MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS THAT DON’T SUCK

DeRusha Guides
Written By Jason DeRusha

Ask a bunch of moms what they want for Mother’s Day and they’ll tell you: I want time alone. I HATE THIS ANSWER! Let me mansplain for a minute: Partners should be helping moms get time alone and time to think and time to not be planning and caring and nurturing ALL YEAR LONG. Alone time is not the sentiment for Mother’s Day - alone time (as desired) should be part of a healthy relationship all year long! IT’S AN AWFUL GIFT! Men shouldn’t be giving it - and women should stop asking for it once a year! Have a family meeting - get that infused into your routine - it’s not a Mother’s Day gift! It’s like asking for a refrigerator - you need a refrigerator! It’s not a gift!

SO: Here are some gift ideas that don’t suck, with a focus on Minnesota gift ideas.

FOR THE FOODIE MOM

FOR THE “TEACH ME” FOODIE MOM

FOR THE FLOWER-LOVING MOM

  • Bachman’s Monthly Delivery: I have given my wife flowers from a number of different florists, and we’ve kept Bachman’s the longest. I set a budget, they deliver the first Monday of each month. Email my friend Jen or call the order center at 612-861-7311. More gift ideas: https://bachmans.com/c/mothers-day

  • Northerly Flora Subscriptions: A monthly bouquet from their Minnesota farm. We’ve done this - it’s fabulous- you do pick up the flowers at various spots around the metro. https://www.northerlyflora.com/subscriptions

FOR THE STYLISH MOM

  • Jewelry: Filigree for a North Loop store with service, Goldfine online from a Minnesota mom (I like this Cuban necklace), and Larissa Loden if you like something a little more cheeky.

  • Fashion: We’re a Requisite household - we love the owner Libby, her team is great, get a gift certificate or one of the best gifts I ever gave Alyssa was just a personal shopping experience, where I took her to the store and had it pre-set up with things picked out for her in a dressing room already.

FOR THE “LET’S DO SOMETHING TOGETHER” MOM

FOR THE MOM WHO WANTS KID-FOCUSED GIFTS

FOR THE ELECTRONICS-LOVING MOM

FOR THE BRUNCH MOM

  • Mara at Four Seasons Minneapolis: DETAILS: https://www.fourseasons.com/

  • Minnesota Monthly is working on a brunch list that will publish May 1!

A+ IDEAS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

  • “An original or print from @amyriceart. Bakery treats from Cafe Alma. A 14k gold chain necklace. House cleaning from twobettysgreenclean” -Danielle

  • “A corsage to wear for the day - that was always my special touch for my mom! A big fancy flower planter for the patio Box of handmade chocolates from a local shop. A high end bluetooth speaker. Membership to the Arboretum - or a local place she loves visiting. Gift it with a jacket or hoodie from the gift shop. Basket or spa day. Home items (Fluffy robe, tea, candle, bath salts). Throw in a gift card for pedicure or massage. - Jodi

  • “I'm hoping to get a cedar planter for my herbs. In the past I loved Chocolate cookies from Rustica, scented weighted neck wrap from Patina and having my minivan deep cleaned (especially if the kids do it)” - Ashley

  • “My favorite part of Mom’s Day is a tradition my husband started with our daughters a few years ago—he takes them to Good Things or Patina, the kids each pick 2-3 things they think I’ll love. I get this bag of gifts delivered alongside a breakfast they make first thing that morning. It’s the most entertaining and sweet part of the day. I’ve received a pair of gnome salt and pepper shakers, a Taylor Swift prayer candle, a very random olive oil jar…preciously hilarious gifts.” - Alissa

Jason DeRusha
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