Gift Guide: Mother’s Day

Nothing like waiting until (almost) the last minute to find a Mother’s Day gift, let alone put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide. I usually order fresh flowers, which are easy, last minute proof, and a special treat (though kinda pricey.)

I was born on Mother’s Day, so I spent many years worrying that I was going to be cheated out of a holiday. Turns out we don’t make a big deal about Mother’s Day, though I do insist we honor it in some way, just in case my sons’ future wives expect a fuss. Last thing I want to do is raise boys that badmouth honoring moms. It’s actually nice that my birthday falls around that time, because it makes both occasions a lot more meaningful.

I especially didn’t want the boys to be at preschool and elementary school and spread the word that it’s a Hallmark holiday, and therefore not important, etc. I can just imagine the call I would get from the school. Believe me, there have been similar occurrences regarding the tooth fairy. I kid you not. And here I thought it was discussions of God that we told them to avoid. Who knew.

I always send my mother-in-law flowers for Mother’s Day. Winston Flowers in Boston does an amazing job finding florists in other areas that align with their aesthetic. I send my own mother flowers too, though sometimes it’s cookies or brownies from a local (very yummy) company Dancing Deer. If I were to buy them non-consumable presents, or get tokens of appreciation for friends, I’d opt for sweet, design-y things, like the ones arrayed here, and above in Mother’s Day Gift Guide Part Deux. Trinket boxes or trays, bubble bath, a breezy scarf, pretty notebooks, an art print, bud vase, canvas tote, or straw clutch. (Feel free to use this as a birthday present guide too.)

It might be too late to order some of these (though not all!), but hopefully it will at least give you ideas so you can get into a store and shop efficiently.

mothers-day-gift-guide

S H O P  P I  N G 

1. Fresh Flowers Beautiful Mother’s Day Range 

2. Sweet Pea Vanity Tray

3. Macaron Trinket Boxes

4. Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

5. Honeycomb Earrings

6. Library of Flowers Arboretum Bubble Bath

7. Pink & Grey Ombre Scarf

8. Palm Cover Up

9. Garden Under Glass Terrarium

10. Gold Flecked Cork Monogram Jewelry Box

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Gift Guide: Pet Presents

If your furry little guy is your baby, or you’re visiting a friend where four-legged creatures rule, chances are you’ll be purchasing at least one pet present this season. (One item of my son’s list was a leash and harness for our Oakley, our cat. Needless to say, we spared Oakley the ordeal.) Here are ten cute suggestions of what to buy the cat, dog, or pet owner who has everything.

Presents For Cats Dogs Pet Owners

S H O P P I N G
1 Jax & Bones Coil Pillow Bed
2 Moppets Plush & Rope Dog Toy
4 West Paw Design Mouse Toy
5 ModKat Litter Box
6 Energy Pyramid Cat Teepee
7 Olive Cookie Treat Gift Set
8 Canvas Pet Tote
9 Alpaca Hairy Dog Sweater
10 Green Greek Key Dog Bowl

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Gift Guide: 10 Adorable Baby Presents

I have a few friends that recently had babies, so I’m behind in my baby gift buying. Putting together this baby gift guide gave me the boost I needed to get my shopping done. So cute!

Newborn Baby Presents

S H O P P I N G
1 7 A.M. Enfant Boudoune

2 My First Laptop Play Set

3 Caffuffle Dog

4 Mounted Giraffe

5 Lindsey Manwell Bunny Print  

6 ABC Poster

7 Raccoon Storage Bin

8 Elephant Bookends

9 Sheepskin Throw

10 Hape Scoot Around

Gift Guide: Marimekko Fashions for Women, Men, & Kids

As I mentioned last Monday, StyleCarrot has partnered with Finnish design house Marimekko  with a series of holiday gift guides, among other projects. (Tomorrow evening I’ll be live blogging from the Marimekko flagship on Newbury Street in Boston—please stop by if you’re around.)

Las Monday’s gift guide, Marimekko for the Host, focused on tabletop and kitchen items. For our second installment, we bring you Marimekko fashions for your best friend, cousins, etc.— Marimekko clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids.

Marimekko Clothing Jewelry Accessories Presents

S H O P P I N G  for H E R

1 Lumimarja Scarf

2 Purkkis Necklace

3 Keinu Bangle 

4 Soiree Keilat Clutch

Räsymatto iPhone Case

6 Soma Dress

7 Ihvi Dress

8 Mini-Unikko Kinto Make-up Bag 

9 Paakkelsi Tote

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Marimekko Clothing & Accessories For Men
S H O P P I N G  for H I M

1 Kolja Socks

2 Kieppi Scarf

3 Erkki Silk Pocket Square

4 Reipas Scarf

5 Rainer Tie 

6 Tensori Sweater

7 Aikapoika Weekender

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S H O P P I N G  for K I D S 

Marimekko Clothing For Girls Boys Baby

Rekkomekko 2 Tunic

Uniasu Pyjamas

3 Nakke Coverall

Rakki 2 Shirt

Maalari Shirt

6 Pohjantähti 1 Tunic

 

 

 

Gift Guide: Marimekko for the Host

I am excited that StyleCarrot has partnered with Marimekko again this holiday season for a series of holiday gift guides. Today’s gift guide—Marimekko presents for a host or entertainer—is the first. Pretty much anything from Marimekko is a delight. The modernist tableware silhouettes, even in plain white, hold timeless appeal, and the bold patterns effortlessly enliven a tabletop scheme.

marimekko-gifts-for-host

S H O P P I N G 

1 Unikko Tea Towel Set, $36 and Kuusikossa Tea Towel, $18

2 Black Oiva Square Small Plate, $17

3 Clear Socks Rolled Down Stemware, $45 and Dessert Bowl, $49

4 Räsymatto Bowl, $29.50

5 Kompotti Rectangular Plate, $24

6 White Oiva Dinner Plate, $32

7 Lavender Socks Rolled Down Tumblers, $39/pair

8 Unikko Plywood Tray, $62

9 Puketti and Fokus Pot Holders, $14 each

10 Socks Rolled Down Pitcher, $89