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Get yourself that book you’ve been hearing about this year for Mother's Day. Photo: iStock
Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all the ways we moms show up for our family, big and small. It’s also a good reminder that we’re allowed to want things, too. So this year, I am going to start a new tradition: picking out something just for myself, no hint-dropping required.
Not in a dramatic, make-a-point kind of way. More like a practical acknowledgment that I know my life — and my wish list — better than anyone else. Whether it’s the tiny upgrade that makes my mornings smoother, the snack I won’t be sharing or the version of myself I’ve been meaning to reconnect with, these are the gifts that tend to fall through the cracks unless we take the lead.
Local handmade jewelry you actually like
Located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, Baleen is the kind of shop that makes it easy to justify a little “just for me” purchase. Their jewelry is designed and handmade right in Seattle using recycled, responsibly sourced materials. The pieces are simple and modern and you can easily wear them every day (think delicate hoops, stackable rings and cool, simple designs). Even better, everything is made in small batches and priced to feel accessible (really). If a piece breaks, bring it to the store and they will fix it in-house. (If you're looking for a little affordable bling, check out these gold-plated cubic zirconia flower earrings from Lovisa.)
Solo coffee time
There’s something luxurious about claiming a few uninterrupted minutes with a good cup of coffee, and the right gear makes it feel more like a ritual instead of a rush. A large French press turns your morning brew into something slower and more intentional, and a well-made ceramic travel mug keeps it warm while looking beautiful. For moms who are used to reheating the same cup three times, these small upgrades are a gentle nudge to pause and actually enjoy it the first time around. My personal favorite touch to my morning coffee time is lighting a beautiful candle. Pick up the Mother’s Day bundle from Relume, a company in Olympia, Washington, where artisan candles are created by refugees.
A little glam
Take some time on Mother’s Day to feel fabulous. Treat yourself to a manicure, haircut, body piercing, new tattoo — these small acts of self-expression can feel surprisingly powerful and renewing. When I need a little relaxing time I like to head to a local spa (Habitude is my favorite) and allow someone to take care of me for once. Or consider adding something to your at-home arsenal, like a shiny new S-waver for perfect beach waves. For moms who spend so much time focused outward, a little glam is a way of turning that attention back inward.
Luxury no one notices but you
These purchases don’t scream for attention, but will subtly remind you that you chose something thoughtful and lasting just for you. A fresh set of high-quality sheets is an excellent way to elevate the ordinary. Before you climb into your new sheets, pull on a soft new pajama set and wrap yourself in a new robe. Maximum comfiness achieved! If you ever decide to leave your bed, get yourself a beautiful new bag handcrafted from responsibly sourced leather and made under fair trade practices (supporting artisans in Haiti).
Snacks you don’t have to share
We’ve all been there. You grab a box of crackers from the pantry and notice it feels light, only to look inside and see nothing but crumbs. This Mother’s Day, get some snacks that won’t mysteriously disappear before you even get a bite (because they won’t be in the pantry!). Tuck away some fancy chocolates for a late-night (or morning or afternoon) indulgence. Wash it down with some cold brew coffee packed with protein to keep you going (it comes in decaf too) or reach for a hydration drink filled with good-for-you ingredients including organic fruit juice and all-natural electrolytes. It’s not about hiding snacks (okay, who are we kidding, it totally is), it’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy something without splitting it three ways.
The impractical thing you keep thinking about
What’s the one thing you keep thinking about getting for no logical reason? For me, it’s these rainbow roller skates. Do I need them? No. Do I want them for no real reason other than they seem super fun? You bet. Sometimes, it’s not about whether something fits your schedule or your actual daily life; it’s about how it makes you feel. So this year, buy yourself that weird thing you put on your list every year and no one ever gets you (not that I’m speaking from experience or anything …). It’ll be a reminder that you’re still allowed to be a little extra and completely unuseful in the best possible way.
That book you want to read
Summer is almost here, and hopefully you will find some time to sit and enjoy a good book, whether you are poolside, at a beach or in your backyard while the kids play. I plan on picking up a copy of “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke. It’s the story of Natalie, a tradwife influencer who has built a huge online following by curating an idyllic pioneer-style life with her family, who suddenly wakes up in the brutal reality of 1855. The novel blends satire and psychological suspense to explore identity and the gap between the perfect lives people present online and the much messier truths underneath. Fascinating!
Happy Mother’s Day!
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