RVANews Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Springtime in Richmond boasts many activities: festivals every weekend, outdoor concerts, patio-sitting in the evenings. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the spring fever and forget about one of the more important days of the season: Mother’s Day.

May 4, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Lindsey Norment

Springtime in Richmond boasts many activities: festivals every weekend, outdoor concerts, patio-sitting in the evenings. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the spring fever and forget about one of the more important days of the season: Mother’s Day.

We all have that special lady in our lives, and God help us if we forget her on Mother’s Day. Word to the wise: don’t show up with a just a lousy card, (unless you particularly enjoy the silent treatment.) RVANews brings you another helpful gift guide just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mom-to-be

Pamper

This word is going to have a completely different meaning in a few short months. Make time for this soon-to-be mommy to be pampered to the max while you still can. Ceco Studio (3451 W. Cary Street) is offering a mothers day gift package. For only $80 your hot mama can enjoy a one-hour facial along with a manicure and pedicure.

Sweet nothings

When the day calls for cupcakes, and believe me that day will come… be prepared with a full stock from Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe (5812 Grove Avenue). Found near the corner of Libbie and Grove, Pearls offers a lovely selection of homemade cupcakes. A 1/2 dozen will run you about $16, and a full dozen for $32, which is a small price to pay when those craves hit.

Newbie-Mommie

Mom-entos

The first mother’s day is a priceless memory. Here’s how to celebrate: 1. Take picture. 2. Place picture in frame. 3. Look at picture to remind you of your angel, even when you want to pull your hair out. Mongrel (2924 W. Cary Street) in Carytown is one of the best places for unique frames. From solid wooden frames ($35) to an etched glass ($25) or wall montage designs, ($100) you can’t beat their selection of memory keepers.

Time out

When the days and nights tend to blur together, give your new momma the gift of “free time.” Hire a sitter for a few hours and take the newbie-mom out for a nice meal (to a local Richmond restaurant, of course!) Or have a housekeeper come in for the day, and welcome mom home to a sparklin’ clean house. Support our local workers and visit Sittercity.com, a certified site that lists local sitters and housekeepers.

Seasoned Mom

Bed, Bath and Beyond

This mom has seen it all, so you might need to put a little more effort in your gift this year. Serve up this trio to let her know how much you still appreciate her. First, breakfast in bed is a must. Visit Ellwood Thompson’s (4 N. Thompson Street) for all things local and create a breakfast to remember. Serve it on this Richmond Platter ($48) found at Murphies (3141 W. Cary Street) in Carytown to add to the local theme, plus she can keep the dish as a reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Next, Mom massage! Sign her up for one at Salon Vivace (3426 W. Cary Street) in Carytown. For about $70 she will be treated to a full body massage for a whole hour.

Finally, it’s wine time. Purchase some local wine made at Virginia vineyards, this can be found at most local wine stores, although River City Cellars (2931 W. Cary Street) has a great selection that will be a perfect ending to your mom’s special day ($20 to $50). Not to mention this will most likely ensure you’re the favorite out of all the children.

Grandma

Broach

While this may seem like an out-of-date idea, I’ve been told that broaches have been making a pretty intense comeback lately. Visit Anthill Antiques (3439 W. Cary Street) for their serious collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry. Their endless display cases are full of shiny broaches with unique stones and designs that will surely impress anyone with a good sense of style. Especially your dear old grandma. Prices vary from $20 up to $100.

Par-tea time

Grandma has seen quite a few mothers’ days, which means she has probably acquired many of the usual gifts over time. Impress her this year with a DIY project that you can do together. Marthastewart.com has a great tutorial for creating your own teacup candles!
Teacups can be found at just about any antique store, I found some beautiful selections at Anthill Antiques, mentioned above. For around $30 you can purchase both cup and saucer and create a beautiful candle, suitable for any of grandmas crazy parties.

Mother-in-law

Vase-it

Flowers are usually the go-to gift for a woman, but there are ways to get more creative. Ruth & Ollie (3445 W. Cary Street) offers a wide range of stunning vases. This rosebud vase ($80) would be a classic edition to anyone’s home. Fill it up with your mother-in-law’s favorite flowers and you’re sure to get her approval… at least for the day.

Wristfully yours

If she’s got big plans for mothers day, splurge on a classic corsage for her to wear out and about. She’ll feel extra special every time she glances down at her wrist, and you’ll get the in-law of the year award! Yippee! For about $25 you can score a lovely corsage from Strawberry Fields Flowers and Gifts (423 Strawberry Street).

Mother of your children

Caffeine fix

Nothing beats a good cup of joe, and this is certainly needed when running after your kids all day. Fix her up with some locally roasted coffee found at Ellwood’s Coffee. (12 oz for $7.99) Throw in some character mugs from Mongrel ($16/mug) to complete the package.

Maid-to-perfection

Give your lady the day off. Arrange for a local cleaning service to play housekeeper. For about $78/hour, Molly Maids will send over two maids to deliver a floor to ceiling cleaning experience for her humble abode. Watch her jaw hit the spotless floor when she comes home at the end of the day.

May 4, 2010 6:00 AM 0