Earlier this month, I washed Alexis's new, worn only once Little Mermaid dress-up costume. The skirt was covered in a glittery pattern and had been leaving a trail all over my house, so I threw it in the wash hoping to minimize the glitter mess. Well, when I pulled it out of the washer to put in the dryer, I made a horrifying discovery - the skirt's pattern had completely dissolved.
I knew if Alexis saw her dress in it's now glitter-less state, she would have a meltdown of epic proportions. So, I did what any other mom would do: threw the ruined costume in the trash (hidden under other trash, obviously), texted the gift giver to find out where they'd bought it, then made a Target run.
That's pretty much parenting in a nutshell. Just when you think everything is going your way and you can afford to coast for a little while, something comes out of left field and threatens to ruin your day, week, or even month. But as moms, we don't left those curveballs take us out of the game.
As an adult, I don't remember all the crises my own mom averted when I was a child, although I'm sure there were many seeing as there were three of us. I do remember that she always tried to find something good in every situation, no matter how bad it was. That's something I've carried with me into adulthood and something I hope Alexis picks up, as well.
[paraphrased from my May publisher's note for Wiregrass Parents]
Every year, I put together a gift guide for moms, and this year is no different. This year's guide, however, is a bit shorter than in year's past - a testament to just how crazy life as a work-at-home mom during a pandemic really is. Like in previous years, this guide was made specifically with working mamas in mind, although I think these gifts are pretty universal.
Keep scrolling to shop my picks for this Mother's Day.
10 Gifts for Moms Under $50
1. Fun Earrings - Whether your mom is working at/from home or is back in the office, you can't go wrong with some fun earrings to add a little spunk to their work wear. Earrings are the perfect accessory for those Zoom meetings, and I love this set from Amazon.
2. Loungewear - The best part of working at/from home is getting to wear comfy clothes. Make sure your mom is at max comfiness with a new set of loungewear. I like this joggers set and this shorts set.
3. Workout Clothes - Has mom embraced home workouts this past year? She deserves a stylist set of workout gear like these super cute bike shorts and sports bras.
4. Purse or Wallet - You can't go wrong with a new purse or super cute wallet that's also a wristlet. I actually have this wallet and LOVE it so much.
5. Personalized Makeup Pouch - This is one of those things that women will never not love, even if they have a stack of them under the bathroom sink already (me).
6. Mother-Daughter Necklace - You know I've always got to include something sentimental, and this year I'm loving this necklace. I guess this could be a mother-son necklace, as well, but it's literally called a mother-daughter necklace.
7. Quirky Vase - Who doesn't love fun home décor? I really love this vase. It'd be perfect for one of my bookcases or to go on a vanity if you have one.
8. Personalized Reusable Starbucks Cup - We all know moms run on caffeine, so why not give her that Starbucks treatment right at home!
9. Journal - If every person I know bought me a journal as a gift, I wouldn't be mad. I really like this one, in particular, though because it has prompts to get you writing.
10. Pop-Up Hallmark Card - I love getting cards, and these new pop-up ones from Hallmark are pretty dang amazing.
I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for your own mama.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you awesome mamas out there. In case no one’s told you lately, you’re doing a good job!