From the Curatory: Mother’s Day Gifts 2020

Happy Friday and Happy month of May! With Mother’s Day so near, I wanted to share with you another curated list of some of my most favorite gifts that support small businesses in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.

It’s a great way to feel good about not only getting an amazing and unique gift, but also supporting local artists and businesses:

• Alluviam X and Alluviam XIV ( because I stared at both on and off for better part of the day and decided I couldn’t pick just one) or any one of the magnificent original art pieces ($60 – $1850) from local contemporary artist Jean Gray Mohs. Her spring collection is being released May 5th and you can find out more about it here.
• Elsabet Work Tote in Cognac ($248) from The Flourish Market, Raleigh – I love (LOVE) this tote which reminds me so much of the leather briefcases that my dad used to carry years ago. I would kill a work meeting with this bag! Kill it, I tell you! It’s just so so good.
• Dark Teal Ceramic Platter ($65) from Gather Goods Co, Cary – Let me tell you that having and using beautiful platters every single day makes life so much more cheerful! I am a sucker for platters which I now even use to serve salads.
• Rose Sandalwood Candle ($45) from Masala My Life, Raleigh – One can never have too many candles. I love this scent combination.
• Activated Charcoal and Rosemary Face mask ($10) from Edge of Urge, Raleigh – Certified organic. Handmade in NC. Three uses in one pouch. Say no more!
• A signed copy of MILK STREET: THE NEW RULES ($35) a cookbook by Christopher Kimball from Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh – Since we are all cooking more these days, why not try some new recipes and new rules in the kitchen.
• Mother’s Day Ganache Gift Set ($30) from Videri Chocolate Factory, Raleigh – It’s always a good time to eat good chocolate.
• Violet Craft Market Necklace Kit ($12) from Freeman’s Creative, Durham – I love this beautiful kit that has everything you need to make wearable necklaces. It is the perfect introduction to a new art technique called English paper piecing.

In case you missed it, there is also my Fancy Gifts for Mom list which really is quite indulgent if I say so myself.

Leaving you with a long, drawn-out question if you are a mother yourself:

When I think of Mother’s Day, I see it as a celebration for my mom (and my mom-in-law once I was married). Even with three kids, I never wake up on this day thinking it is a celebration for me too. Is this weird? I am curious, do you ever feel that way too? What are your feelings and expectations of this day as a mother especially if your children are young and the effort for something is made by the spouse or partner?