Mother's Day Gift Guide Straight From A Mother

http://www.buzzfeed.com/emilyorley/19-pieces-of-advice-from-tami-taylor

Your mother was your first best friend, your first nurse when you were sick, your first taxi service when you were too little to drive and always your biggest cheerleader. So what do you get the woman who's been there from your beginning? If you struggle to get just the thing she'd love this year, no fear. As a mother to three children myself and with two mothers to buy for, I've got every type of mama covered. We love anything thoughtful and especially anything that reminds us of our children (awwwwwww), but we also love when people put US first and get us things WE are interested in. So with that in mind here are some optionnnnnnnns. 

1. Mark & Graham leather Tote 

http://www.markandgraham.com/products/everyday-leather-tote-camel/

The bag can be personalized for mom and it's a classic shape that she can use everyday and still feel stylish. I love the colors, they are subtle and they don't scream Vera Bradley- which you should NOT get your mother. Unless she's a VB fan and then you have to bite the bullet.

2. Lilly Pulitzer Infinity Scarf

http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Accessories-Shoes/Scarves/entity/pc/61/c/247/7252.uts?swatchName=Spa+Blue+Lobstah+Roll

The colors are great for summer and the no fuss of an infinity scarf is perfect for mom to finish her casual outfit with. 

3. Gallery in a box

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/champagne-gilt-wood-picture-frame-gallery-in-a-box/?pkey=e%7Cframes%7C98%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C7&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-%3Fcm_sp%3DMyRecs-_-LeftNav-_-Search%7CSku_Top_Marketing_Rule%7CFrames

I love this idea for mom! The older moms get, the more they treasure memories. Surprise your mom with her own gallery frames and fill them with a mix of old and new family photos. She will love this. 

4. On a budget? Cook for mom. Moms love good food and loving gestures, so combine the two! Check out the Barefoot Contessa's recipes for FREE on the Food Network website and Whip. It .Up. 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/ina-garten/ina-garten-behind-the-scenes.html

In fact, there are over 1,000 of her recipes for free, whereas on her website she makes you buy her cookbooks. So set the table, create a beautiful presentation and treat her with a feast! 

5. Hydrangeas from Terrain is a great gift for the mom who loves to garden, or just loves flowers in general.

http://www.shopterrain.com/mothers-day-nature-walk/white-robe-hydrangea-birch-bark-pot/productOptionIDs/5f63e4f8-60b3-4ee7-9cbc-15481ea61cb2

I love the bark pot and the moss touch they've added to the hydrangea presentation to make it look rustic and special. And mom can even plant the beautiful flower into her garden. Perrrrfect. 

6. Spruce up mom's summer table with new, updated linens.

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/cool+multicolor+herringbone+table+runner.do?&from=fn

I love this World Market Table Runner and the matching napkins. Mom can breathe new life into her plates and utensils for the season. 

7. If your mom loves all things beauty, get her signed up with Birchbox.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-02-16/a-surprise-in-every-birchbox

Personalize it for all of mom's interests and she will love her monthly packages! Birchbox has more than mascaras and lipsticks; you can create skincare, body or fragrance boxes just for your dear mother. 

Have I gotten your Mother's Day thoughts going? Make mama feel special! She'll thank you with hugs and kisses, which are the best gifts of all. Let the Magnolias know what you think over on Twitter using #ModernMagnolias!

Erica Hanks

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