For many of us around the world, Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching. Most moms are probably just happy to receive a card, some flowers, and brunch, but I also like to give gifts that combine beauty and function while sparking the desire to travel.
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After all, that’s the least I can do for the woman who gave birth to me! Want to do the same, but stumped on what to get her? Here’s a carefully-edited selection of goods to keep Mom prepared while traveling – come rain or shine:
GIFTS FOR RAINY DAYS
Even if Mom is not traveling with an Away suitcase, their new Everywhere Bags (reviewed here) will pair well with the rest of her luggage, and they look great on their own as well. The bag slips directly over the handles of a roller bag and rides securely on top, and also features a laptop sleeve and waterproof umbrella pocket for when it rains. I love this black and white pattern, but there are a multitude of color options so you can choose whichever will suit Mom best [Looking to save? You can save $20 on your first Away order of $125+ with my referral link].
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I love my ankle rain boots*, and while it was tempting to purchase a pair in spring colors, I resisted. My minimalist attitude doesn’t prohibit me from purchasing them for someone else who I think would love them. The ankle height of these boots makes them a cinch to pull on and they pair much more easily with a variety of pant-widths than calf boots, yet they are still tall enough to help you avoid most puddles. The ring detail on the back is a carefully considered addition, as it makes it easier to carry them from one place to the next on days that rain is in the forecast.
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As long as you know Mom’s makeup color code, a tube of this waterproof foundation would be a great addition to her cosmetic bag in anticipation of the summer months. According to the maker, the formula is designed to repel water, so even if she gets caught in the rain and the rest of her gets soaked, her makeup will still be set.
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I’ve personally never invested money in a nice travel umbrella as many hotels and Airbnb hosts loan them out to guests (and when that’s not the case, I purchase one and leave it for them to loan to future guests), but at home is a different story. It’s important to keep a strong, sturdy umbrella in the house or car for sudden downpours, and I like the easy-open/close feature of this Umbrella as well as its timeless design. Wouldn’t one of these be perfect for Mom’s next road trip?
GIFTS FOR SUNSHINE DAYS
This is the type of thing Mom would probably never buy for herself, but would find indispensable once it’s in her possession. In this two-piece set (now only available individually), the cooling water stick can be used around the eye area to depuff and revitalize, and the sunshine oil adds moisture with rich, soothing ingredients – essentially everything she needs after a long flight.
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Back when we were still getting each other actual, physical Christmas gifts, I purchased Michael a Warby Parker Gift Card which covered the full amount of any pair of sunglasses. It would be easy to do the same for Mom, giving her the freedom to choose exactly which pair she would like. She could even take advantage of the Home Try-On Program, and give five different pairs a test drive before committing.
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We took the plunge into the world of Turkish Towels when we moved into a home without a dryer and have never looked back. They are soft and absorbent, and best of all, dry very quickly. These towels* would be perfect either at the beach, campsite, or just around the house for everyday use. And, since they come in different colors, Mom will always know which one belongs to her.
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I love the elegant bow on the back of this garden hat. But I also love that this hat would fit in anywhere from a garden cocktail party to a lazy day at the beach, or just sitting atop a head of hat-hair at an early morning farmer’s market.
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My number one outfit “must” when traveling is comfort; I suspect your mom feels the same way. With a change of shoes, this number goes way beyond the pool and into a nice evening out; all while she remains cool and comfortable.
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I stock up on this brand whenever we are in France (it’s a little cheaper there) but I’m happy to be able to access it here in the States. This physical sunscreen would be a nice addition to a beach-themed gift basket, particularly because it claims to be non-whitening, an issue commonly present with physical sunblocks.
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I’m considering ordering one of these basket backpacks for my stepmother for Mother’s Day (and yes, maybe for me, too!). I think it would be great for a day at the springs or just toting around the market or grocery store with a zero-waste kit of bags and jars. Plus, it’s so pretty on its own that she’d likely leave it by the front door, ready for the next adventure.
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And finally for the Mom who, “just wants a card,” here’s a card* with the ultimate sentiment.
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
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How does your family celebrate Mother’s Day?
