Commercialized Mother's Day gifts feel so impersonal and out of touch with what real moms want and need. Not that I don't like flowers and little goodies, and growing up I don't think I thought much in depth about a Mother's Day gift. But I think if we're going to have a holidays celebrating moms, lets give moms something they really need. And obviously for every mom that's going to be different, especially depending on her love language and personal interests.

For me, my love language is quality time, and I've realized that as a mom you get tons of quality time with your kid(s), not as much quality time with your partner, and almost no quality time with your self. This gift guide doesn't really have a theme other than "things I as a mom truly love or crave." So it might be relatively specific, but I figure there are probably moms out there like me, so you might enjoy this little list too!

A get-away OR a staycation

I crave an escape to the desert at least once a month. But being able to hang out in a relaxing home-- ALONE --in the warm sun, getting to sleep in, not have to give my kid any of the food I'm eating, and lounge around all day with no one bugging me? Sounds magical. On the flip side, being able to be in my own home for a long weekend so I can accomplish projects around the house that feel impossible to do when a toddler is following me around or napping also sounds magical. I think the key here is: time sans child(ren). Just time to fill our own tanks without the distraction or obligation of caring for anyone else.

Plants that don't die in a week

Flowers are nice and all, but in a few short days, they start to wilt and eventually all those pretty blooms will have dropped their petals and died. I don't know about you, but I adore have living plants in my space and have accumulated a small urban jungle-- but I always want more. I would prefer to get a snake plant, monstera, or some other beautiful greenery that will fill my home with life for years to come!

Professional Hair Cut/Color

I would love to sit in a salon chair and have a hair magician take my locks to the color I've been dying to try for years. I haven't had my hair colored since before I had our son, and while I'm not a salon junkie and I prefer low-maintenance hair, it feels so luxurious and caring to have someone refresh your hair. I'm usually too cheap to splurge on a salon, so it would be a lovely treat to be able to hit the salon and get a fresh look.

Gift Card to a Shop I Love

This one gets me two things: time alone to walk around said store and enjoy the ambiance of a store I like (ya'll even Target will do, my ambiance threshold is loooow), and then things that I want to buy. I know people like to give gifts that they find meaningful, but it can feel really nice to just get something that you know you'll love because YOU picked it out. A gift card to an online shop is nice, but now that I'm a mom I kind of like the idea of getting to get out of the house by myself, wander around the store and touch things. Ideas? World Market, Target, Home Goods, Satori, Moorea Seal, Ikea (These are just stores that I like shopping at that have local shops where I can go walk around).

I know Mother's Day is coming up quickly, but pretty much all of these gifts can be procured last minute (probably minus a vacay). And throwing in a nice note of appreciation can go a long way too. Oh and a mimosa. Happy Mother's Day!

photos of me + jack by sons and daughters photography