)  ALL THAT GLITTERS — Give mom a piece of jewelry, seriously, you know we like the stuff!  Generally, something that sparkles or is shiny will make us beam with happiness.  Ever thought about giving mom something in that “Little Blue Box“?

#1)  NINTENDO DS — I’m in love with this new Nintendo DS Lite Bundle, which was aptly released in Green for spring, just in time for Mother’s Day!  It comes with the most adorable carrying case and a copy of Personal Trainer: Cooking. And yes, I totally need a personal cooking coach.  Remember, I never claimed to be domestic.  The DS is great to slip in your purse and play if you’re sitting at a doctor’s office, standing in line at the store, etc. and would be a welcome distraction for any busy mom because it’s so easy just to spend a few minutes playing!  My #1 pick for a Mother’s Day Gift!