“To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world.” ~Unknown

With Mother’s day just around the corner, I have been thinking a lot about my mom and the many mother-like figures in my life.

A mother is not only biological; there are all kinds of mothers. Women who are like mothers to us, like mothers to our children, grandmothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law, godmothers, all the special women in our lives who play a supporting role.

This Mother’s Day, I invite you to celebrate ALL of these women in some small way whether it’s by giving a gift, spending quality time together or simply sending them a beautiful note or card, letting her know that you are thinking of her.

So, whether you have a biological mother, step-mother, are waiting to become a mother, have a mother or know and love someone like a mother, we can all celebrate someone in our lives who plays a caring, motherly role. And don’t forget that if you’re a mother yourself, this is a time to celebrate YOU, to take care of YOU.

How can we best show these special women (including ourselves) a little love?

(Side note: This is NOT a sponsored post. These are businesses I truly love!)

The Gift of Experiences:

I love both giving (and receiving!) gifts, but sometimes the gift of experience is what she really wants. Here are a few ideas that mom will love:

Get her a gift certificate to a new or her favorite restaurant. (Local favorites: La Merenda, Odd Duck, Crazy Water, Lazy Susan, Hotel Madrid)

Plan a day for the two of you to go to the spa. (Local favorites: Neroli, High Brow Boutique, the Well Spa at the Pfister)
Take a hike/ get out in nature! (Local favorites: Lapham Peak or Schlitz Audubon Nature Center)
Spend the day engaging in a little retail therapy together. Local favorites: Shop, Weeds, Lemon Tree, G:home Store, Graced Boutique, Scout and Molly’s, The Workroom) (If you’re not the shopping type, pick her up a gift card!)
Get her a day pass to a museum. (Local favorites: Milwaukee Art Museum, Art Institute of Chicago)
Get her tickets to a concert or play. (Has she been waiting to see Hamilton or a specific band? Hop online and get some tickets!)
Get her a pass or tickets to a creative workshop (and take the workshop together!). (Local Favorites: Painting with a Twist, Board and Brush)
Make her feel beautiful and sexy by Booking her a Boudoir or Empowerment Photo Session. (My local favorite: Chrissy Rose Photography)

The Gift of Self-Care and Less Stress!

Every mom is stressed! One of the best ways to show mom that you care is to lighten her load or give her the gift of self-care.

Get her a day pass or package at a local Yoga studio. (Local favorites: Empower Yoga. Yama Yoga and E2 Yoga)

Get her some special self-care products that can help ease her stress: (Local favorites: Nourish Natural Products, Bird’s Tail Essential Oil Bracelet: Try this Peace and Protection Essential Oil Stack - ideal for the mom who needs a little more calm and peace in her life.)
Clean the house for her or hire a local person or service to do it.
Have her car detailed for her or clean it yourself.
Book a pedicure or spa day (Local favorites: Q-ticles and Neroli)
Cook a meal for her.
Have groceries delivered. (Local favorite: Sendik’s Express)

Something She Can Treasure, Something that Reminds Her of Your Love for Her:

Buy her a piece of art. Does your mom have a favorite artist or type of artwork? Give her something she can hang or display in her home that will remind her of you every time she looks at it. (Some local favorites: Janelle Gramling, James Steeno Gallery, Christina Moodie Abstract Art)
Give her a special piece of jewelry. We might be a bit biased here, but choosing to honor your mother with a piece of jewelry is so special. Jewelry is a gift all mothers can treasure, and it keeps on giving day after day as she wears it and is reminded of the ones who love her. Check out all of our new arrivals!

And Don’t Forget to Celebrate Yourself!

Mother’s Day may be a time of celebrating the moms in our lives, but it’s perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to celebrate yourself.

Buying yourself a meaningful experience or gift is important! Empower yourself to feel worthy of picking out something that you love, something you’ll remember and enjoy for a long time.

So go ahead and treat yo’ self! You deserve it!