Hey!  It’s me, Kate.  So I’m not really a gifty person.  It just ain’t my love language, yanno?  So I have let my husband off the hook for many many holidays and anniversaries in the last 12+ years.  Lucky dude.  But I think I’m going to start cracking down.
What I love are simple and thoughtful gifts and acts of service (stuff I don’t take the time to do myself, especially).  And my husband knows I’m frugal, so when he can get a lot of bang for his buck I feel like it’s even more of a gift.
So without further ado, these are a few of my favorite things.  (Hint hint, great Mother’s Day gift ideas!)
Gift Ideas for Women:

 

HELLO.  Have you seen anything groovier?  My babe of a cousin Rachel gave me this watch a few weeks ago and I wear it every waking moment.  I haven’t worn a watch for years, but I started wearing one a few months ago to help me get my preschooler to school on time.  I bought the ten dollar Target special, and it showed.  This watch is only $25 and really so very cool.  Super simple and super unique.  And I love that I get to tell people that my cousin gave it to me.  So if you give this to a fun person in your life they’ll be talking about you all the live long day.
You know what else I love?  A CLEAN CAR.
I would just about give my right eye if some handsome stranger (my husband) would painstakingly detail my filthy automobile.  Nearly every day of my life I’m embarrassed about the dirtiness of my car.  I’m a mom.  My car is really dirty.  Inside and out.  Cheerios, sippy cups, petrified string cheese… the whole nine yards.  Hint hint, nudge nudge.  (Another cleaning job I’d love to see done?  All my exterior home windows.)
A COLORFUL SCARF!
I know, could I be any easier to please?  I need to demand more gifts.  This is the kind of accessory I never buy for myself but when someone buys one for me I think it’s pure genius.  And I end up wearing them all the time.  AND I end up thinking about the person who gave it to me while I’m wearing it.
Look at this springy one from Forever 21.  Under $5.  I’ll take three of them please.  Lots of impact for a tiny Mother’s Day budget.  This would be great to give to your friends or sisters as a little Mother’s Day shout out.

 

AND FINALLY.  A little recognition + gorgeous mom photographs.
I was doing a little blog cruising and came upon something that blew me away.  A Salt Lake photographer who does these gorgeous documentary photo shoots just for moms.  Her name is Sarah and her website is www.mymatilda.com  and she calls them NurtureShoots.  Sarah comes into your home to photograph you in your element, being the mom to your kids, playing with them, feeding them, loving them, and doing your around the house stuff.  The place where we feel so mundane and regular, and she makes it into magical art.
In her own words: “I document your treasury… your life. The validation will change you, rendering you finally aware of your life story’s goodness and value. The toil that goes without notice or reward. Your face as you gaze uninhibited on your loved ones. That is the height of beauty. That one glance that says wisdom, heartbreak and ultimate happiness. The curtain falls and there you are, real. That’s all I ask.”
Sarah has a Mother’s Day Treat for you readers:  Her regular price, $225, AND you get your photo shoot on cd, at full resolution to print at your leisure. You don’t have to order a photo package or purchase any other items.  Definitely take advantage of this if you can!
{And if you’re not in Salt Lake find a local photographer and get some updated family photos asap!}
Pictures of me being the mom to my kids would be an amazing gift.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!  I hope no matter what gifts you get or give you feel loved and appreciated for what you do everyday.   Come visit me at my blog if you like!  I’ve had some wacky stuff happen lately and I always love an audience.  🙂
~Kate

 

For gift ideas for everyone on your list, check out the Gift Ideas tab and be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, to keep the whole collection in one place.