Choosing the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be a daunting task—what material item could possibly be sufficient to express gratitude for the women who gave us life? But the marvel of motherhood remains its steadfast altruism. As German author Erich Fromm put it—it is a love that “need not be acquired and need not be deserved.”
But still, we can attempt to ease the chaos of our mothers’ full plates, busy schedules, and worried minds with some retail therapy this Mother’s Day. As May 11 approaches, we rounded up our top picks from local brands and businesses to serve as inspiration for your Mother’s Day gifting. Whether it be a chic summer tote or a restorative yoga retreat, there’s something for every type of mom (or mother figure) on this list—from the expecting to the empty nesters. Dive into our list of editor picks below.
Sensory Escape
Le Labo Fleur D’oranger 27, $107, lelabofragrances.com
Le Labo Fragrances
For many people, walking into Le Labo perfumery feels like a nostalgic experience—one that leads them back in time through distant hotels on long-passed dream vacations that still carry the scent of Santal 33. (Le Labo partners with several global hotel brands, from Park Hyatt to EDITION.) Allow the North Loop perfumery’s skilled formulators to mix up a bottle just for mom this Mother’s Day—we recommend Fleur D’oranger 27, a citrusy burst of spring with its orange blossom base and floral, lemony notes. All Le Labo scents are mixed in-house, and customizable with special names and dates.
Etched on Your Heart
Mama Heart Bag Charm Key Chain, $26, larissaloden.com
Larissa Loden
This spring and summer, bag charms are the new “it” accessory—a jewelry trend that is sweetly sweeping its way through the maximalist fashion landscape. Characteristic of Larissa Loden’s bright, sentimental nature, this “Mama” Heart Bag Charm feels both playful and personal, a charming reminder to mom that you (and her bag) are right where they belong—close to her heart.
She Deserves Flowers
Hadron Watering Can, $180, mother-plants.com
Mother Plant Co.
Beautiful flowers deserve to be tended by beautiful gardening tools. Brighten your mom’s plant care with this with this statuesque Hadron watering can from Mother Co., which will look every bit as pleasing stylized on a shelf as it will in the garden.
Sunny Day Companion
Rounded Raffia Sun Hat, $78, anthropolgie.com
Anthropologie
Whether she’s tending to the garden, lounging by the beach, or sidelined at a soccer game, this rounded raffia sun hat from Anthropologie will bring a soft, elegant style to your mom’s most sunny days.
Calm, Collected, and Caramel
CBD Chocolate Caramels, $20, blncdnaturals.com
Photo by Christa Tousely
Sometimes, the most challenging task a mother faces is sitting still and finding a semblance of relaxation. With its mellowing, pain-relieving properties, CBD can be a great aid in achieving this moment of quiet—and it tastes a whole lot sweeter in chocolate form. Gift your mom with a five-pack of CBD chocolate caramels by Blncd, each piece packed with 30 mg of melt-in-your-mouth CBD, equal parts indulgent and centering.
Easy, Elevated Recipes
“Pretty Delicious: Simple, Modern, Mediterranean, Served with Style”, $32.99, magersandquinn.com
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
One of the most talked about cookbooks of the year, “Pretty Delicious” is a New York Times bestseller by the Midwest-raised sisters behind popular foodie blog Food Dolls. These simple and nutritious Mediterranean-style recipes will help moms spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table with family—not to mention they are packed with gorgeous imagery and inspiring tips for stylized serving and entertaining. Find it at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Uptown Minneapolis.
For the Chic Chef
Designer Chef Apron: Red Poppy, $25, cooksbellecour.com
Cooks | Bellecour
Who says that aprons can’t be chic? This bright and funky designer chef apron by MÜkitchen is the quintessential dinner party companion, and will be sure to add a vibrant burst of spring to any mom’s kitchen. The bold red poppy graphic evokes the quirky, colorful nature of Scandinavian design, a statement both in the kitchen and around the dining table.
Teatime Made Elegant
Elegant Bamboo Matcha Gift Set, $110, northeastteahouse.com
Elevate your mom’s daily teatime with this authentic bamboo matcha set from Northeast Tea House, a beginner’s guide to preparing top-notch Japanese matcha. An honored tradition in Japan, matcha tea preparation and presentation emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and harmony between sippers. Enjoy a glass with your mom as you admire the elegant handmade bamboo tea bowl and tray—gifts that will keep on giving.
Petite Summer Tote
Petit Summer Tote Mini Crochet Checker, $275, grayhomeandlifestyle.com
Gray Home + Lifestyle
Pretty and petite, this checkered summer tote will bring an air of Parisian charm to your mom’s wardrobe—perfect for long errand runs and relaxed lake days. By L.A.-based, Minnesota-raised designer Clare V., this polished statement bag bears equal parts style and function, with its detachable Kelly green crossbody strap and alluring, crocheted texture. Find it at gray Home + Lifestyle, a local mother/daughter-owned boutique.
Sunflower Salutation
Sun Salutation Yoga Mat, $137, bigravenyoga.com
Perfect for yogi moms, this stunning floral yoga mat by artist Angie Bryant is sure to brighten any sun salutation. Based in Spring Grove, Minnesota, Big Raven Yoga partners with a range of local and national artists to create 100% natural tree rubber yoga mats featuring original artworks. The vibrant sunflowers gracing this mat were not created digitally, but by hand using real alcohol inks. Bryant was inspired by the symbolic optimism of sunflowers, and the idea of “blooming through difficult times,”—a powerful message for any mother to carry with them during their practice.
Everyday Art
Spring painting supplies, prices vary, sergeandjane.com
Serge + Jane
Edina boutique Serge + Jane is blooming to life this May with a colorful array of Mother’s Day gifts that are sure to unlock beauty and creativity in everyday life. Curate a gift box of spring-themed art supplies, including flower and garden watercolor books, paint sets, brushes, and matching card sets, in addition to a full range of outdoor gardening tools and gear.
Bloom Bar
Sip N Bloom Floral Arranging Workshop, $70-$85, sip-n-bloom.com
Photo by Profeshie
Why buy your mom a flower bouquet when you can spend quality time building one together—with the help of expert florists no less? On May 11, local floral experience company Sip N Bloom is hosting Minneapolis’ largest ever Mother’s Day flower arranging event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Minneapolis. Gain access to complimentary champagne, stunning seasonal florals, and expert guidance as you craft spring floral arrangements in great company—what better way to spend Mother’s Day morning?
Posh and Pampered
Blend Mommy Makeover Package, $324, blendmethod.co
Blend
A quick and lasting confidence boost is the gift that keeps on giving, and with the help of Blend’s Mommy Makeover Package, this gift is just within reach for the moms in your life. The limited-edition package includes a professional teeth whitening, noninvasive body sculpting, and custom spray tan, all wrapped together in one restorative experience. Moms will leave with a radiant glow and a much-needed break from the hustle of everyday life.
The Everything Bag
Moroccan Straw Bag, $55, grayhomeandlifestyle.com
Gray Home + Lifestyle
A busy mother’s bag is practically a force of nature—From sunscreen and first aid kits to lip gloss and hairspray, everything you could possibly need is somehow stowed away. Elevate your mom’s “everything bag” this Mother’s Day by gifting her this 20-inch wide by 12-inch high Moroccan Straw Bag, with depths that know no end. Made with an authentic Moroccan leather strap that fits comfortably over the shoulder, this roomy basket bag from Gray Home + Lifestyle will allow moms to overprepare in style. Fill to the brim with mom’s favorite flowers for extra presentation points.
Coastal Cali Stripes
Cali Stripe Shell by Cloth + Stone, $78 and Cali Strip Skirt by Cloth + Stone, $98, evereve.com 
This breezy striped linen set from Evereve is evocative of a dreamy coastal escape, with its nautical Cali stripe and luxe seersucker fabric. By elevated casual brand Cloth + Stone, the coordinated set (sold separately) will make an effortless summer outfit combo for moms, perfect for sunny days spent lake (or sea) side.
Heart on Your Sleeve
Little Words Project Bracelets, $25, evereve.com
It’s hard to pinpoint when friendship bracelets went from an elementary school craft to a fully endorsed fashion trend. But, regardless, we’re here for it. Gift mom with a set of matching bracelets by the Little Words Project to wear your mother-daughter bind on your sleeves—a daily dose of positivity and style.
Retreat and Restore
Big Raven Yoga Retreat, prices vary, bigravenyoga.com
Give your mom the gift of restoration this summer, by sending her on a Big Raven Yoga retreat in beautiful southeastern Minnesota. We recommend the Mixed Media Collage Art Retreat, July 17-20, a chance for moms to connect with their creative side as they are led through outdoor collage sessions that connect meaningful, handmade artworks with everyday purpose.
