10+ Fun and Do-Good Gifts for Your Mom (or Yourself)

Jessica Blatt Press

4 years ago

It’s been a rough year for moms and the caregivers who fill maternal roles in our lives. So this year, opt out of Amazon and amplify your gift-giving game with a thoughtful, local gift that actually speaks to your mom’s interests. To be very clear for the slackers in the room: Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 9th, and even if your mom isn’t into major fanfare, you can’t go wrong with at least some kind of Mother’s Day gift to show her you care. (Bonus: Kindness makes everyone happier!)

Below, we lay out more than 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas that support local female founders, creators, entrepreneurs and activists, as well as organizations around town that uplift our communities in meaningful ways. For more awesome local retailers to check out, be sure to read our guide to Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia.

Wishing all the mamas out there a beautiful Mother’s Day, with boundless love and gratitude. Long live the matriarchy!

Great Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For Mom

For the gardener

If mom knows her roses from her ranunculus, surprise her with a stunning, locally-grown bouquet from woman-owned Maidencreek Co.—like peonies, rare indoor and outdoor hanging baskets, and handmade gifts like herb gardens in burlap bags. Plus: Partial proceeds will go to making free bouquets for Jefferson Hospital healthcare workers. Arrive early at Talula’s Garden (last year they sold out) on Mother’s Day, from 10am to 2pm. From $25; more information here.

For the reader

Harriett’s Bookshop, one of The Citizen’s gift guide go-tos, just added this badass “Zora’s Side Eye” tee to its collection. Owner Jeannine A. Cook suggests pairing it with Their Eyes Were Watching God, Barracoon, or Hitting A Lick With A Crooked Stick. T-shirt, $28

For the meditative mama 🧘

This Fairmount Candle is named for the neighborhood of one of Project HOME’s oldest residences, where these candles are made through the nonprofit’s Social Enterprise program; the initiative trains people experiencing homelessness with job skills. With citrusy notes, the team at Project HOME says it “celebrates the renewal that comes with spring.” Yes, please. $28 here.

For the art-loving prison reformer

Every year we feature the artwork of The People’s Paper Co-op, the women-led, women-focused, women-powered art and advocacy project at the Village of Arts and Humanities in North Philadelphia, which uses art to amplify the stories, visions, and dreams of women in reentry. This year’s stunning options include T-shirts for $75, posters for $100, or the limited-edition “2021 Free Our Mamas! Sisters! Queens!” portfolio for $3,000, for which all prints are done by hand on paper made from shredded criminal records; only 10 will be on offer. As always, 100 percent of proceeds go directly to the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund to support the 2021 Mama’s Day Bail Out Campaign. See the full shop here.

For the musical mom

Mom can never have enough water bottles, and this one from Play On Philly (POP) supports music education for Philly students who’d otherwise never have access to in-school instrument instruction and the dedicated mentors who nurture them. $20 here.

For the mom who could use some pampering

It may be too soon to head to the spa, but mom can spoil herself at home with these locally made body butters from Marsh + Mane, and body scrubs from Hand in Hand. Marsh + Mane body cream from $16.99 here; Hand in Hand body scrubs from $12.99 each here.

For the fashionista

Head to the Beyoncé-approved Grant BLVD to get mom these oversized beaded hoops, an airy summer scarf, or a beach-ready burlap bag, knowing that your purchase employs returning citizens, goes towards local nonprofits, and supports the local mom of color who owns the company, to boot. Shop here or at the West Philly outpost, at 36th and Lancaster.

For the mom who’s so over cooking

Talula’s Garden would be a lovely spot to take mom for Mother’s Day brunch. | Photo courtesy Talula’s Garden

Lots of area restaurants are offering Mother’s Day specials, and treating mom to one doesn’t just get her out of the kitchen but supports our in-need food scene.

Consider DiBruno Bros.’ Mother’s Day Brunch Package To-Go, which serves six with appetizers, an entrée, two sides and dessert. (An option to order the package with smoked salmon or branzino is also available.) Details here.
Revolution Taco is serving up a special churro French toast, a sneak preview of chef-owner Carolyn Nguyen’s coming-soon brunch menu. You can order here.
Jet Wine Bar is serving a festive brunch from 11am to 4pm on Mother’s Day, including sparkling wine and craft cocktails, and a specialty à la carte menu helmed by Chopped champion chef Gregory Headen.
For dessert, Lil Pop Shop is rolling out new items for pre-order, including double lemon pie, jumble berry crumble pie, and more. Pre-order here.
Find more great places to eat in our guide to the best and most beautiful outdoor restaurant experiences in Philly. And stay on top of local events happening over Mother’s Day weekend here.

For the snuggly mama

No matter the season, no couch is complete without a cozy throw, and this comfy plush one helps support MANNA, which provides delicious, medically-tailored meals to Philadelphians who need them. $50 here.

For the mom with a sense of humor

Local gift box purveyors Resting Gift Face have curated this “Momz Meds” care package, which includes a chardonnay-scented candle (they joke that it “smells like bubble baths, well-behaved children, and chardonnay); a “chill pill” decorative resin tray; and matches inside of a cork-topped glass vial. “Possible known side effects,” the women-owned company warns, “include immediate onset of relief followed by momentary calm.” $48 here.