When a woman bears children, she doesn't automatically join some global network of disheveled, perpetually mismatched, scrapbook-obsessed, Slanket-adoring, "Jag"-watching, Reader's Digest-subscribing frumpsters. Those of us who added "mother" to our job titles while in our 20s and 30s are entirely too familiar with the terrible Mother's Day gift suggestions often made by print and online publications (terry cloth slippers? really?), and we long for the day when we won't have to feign delight when we unwrap our presents on the big day. So, with that in mind, we've created a gift guide for chic moms of all ages, packed with pieces that say "I love you, mom" in the most syrupy smooth tone.
So push those corny "No. 1 Mom" ceramic mugs aside, cancel the flannel pajama order, and let's get down to business!
Courtney Lee Collection Elise Cuff, $360. Available at Alene Too in Boca Raton, FL. Visit CourtneyLeeCollection.com for more info.
Wonder Woman's bulletproof bracelets would look downright wimpy next to this stunning 2"-wide, red lambskin cuff, which you can squeeze and adjust to fit your particular wrist size. At its core, the Elise cuff features an almond-shaped, silver-plated, Swarovski-adorned design with a slightly tribal feel (which is magnified by the red backdrop). An oversize, faceted, marquis-sty,le clear Swarovski crystal holds court at the center of the piece like a supernova, radiating the heat that takes this bracelet from pretty to jaw-dropping. This stone is then surrounded by two rows of tiny round clear crystals that perfectly mimic its shape, orbiting around the diva stone. Lastly, a single strip of rectangular-shaped crystals outline these two crystal rows, arranged in a slight angle so as to create a starburst-like motif that's perfect for a superstar like Elise.
Ritzenhoff Pearls Glasses, $44 each. Visit RitzenhoffUSA.com for a list of retailers near you.
Inspired by the French notion of "savoir vivre," a philosophy of life that involves knowing how to enjoy life's pleasures an not be overly consumed by work responsibilities, Ritzenhoff launched its Pearls collection, designed for Prosecco, a sparkling Italian white wine that conveys a sense of joy and playfulness. Artists like Jarle Hetland Bjorlin, Monica Ernst, Nicholas DeWael, and Sandra Kretzmann have lent their distinctive aesthetics to these fine glasses. These youthful, sunny, unique designs make each moment you toast even more memorable,
Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile Leather Straw Clutch, $810. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com
Handbag gurus associate Nancy Gonzalez with finely crafted pieces in exquisite, exotic animal skins, but the Colombian designer is constantly expanding her repertoire. Take, for example, this macramé-inspired clutch, which features a straw fabric in a summery, linen-y, muted tan tone, with beige crocodile leather woven over it, creating an intriguing knot-like pattern. Perfect for a poolside fête, a garden party, or an afternoon lunch, this clutch measured 12" in with, 14" in height, and 1" in depth.
Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Ring, $225, and Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, $525. Available at Nordstrom.com
Forget some rink-a-dink necklace with the word "Mom" engraved in gawdy cursive letters —this is how you commemorate Ma Dukes. Jewelry brand Mars and Valentine integrates antique-looking, Western-flavored, etched, embossed, and engraved tokens in brass an sterling silver. If you want an audacious piece that will commemorate a mother's relationship to her child, opt for the Mother & Baby Ring, an open ring with a vintage-looking oval shape bearing the word "Baby" on one side and a slim brass almond shape with the word "Mother" on the other side. Measuring 3/4" in width and 1 1/4" in length, the ring also incorporates white topaz stone accents. Prefer a charm bracelet? Then check out their Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, which incorporates two-toned tokens and medallions.
Kilian Invitation, $1195, and Kilian Prohibition (Black Edition), $2895. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.
The story behind Kilian Hennessy's handbag collection says it all: when his significant other attended a black tie affair wearing one of his sleek, Art Deco-inspired, glossy black perfume bottles as a clutch, the outpouring of compliments was formidable. She knew at that point that her man could expand his fragrance empire by venturing into the luxury handbag milieu.
The result is an exciting collection of black lacquered and hand polished Plexiglass clutches with Swarovski-encrusted mirrored clasp closures. Our top picks: the Invitation style, which features a square, yellow gold shape along the front with a mirrored sheen and two thin vertical rows on either side (one shorter than the next) adorned with tiny square and rectangular black Swarovski crystals; and the Prohibition style, inspired by 1920s-era Shanghai, which features black galuchat skin in a circular shape along the center.
ZAIKEN Jewelry Calligraphy Collection "Terms of Endearment" Bracelets, prices range from $600 to $2100. Available at ZaikenJewelry.com
A heartfelt letter sent via e-mail is a lovely gesture, but there's something way more intimate about a hand-written note or card, a piece of paper with refined cursive lettering that shows the author spent time and energy in expressing his or her thoughts. Zaiken taps into this idea with its Calligraphy Collection, which celebrates the ancient art of handwriting. To that end, then, the Terms of Endearment collection consists of bracelets with white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or blackened silver charms engraved with affectionate words like “Angel”, “Beloved”, “Cherished,” and “Adored” in scripts that seem refined but not standoffish, sophisticated but still authentic. The bracelets themselves, meanwhile, were mae using woven, macramé-style leather and silk so that they feel like upscale versions of the friendship bracelets we once toiled over as schoolgirls. What mom wouldn't want to know she's adored?
ECOYA Special Edition Mother's Day Candle, $36.00. Available at CandleDelirium.com
Let your mom enjoy some bubbly, all without ever getting inebriated. Your queen will find the scent of the Ecoya Pink Champagne Special Edition Mother's Day Candle positively intoxicating: from the zesty pink grapefruit note that opens the fragrance to the juicy, succulent strawberry note, and the powdery floral notes that add a delicate vibe to the experience. The natural soy candle's aroma strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, naughty and nice, without ever seeming too overpowering or overbearing.
Molton Brown Joy – Mother’s Day Gift Set, $58. Available at all Molton Brown emporia and at Moltonbrown.com
Whether she's sleep-deprived while nursing her newborn, exhausted from doing all the laundry and cooking, or fretting about her child's college fund, chances are the mothers you know are in some serious need of an extended R&R session. The Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower Gel in this gift set and accompanying Relaxing Yuan Zhi Body Lotion will help her unwind thanks to the aromatherapy benefits of the Chinese herb yuan zhi (senega root), which has long been used by holistic experts to calm the spirit and temper anxiety. The shower gel is also enriched with mango oil, so that it softens skin as you cleanse your body, and a combination of ylang-ylang, vanilla and rose oils add a sensual, indulgent fragrance. When mom needs a pick-me-up, meanwhile, she can reach for the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel and the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body Lotion, which have a warm an spicy aroma.
Kendra Scott Nadine Earrings, $80. Available at KendraScott.com
A nod to modernism with an emphasis on strong lines and shapes, the 3"-long Kendra Scott Nadine earrings are made of 14k gold-plated brass and feature faceted gems like blue agate, peach quartz, turquoise magnesite, salmon magnesite, and yellow onyx along their lengths and at the post.
Lela Rose for Payless Beatriz Clutch, $39.99. Available at Payless.com
Mom will never know you were working with a modest budget when she unwraps this envelope clutch from designer Lela Rose's Spring 2011 collection for Payless. The straw-like, woven material adds a rustic feel that's perfectly on trend, while the tan faux leather trim gives it greater structure and the patina chain link strap adds a hint of dainty femininity. Measuring 7.5" in height and 11.5" in width, the Beatriz clutch features a retro diamond damask print.
Lolita "Palm of my Hand" Stemless Glass, $16. Available at TheLolitaStore.com
You may be familiar with Lolita's hand-painted wine glasses, but did you know she has countless other glassware options available? We're particularly fond of her 20 oz. stemless glasses, which boast a slightly rounded, tulip-like shape. This particular design features hand-painted leafy branches that extend upward from the bottom of the glass, undulating as if they were dancing in the wind.The various green tones yield a lush, jungle-like feel, while the parrot painted along the inside references the gorgeous creatures you'd find in a woody tropical paradise.
Godiva Spring Keepsake Gift Box, $68. Available at Godiva.com
You can never go wrong with chocolates — especially if they're from Godiva. This festive box features a fuchsia ribbon at the center that, when untied, allows you to open up the sides of the box and reveal the three tiers of chocolate truffles. Each level features a combination of milk, dark and white chocolates, including the new Peach Mousse and Vanilla Mousse flavors. Best of all, once your mom has devoured all 36 chocolate pieces, she can keep the box and store anything from old photos to rings, brooches, and keepsakes.
Topaz & Amethyst Ring, $44. Available at ShopDesignSpark.com
This surprisingly affordable ring is reminiscent of Skinny Jewelry's Floating Rings, which are open along the top so that their stone-adorned tips rest above knuckles, practically hugging the finger on which they're worn. But unlike the Skinny rings, this piece features bulkier faceted stones with a more unfinished, Bohemian vibe. By choosing two different stones for the tips, one cloudy amethyst colored stone and a moody topaz stone, this charming artisanal air is magnified.
Isabel Toledo for Payless Riviera Overnight Luxe Tote, $44.99. Available at Payless.com
This roomy tote features zigzagging, black-and-white stripes on one side for a Op Art effect, while horizontal stripes on the other side add a nautical vibe. A glossy patent leather trim and square strap accents infuse the piece with a fun-loving flair, as does the toggle closure along the center.
Knock Knock Parenting Flashcards, $11. Available at KnockKnock.biz
My dad has this great catchphrase about how kids don't come with a manual and how they're not user-friendly. It was his way of saying that parenting is a trial-by-error endeavor and that, 90% of the time, you have no choice but to wing it. Still, any new parent can appreciate some tips on how to face everyday trials. Enter the Knock Knock Parenting Flashcards, illustrated cards with definitions of commonly used terms (as well as newly coined ones) that serve as a hilarious primer to the parenting lexicon. Fifty cards come in each pack.
Thomas O'Brien Paisley Dinnerware Set, $79.99. Available at Target.com
Momma's cooking is always the best, so why not laud her kitchen skills in a creative way? With this 16-piece, glazed stoneware dinnerware set from Thomas O'Brien your mom's dinner table will look more inviting than ever. The set includes: 4 salad plates with a 9" diameter, 4 dinner plates with an 11.5" diameter, 4 cereal bowls with a 6.5" diameter, and 4 mugs with a 17 oz. capacity. All the piece are a seafoam green shade with white paisley details and an earth brown trim.
Lenora Dame Foiled Leaf Necklace, $162. Available at LenoraDame.com
This three-strand, layered necklace looks like a wreath of foxglove flowers. Each strand consists of bud-like accents, with golden metal, leaf-like shapes at their base and round stones in either a luminous clear color or a tsavorite green garnet shade resembling blossoms.
PUMA Fitness Lux Bag, $50. Available at Shop.PUMA.com
A perfect gift for the gym bunny, this 100% polyester bag (measuring 16" x 10" x 6.5") features a slouchy, hobo-like silhouette, as well as multiple interior pockets, a two-way top zipper, and webbed shoulder straps for extra comfort (and to ensure those straps don't fall off your shoulder). The fabric's aluminum color, glistening finish, and pleated accents all add a modern look.
Trina Turk x Alice Supply Co. Ping Pong Set, $54. Available at AliceSupplyCo.com
Does your mom have enough skills to battle Forrest Gump in a game of ping-pong? Then make her the most fashionable player in any Balls of Fury tournament with a limited-edition ping pong set from Alice Supply Co. and designer Trina Turk. Each set includes two paddles and four balls bearing the Alice Supply Co. logo and is packaged in a chirpy custom case.
