Super Practical Mother’s Day Gift guide

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, and if I have learned anything about myself over the last 30 years, especially in the last 3.5 as I’ve entered motherhood, it’s that I love practical gifts. I’m easily overwhelmed by clutter (who isn’t?!), so I try my hardest to keep life simple around our home. When I give gifts to people, I’m naturally drawn to ones that will help solve a problem or something that is consumable that won’t take up extra space in a closet or your counter. I know this isn’t as celebratory and fun as you 7’s on the Enneagram would like for it to be, but hey, it’s how I function best! Can you guess that I’m a 1? Don’t get me wrong, I love a special treat like a facial or pedicure, but that isn’t taking up precious space in your closet! So, let’s get to it. These products in this Mother’s Day Gift Guide are ones that I think would help keep life simple around your home; they are solutions to creating order and bringing calm to the place that matters most! And, because not everyone loves a practical gift, I included a few “just for mom” gifts! Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive discounts on some of these products!

Practical Services

  1. Car deep cleaning - Who doesn’t love their car clean, especially mamas who are toting kids around everywhere in their car! Sometimes you just need a good detailing done by someone who has all the right tools and materials.

  2. Unlimited car wash membership - Again with the car, but again…kids are messy. Maybe the mom in your life likes to be able to clean her car regularly but doesn’t feel like she can spend the extra cash! This is the perfect gift that keeps on giving! There’s nothing like a quick car wash and vacuum to boost the mood and give you some momentum; plus, the kids usually enjoy riding through anyways!

  3. Childhood Memory Kit - For the mom looking to preserve her children’s keepsakes, this will be a delightful surprise. Personalize the box with a monogram or child’s name. This saves her time and energy from a task she wants done anyway. All email subscribers receive $30 off purchases of $150 or more.

  4. Home Organizing Session with Neatly Nested - Hello!! What mama doesn’t need more time and organization in her life? Call in some extra help with Neatly Nested. Give her the gift of order with a few hours of organizational help. Whether it’s her closet, your kitchen, garage. Your name it. She won’t be sad about this. All email subscribers receive $30 off purchases of $150 or more.

Under $45

  1. Horderly Natural Ribbed Bins - These bins are SO pretty, and they help contain the chaos. Maybe there’s a room in your house she’s been wanting to organize but doesn’t feel like she can buy pretty bins. Get these for her, and she’ll be thrilled! Apply code “neatlynested” in the discount line to receive free shipping on all orders!

  2. Clear Plastic Pantry Dividers - There are so many ways she can use these—in the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, laundry room. It’s a constant battle to keep the home organized, especially with kids grabbing things out of cabinets.

  3. Car Organizer - The car can look like a bomb went off so quickly, especially if the mom in your life feels like she’s a professional chauffeur right now. I use this organizer to hold extra clothes, diaper, wipes, and outdoor toys for the park. During the summer I keep sunscreen and bug spray in here so everything is always available.

  4. Spice Jars - You don’t know how much nicer your spices look until you’ve experienced the simple look of these jars. Everything is streamlined and ascetically pleasing. Your spices will be easy to find, and if your mom in your life is the main cook in the family, she’ll enjoy cooking dinner with a new organized spice system!

  5. Mesh Bags - IYKYK. I personally use these in just about every area of my life. Extra clothes, diaper and wipes, snacks for the park, clothing for overnight trips, wet clothes from the pool, sunscreen and bug spray, puzzles in the playroom, board games. The possibilities are endless.

  6. Label Maker - Be ready for everything in your home to be labeled if you give your mama a label maker! And she’ll love every moment of it. Who doesn’t love some labels?! It keeps everything in order, and for your kids who can read, it will begin to teach them order and structure by giving clear guidelines around the home.

Under $150

  1. Elfa Gift Wrap Organizer - She’ll love this Elfa system. I use this for all of our gift-wrapping supplies, and I love how easy it is to access everything in one place. The Container Store makes high-quality products that will last for years to come. The great news about this system is that it’s not permanent, so if you ever move houses, you can take the system with you.

  2. Gathre Mat - This mat is sooooo lovely. The maxi is large and is the perfect gift for all of your family picnics. This is something she won’t buy for herself but would be so excited to have! Want $20 off your purchase? Use the following code at checkout.

  3. Artifact Uprising Photo Album - Get all of those photos off her phone and into a meaningful album. Capture the whole year so you can remember it for years to come. Want $50 off your first purchase? Use the following code at checkout: http://fbuy.me/v/abby_6856

  4. Branch Basics Starter Kit - I LOVE my Branch Basics kit. I had heard about Branch Basics for years but was hesitant to buy the kit. It felt expensive for something I wasn’t sure I was going to love. I finally pulled the trigger and wish I had purchased their products sooner. Want $10 off your order? Use the code: https://branchbasics.refr.cc/neatlynestedoxford. I love how simple the ingredients are, especially with my little ones touching (and tasting) everything in our home. And I love how SIMPLE it makes my products. The concentrate makes all the products you need. My favorite product is the Oxygen Boost; I’ve already purchased a new one, and I will have it for a while because it’s so large. It gets all of the food stains out of our clothes and helps give a fresh smell without using any harmful scents.

  5. Home Edit Pantry Organizing Kit - The kitchen is the most used room in your home most likely, and she would LOVE a little help containing the chaos. The Home Edit makes high-quality products at affordable prices. I promise she’ll be excited about this one!

Just for you, mama

Ok, I told you I would include some gifts that aren’t as practical, but these are ones that she will LOVE. These gifts are the type of gifts she may not buy for herself, and they will be enjoyed only by her. Motherhood is so much fun, but it’s exhausting and sanctifying. Give her a gift that’s just for her to enjoy. Better yet, give her one of these and one from the list above. She won’t mind!

  1. Kk Buteau Jewelry - My friend in Madison, MS makes the most beautiful, thoughtful jewelry. From a simple, classic gold chain to a fun, whimsical coral necklace, the mama in your life will be glad you bought her something!

  2. Facial Treatment - Give her the gift of relaxation. Find a spa in your local area and sign her up for a relaxing facial!

  3. Pilates Class Package - Pilates is so good for you, and it’s something the mom in your life can use just for her. It will give her some time alone and an opportunity to take care of her body in a meaningful, healthy way. Pilates classes can typically be expensive, so this may not be something she buys for herself often. Go ahead and do it for her!

  4. A solo night in a hotel room - No matter what season of motherhood the mom in your life is in, she will probably always feel like she needs some rest. Give her a solo night away so she can enjoy some room service, a cozy robe, and some quiet time to read or watch TV. Pack a bag of her favorite snacks and drinks, and you’ll be her favorite person ever!