Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day. My first! Last year was special, as I was pregnant and emotional and my husband treated me to a day of ANYTHING I wanted! Flowers, sweets, and binging on television. Wait, that sounds like my entire pregnancy! But now that she's here I can't wait to spend the day with Marley, enjoying her little giggles and playing peak-a-boo. 

We don't need physical gifts for Mother's Day but it can be a sweet gesture and serve as a reminder that we are appreciated for the around the clock work that comes with the job. It's not often we ask for support or even time for ourselves. Let this Mother's Day be the perfect excuse to spoil her!

Whether you're shopping for your mom, aunt, sister, or you just wish to nonchalantly nudge your baby daddy, here are a few ideas for this year...

Kris Nations

I recently fell in love with jewelry designer, Kris Nations, when I purchased  one of her state necklaces. She also makes dainty, stackable rings, perfect for the woman in your life! She's running a 25% off special until April 30th for Mother's Day. (Use code MOM2014)

Moms One Line a Day Journal

I've posted this one before and stand by it, yet again. A simple, one sentence journal to record five wonderful years of baby's life. Will surely make mom smile :)

Framed photos

A traditional gift! Try a gorgeous pregnancy shot, a pic from the first few days of baby's life, or a creative collage. All we want to do is keep them little and a framed photo can serve as a reminder of how darn fast they grow! Scour Pinterest for inspiration.

Breakfast in bed

Like...a legit breakfast in bed. Moms rarely have time to sit and enjoy themselves so this Mother's Day give them something they normally can't enjoy! Mimosa, anyone?!

Flower Power

Not just the typical bunch. Ask the florist for something special. Try peonies, or hydrangeas (two of my faves!) Think whimsical! Plan to spend a little more than you would on a normal spring bouquet. Mom will really appreciate the extra effort, I promise!

Yoga

Buy her a class package to a local studio and included a hand written note saying you'll watch the kids while she gets her OM on. Mommies need time for themselves and I can't think of a better way to unwind. 

Happy Mother's Day to all of the beautiful women out there!

xoxoxo

Marley's Mom

Oh, the baby books!

I adore Knocked Up and my husband and I would reference it every time we mentioned any of the "baby books" while I was pregnant. There are a TON of books out there. I went to Barnes and Noble a few times and starred blankly just wishing I had another mom next to me to suggest a title. So, I asked a few of my favorite Moms about their favorites and created a short and sweet list of go-to selections just for you. 

Click on the link to read the book's description and I've noted my favorites by enlarging the titles for you. 

What to expect during pregnancy
What to Expect When Your Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
From the Hips by Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris
The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy by Vivki Iovine

For Dads
Dad's Pregnant Too by Harlan Cohen
The Dad's Playbook by Theresa and Brad Halvorsen
Dude, You're Going to be a Dad by John Pfeiffer

Planning a natural childbirth
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel
HypnoBirthing by Marie F. Mongan
Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally by Janet Balaskas
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Rhonda Wheeler
Childbirth Without Fear by Dr. Grantly Dick Read
Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block

You had the baby, now what?
Happiest Baby on The Block by Harvey Karp (DVD version here)
Baby 411 by Dr. Ari Brown
The Baby Owner's Manual by Louis Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht
On Becoming Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth

On Breastfeeding
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
The Complete Book of Breastfeeding by Sally Wendkos Olds and Laura Marks

Read on, little mamas!