By Liesel Schmidt
Let’s be honest—whether you’re a husband who needs constant Google alerts on the shared family calendar or you’re the son or daughter of a mother who reminds you how many hours she spent in labor with you at every opportunity that presents itself—Mother’s Day can sneak up on you. One minute, you’re staring at Easter bunnies hopping everywhere, and the next, you’re realizing that it’s May and you’re panicking over having to find something that doesn’t feel like a last-minute grab from the “impulse gift” aisle. News flash: No one actually uses a neck fan.
But this year? We’re making it easy, because Mom deserves better than a generic greeting card and convenience store flowers.
Whether she’s the queen of cozy, someone who loves to laugh, a spa-day dreamer who doesn’t take the time for herself or a style maven, we at Blue Bay Lifestyle Co. have thoughtfully (because we’re that nice) curated a list of original gifts that show her you really get her—and maybe know her better than she even knows herself.
Part Zen Master, Part Candle Hoarder
Start with scent. As Proust so famously said in Remembrance of Things Past, smell is an incredible trigger of memory. It’s a way to imprint the brain, and it’s also a great way to set the tone in a room or an entire home.
What’s better than a great scent? We’d say…A great scent with personality.
Candles from Whiskey River Soap Co. say what she’s thinking (we personally love “Smells like Day Drinking” and a few other tongue-in-cheek scents that appeal to anyone with a snarky sense of humor), while Sweet Water Decor’s more refined blends, like Driftwood + Mahogany or Wildflower + Salt, create a spa-like atmosphere for her to relax.
Style, Sass, the Sense of Humor
Moms are many things. And yes, sometimes that includes hilarious, sarcastic, irreverent and wildly relatable.
For the woman who loves a good laugh, Ellembee Gifts nails it with snarky, bypass-the-filter and say-it-out-loud tea towels and makeup bags (think: “I keep hearing it takes a village to raise a child. Do they just show up? Or is there like, a number to call?”). Add one to a gift basket with an adorably designed and useful tea towel from Avery’s Home, and you’ve got something that’s both cute and clever. Who doesn’t love that?
Want to win major style points? Cue the accessories. Ellesee Women’s polymer clay earrings are handmade, bold, and lightweight—perfect for any mom who likes her accessories to make a statement without weighing her down. For something classic and layerable, check out our selection from Lizou Jewelry, which blends French flair with effortless charm that everyone will gush over. And if she’s a leather lover, Hobo’s buttery-soft handbags are the kind of gift she’ll use every day and still swoon carry five years from now.
Sporty, Stylish, or Adventure-Ready
If she’s more about joggers than jewelry, don’t worry—we’ve got you.
Vuori’s casual wear is ultra-soft and made for real life—you know, running errands, taking walks, going on coffee runs, and everything else that moms do. Their crossbody bags are equally versatile: chic enough for brunch, tough enough for travel. And we do adore a multi-tasker.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the details. A pair of Sunski or Maui Jim polarized sunglasses or a Sunday Afternoons UPF hat will keep her protected from the sun’s harmful rays and stylish, whether she’s beachside or just basking in her own backyard.
Give Her Something That Feels Like Her
Whether it’s a fun candle or a cozy top, these gifts are thoughtful without being over-the-top. They feel intentional, not obligatory. And honestly, isn’t that the best kind of gift?
If you’re still not sure what to get, there’s no shame in the gift card game. A Blue Bay Lifestyle Co. gift card lets her pick her own adventure—and you get full credit for being the world’s most thoughtful child. Win-win.
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