With Mother’s Day just two weeks away, it’s time to start last minute gift shopping for items to arrive in time to celebrate your mamas (or other mama-figures in your life). Keep reading for some ideas for gifts that won’t disappoint.



Jewelry is often a go-to when it comes to gifts for women, but my thoughts are that they sound have some particular meaning, especially if you’re gifting someone who already has lots of jewelry or prefers minimal pieces. Some pieces I find to be really fun or meaningful are:

• a custom name necklace - it could mama/mother/mom/etc or kiddo’s name
• another custom piece like these fun ones from Baublebar
• this custom name ring (see the name necklace for notes)
• fine jewelry stores or even box stores have premade pieces engraved or created with “mom” language and could be a quicker jewelry route 

For newer moms, or at least those still holding onto their kid’s clothes, I’m obsessed with these custom pieces off Etsy. I ordered around 10 tops from this shop for O’s second Christmas and they’re still holding strong. They’re so special and sweet, and the shop owner was so helpful and easy to work with.

 

 I love birthdays! I always have. It's such a fun thing to celebrate, both for myself and others that I care about. Each year, I try to highlight my birthday wish list - often things I've been wanting but just can't bring myself to purchase for whatever reason. I feel like my list really shrinks from year to year. I want less stuff, but what I do want is usually fairly practical, and I'm always here for experiential gifts - things that may make life a bit more enjoyable. So, without further ado, here is my thirty-fifth birthday wish list.

 

A new Apple Watch band. I have one I really like, but I had one like this in the past that I thought felt really fashion forward and less sporty that the one I currently wear. I have the Series 8, 45mm watch, for reference.

 

Another new thing I need, a case for my Tandem t:slim x2 insulin pump. Mine is broken and uncomfortable to wear. I like that this one comes in fun colors and has a space to wind up the tubing - so practical!

 

This item's been on my list for a while: a trunk space cover insert for my 2019 Prius. This covers up the trunk space for more car privacy, and to protect said items from sun damage. 

What's up next is a little trickier, and more silly than practical. I really want a fun "mom" vinyl car decal. There are so many options - overstimulated moms club, cool moms club, anti-social moms club, tired moms club, the more traditional cool mom, or the Mean Girls-esque "I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom." My big requests here - I like shades of pink, white, or holographic for these decals, and the space I want to put it is around 5 inches in height, so it should be small enough to fit there.

 

I'm annoyed that Air Forces 1s have gotten more expensive. They chilled out for a while, but thanks to inflation, everything is super pricey these days. My current AF1s, I got on super sale, but I've about worn out the heel as much as I wear them. I love these Nike Air Force 1 Shadow styles - they're a bit more stacked and a little more like a platform sole. I prefer a sneaker like this that's all leather, because they're great in all kinds of weather. I'm in a women's size 10 in sneakers. I also wouldn't say no to matching adult Sambas in black with the kids version (size 5). I love to match with my tiny twin.

I love a comfy-yet-cute outfit. If I have to go to work, let me feel like I’m wearing pajamas. This plisse set from Shop Taby is so cute! I wear a size XL/1X.

I’m pretty minimalist when it comes to jewelry, but I do like to have a few meaningful pieces that I wear regularly. I’ve been wanting a tennis bracelet for a while, but that can be a pricey piece. I’d love to replace diamonds for citrine (Baby O’s birthstone), and if it can’t be solid gold, sterling silver is best (I say no to any type of plating). I like the box clasp on this sideways oval citrine tennis bracelet or this oval citrine tennis bracelet (both in sterling silver). This paperclip chain bracelet is also a cute alternative. My wrist is right around 7 inches, so anything between 7-7.5 should be a good fit.

Another piece of jewelry I’d really love is a solid gold chain anklet. I’m not too picky here. This is another cute one. There are lots of options, as long as it’s at least 10 inches, solid gold, and not too dainty (I wouldn’t want it to break too easily). 

My last request jewelry-wise is for flatback earrings for my upper cartilage in my ear. I like these solid gold flatback earrings from Musemond. I like the 20g 6.5 post length, one earring with a 2mm stone and one with a 3mm.I want these in different sizes because they’re side-by-side on my ear, so they’d be purchased as two singles instead of as a pair.

 

*Sidenote: I also have been wearing a broken wedding band for several years. My fingers had swelled up pretty badly and I had to get the ring cut off. I just never got around to fixing it. I did go in for a quote to one shop and they told me they had to send the rings off first, which I felt funky about, so I didn't follow through. I do prefer an in-house jeweler, which is harder to come by these days. So long story short - I'd also be interested in getting my ring fixed.

Next up is a bit of a shift in direction - electronics. I really want a hard drive to store photos. I don’t know exactly how much storage I would need as a mom who takes a thousand pictures of her kid every month, but I figured I should start with 1TB. I found both a Samsung and a LaCie option that seem to be big favorites for photographers. I like that they’re both more “rugged” and won’t easily be damaged. I just really want to make sure I have these photos forever, just in case they get lost somewhere in the big scary cloud.

For home wares, I’d love a hall tree for our entryway. There’s currently a shoe rack there, but the hall tree would also provide a place for bags and jackets instead of the dining room table and chairs, where everything seems to collect and pile up.

 

Another home item that just seems really neat and useful is a stove-top spice shelf. This goes directly on the top of the stove to provide additional storage space (and off the countertop!).  

The most broad wish on this list is more books to add to my collection of first-edition Goosebumps books. I have 19 of the 62 books released between 1992-1997. I'm very particular in wanting the first editions because the newer ones are slightly different sizes, with really ugly covers. You can check this within the first couple of pages of each book. The list of the ones I have (and don't have) can be found here.

 

Another wish in terms of practicality - a new phone case for my iPhone 13 Pro Max. These are less custom than I'd like because, somehow, the 13 is now an older model. But my current case has broken (specifically around the camera), so a new case would come in handy right about now. 

The last physical wish on this list is an extra long water hose. I actually really like the one we have now because it shrinks up when not in use, and I'd like a similar option. I just need at least 200 feet, so the hose can reach the back of our house, since we somehow only have a spigot in the front. I'd love to spend time with Baby O in an inflatable pool this summer, but only in the backyard, and we need a hose that will reach the pool.

 

I'd also love a gift card to Framebridge to add some additional prints to our hallway upstairs. 

 

Non-tangible gifts

What I've come to find I enjoy and want more of each year are experiences. These are some of my favorite types of gifts, because even though they aren't tangible, they're so heavily needed.

 

Something that's been gaining traction lately is the head spa. I just think of how good it feels to get a massage, but also I recall how incredible lice checks felt back in the day - the teacher would just kind of move your hair around with a pencil, and it was so relaxing. I'd love to go in for a head spa massage and a facial. A couple of hours of relaxation are very much needed. 

In the same realm, and general bodily area, I would love to get a lash lift and tint. I don't often wear makeup anymore, and when I do, it's kind of uncomfortable - especially around the eyes. A lash lift and tint would let me look and feel put together for several weeks without having to really do much of anything. I'd really like that.

 

Next up - a new tattoo! It's been years honestly, but more importantly, I want to add a tattoo in honor of O, my greatest accomplishment and the most incredible human. I'd love to add a little work of art to my body in honor of my big (and getting bigger every day) work of art that my body created. 

Speaking of O - last year for my birthday, I asked for family pictures. They turned out great, and I absolutely adored getting those more tangible pieces of life in that moment. I would love for this to be an annual tradition, and I'd love to get more family pictures this year!

 

Lastly, something I want so badly and haven't had the chance to do yet, is an animal encounter at the Georgia Aquarium. I would love so much to get to interact with the sea lions, but I'd settle for really any of the encounters.

Alright, so there's my list. Things I'm really interested in as I enter my next year of life. The things that may add joy, comfort, or convenience to my life. What would you add to your birthday wish list this year?

 

It’s weird that over the years it’s gotten harder and harder to actually create wishlists. I want less stuff, and I have a lot already, so I try to figure out what I really want or will find use out of. I was hoping to list 24 for things for 2024, but I just couldn’t do it, even throwing in some possible stocking stuffers. 

A lot of my life really revolves around baby and being a mom. A TushBaby would provide some back and should comfort by reducing strain from toting baby O around, but would be easier than a full carrier if I’m needing to pick her up and put her back down often. There are lots of cute colors (I love the velvety look of orchid), but a neutral option is best for both me or A to wear. I’m also absolutely interested in literally any outfits, accessories, or shoes that will give *twin vibes* because this little girl is my mini me.

Another practical gift would be another organizer for the car that could hold diapers, a change of outfits, etc. Basically a space for a kind of sit it and forget it emergency kit for different scenarios. One of these covers for the trunk space in my car would also be ideal to keep things more private and possibly safer? It’s so weird my car didn’t come with one pre-installed.

Two items that are baby-adjacent but also home goods? A dish drying mat (the pump parts and the bottles and the sippy cups, oh my!) and a memory foam bath mat (this would do wonders for my knees during bathtime).

There are a few more home goods that are not necessarily related to #momlife, but that would be nice organizationally and/or for comfort. We have this sheet set that we love, and it’d be nice to have it in another color (I love the sage green!). I’d also love an under the sink organizer for the kitchen and this shelf that sits on top of the stove for easier access to things like spices. How cool that something like this exists. I’ve also noticed that as I’m getting older, I swear utensils have gotten weirder. Like, there’s not a matching set of anything, and where do all the forks go? I do love this black silverware set that looks very sleek and nice. Lastly, what I would give for a nice hall tree to have a place for my bags and shoes other than the dining room table!

And I wouldn’t be me without wanting some clothing, shoes, and accessories. Y’all, I really need some need Ugg slippers. Mine are on their last leg, and they don’t have that same style and color so I’ll have to opt for a different option, but these are quite cute. I’m also kind of obsessed with Adidas Samba and Gazelle sneakers. They’re really similar, but I really like the style and the fun colorways that exist (there are also toddler versions, but in less cute colors, oddly).

I love these two-piece sets from Dressed in Lala. A bought me a set last year for Christmas and I wear it so much, both as a set and mix/match, so I’ve definitely gotten his money’s worth.

And I’m not a big jewelry girl, but I do love minimalistic pieces. I’d love some flatback diamond earrings for my cartilage piercings. I’ve had the holes for so long but the regular backed earrings and often bother me, especially sleeping on that side, so I’d love the flatback options. I’d also really love a tennis bracelet (which is kind of an unrealistic ask), and a ring with a stone made out of my breastmilk. I know it sounds weird, but the jewelry is beautiful and I’ve spent so much time and work pumping, so it only feels right to commemorate this really cool thing my body has done.

Other, smaller items that may be nice little stocking stuffers could be things like dry shampoo, Baby Foot foot peel, hair scrunchies or clips to pull my hair up in the back, or boot socks (my favorite, so cozy).

I’ll also never turn down gift cards for places like Framebridge (custom framed items), Old Navy, or Target. 

 

I’ve been interested in learning more about my own personal ancestry, so I’d love an ancestry kit to try. I really like this ancestry + health kit since it adds more value to the testing, but would be happy with just a basic one too.

 

I want to start composting so badly, and eventually use the compost in the vegetable garden (which needs some work itself). I love this tumbling composter because it’s off the ground, locks sturdily so creatures can’t get in, and spins so there’s not manual need to mix up the compost.

 

My dentist recommended I get a water flosser, and also shared that the toothbrush I use isn’t actually as great as I thought it was - which sucks because the convenience and the sleek all-black look made me love it. Apparently, it’s mostly a timer and not cleaning as well as it could be. So I’d love a water flosser and electric toothbrush set, especially because I love the uniformity of having both go hand-in-hand. (second similar option)

 

I love having stainless steel appliances in our kitchen, and I really want a stainless steel trash bin with a lid for a cleaner looking. Also, our keys hang above our trash can so a lid would be really great in releasing the anxiety I have related to worrying our keys are gonna fall into the trash can.

 

I get a lot of packages, including medical supplies, and our porch isn’t covered. An outdoor package bin would be a great resource in keeping my packages safe (and dry!). I like this one because the color is similar to our house, and would create a seamless look for our front porch. (second similar option)

 

I sleep on my side and often find myself having to fold my pillow in half to be just the right size to fit the space along my should, neck, and head. I keep getting ads for Pillow Cube, and I'm sold. I need this thing in my life. 

 

Surprisingly, I don't own a dutch oven, so it's not an easy feat to move something from stove top to the oven. I love this cast iron dutch oven because it's orange and matches all of our other pots and pans. 

This magnetic steel stove shelf topper is absolutely genius. It's sticks straight to the top of the stove with magnets, and eliminates the gap between the stove and the wall, so things like spices can be stored directly on top, clearing up counter space! 

What's handier than an under cabinet organizer shelf? I swear I'm always rearranging things under the kitchen sink because I want it be clean and well-organized. I love that this one works like drawers, and has hooks on the side to hang things like sponges or cloths.

Not to be confused with the magnetic stove shelf topper, I am also so interested in these countertop stove gap covers, which prevent crumbs from falling in between those tiny little cracks. Plus, it creates a uniform, smooth surface where stove meets counter. SO PRACTICAL.

I've said it before, I'll say it again - I want a kayak. A sit-on-top kayak is sturdy, but bulky. I'd definitely need to add a cargo rack atop my car, which is totally fine. But I'm also obsessed with Oru Kayak - they have several different styles, but all of them are foldable. You heard that right - an origami kayak. It folds up for easy storage and transport, then takes less than five minutes to set up and be out on the water. Either way, I don't want to pay $30 to rent a kayak for two hours each time I want to get out on the water. I'd love to have my own, so I can go regularly each spring, summer, and fall.

I love to garden, though haven't really gotten to do so as much since having to work from the office again. I need to totally overhaul the vegetable garden, and any sort of wheelbarrow would be critical to that process. It'd also make it easier to clear out weeks and cut out underbrush, then just wheel it straight out to the woods (or to the composter!).

I drive a Prius and anyone walking past my car could see straight into my cargo area. My car didn't come with a cargo space cover but they're available for specific models of car (including my own). I'd definitely love this practical piece of equipment.

Y'all - Chick-fil-a has released a limited collection of clothing and accessories. I adore the
"I Heart Waffle Fries" hoodie (XXL), but I'm basically obsessed with the entire collection. Check it out here. 

My work ID still hangs in the flimsy case it was given to me in, and I just know that one of these days, it's going to fall off my keychain and I'll need to spend $20 to get a new ID. I've been eyeing a few ID cardholder cases, and think this Coach one is so cute! I just love the little floral accents. The most important part of these is that there's an ID window on the outside of the case - it makes for easy access with my ID.

 

I hate getting ready for work in the morning. I am so lazy in the morning that I literally sit aside my outfits each night before going to bed. Alongside getting ready in the morning, sometimes shoes just feel like too much work. (Anyone else feel like this?) I really want a pair of clogs that are easy to slide on and work with basically anything. Birkenstocks were the shoe to have when I was in middle school, and I thought they were so ugly. As I'm older, these clogs seem like the most practical and comfortable shoes. I really want a pair, and love the Boston Soft Footbed styles in literally any color (10/10.5), but these Vans clogs are also weird and cool (M8.5/W10).

 

Can a girl every have enough Allbirds? I think not. I have three pair in different colors. I love the monotone look (in which I currently have an olive pair and an orange pair). I'd love a plain black pair (11), which would go with any and everything, but I also think these two-tone slip-ons (10.5) are super cool too.

As always, I'm never put out by gift cards to any of my favorite places, or experiences as gifts. I always love to travel, visit state parks, enjoy museums, and an animal interaction at Georgia Aquarium is so high up on my bucket list (or see: 101 in 1001 Round 3).

 

 

Tell me about your holiday wish list. What are you hoping for?

 

 

 

 

As you're shopping for holiday gifts this season, check out these Asian-American Pacific Islander owned brands and AAPI-written books to find perfect gifts for everyone.

 

 

It's finally June, which means it's my birth month! In two weeks, I'll be turning 31 so of course it's time to share what's on my birthday wishlist.

We've been making our coffee at home a lot over the past year, and we've figured out the whole drip coffee thing, but lately we've been drinking lots of iced coffee, so I'd love a cold brew pitcher to really have iced coffee ready to go in the mornings instead of dripping super strong coffee to pour over ice. 

No matter how bright the kitchen is, it is always so dark under the cabinets when working on a particular space of the counter. My body just blocks out the light and I would love under-cabinet lights that easily plug in or are battery operated, so no hardwiring is required. It would make such a simple difference in the kitchen workspace. 

Riding a bike always looks so fun and relaxing, but since the horrendous bike wreck of 1999, I just can't bring myself to enjoy riding a bike. I get too afraid. So an adult tricycle has been on my wishlist for literal years. I just want to feel the wind through my hair. Is that too much to ask?

I get more packages brought to the house than hubby would like to see. Oftentimes they're books or clothes, but sometimes other things arrive. Either way, they're just thrown on the porch or by the garage, so I would love a package drop-off box to shelter those packages from the elements. Plus, it keeps them private and more secure. 

I've been super into gardening since we bought our home, and sustainability is always something I try to be mindful of, so an outdoor tumbling composter is high on my list of wishes. I could use the compost in the gardens and it reduces what goes to landfills.

I've wanted a china cabinet for such a long time. We received some china when we got married and it's still in a box because I'm so worried about something happening to them. And having a china cabinet feels so adult. I would just love to have one to place in the dining room. 

I've really liked the look of Cotopaxi backpacks since I first saw them several years ago. They're all made from scrap fabrics, so every single one is limited edition and one of a kind. I love all of their bags, but I particularly like the bags that have the water reservoirs for hiking or adventuring!

Georgia summers are hot and unbearable, so I'd love an inflatable adult kiddie pool that I can chill out in and read. I just think it would be so relaxing and such a fun thing to have for myself. 

You knew it was coming - I want plants, specifically sansevierias (snake plants), an African face mask plant, and ogre ear succulents. Snake plants are my favorite. They're so low maintenance and I love the way they look. There are so many different variations and I will take them all please. An African face mask is one of my dreamier plants - I don't have one but I love how different and beautiful they are. And I had ogre ears before, but I dropped them and broke the pot they were in. I immediately repotted them, but the shock of the drop killed them, so I definitely want more of them again.

Alongside plants, I definitely love planter pots. I like them weird and quirky. I like vintage planters, cups and mugs, animal shapes - just weird stuff. But clay pots are always perfect because plants love them - they help prevent overwatering and really care for the plants overall. So weirdos and clay pots. 

I love having a garage that's big enough to store appliances, hardware, gardening stuff, etc. But I've noticed a lot of the gardening stuff is separated from the indoor housewares. So I would love to incorporate a small wire garage storage shelf to sort out all of the gardening tools in a more organized manner. 

I recently realized all of my athletic sneakers are pink or include pink. But a lot of my clothes are blues and more recently, oranges, so I would really love some size 10 orange and white chunky sneakers to incorporate into my fitness style. 

I love playing tennis, but I'm not very good at it. We have about five tennis balls right now, so we spend more time chasing the balls than actually playing the game. We really need a tennis ball basket with tennis balls, so we can focus on actually hitting the ball as opposed to spending half the time running around trying to collect the balls again. 

I haven't been to a Braves game since they left Turner Field and relocated to the Suntrust, now Truist, Stadium. I would be thrilled with Braves tickets so hubby and I can go see a game together at the new stadium. 

One of my favorite pair of shoes I've ever had were the black flatform sandals I got at Walmart, but they didn't last me incredibly long. These Doc Martens sandals in size 10 are similar and I would expect them to last for years and years. I would absolutely wear them all the time. They're so cute and timeless. 

Not shown in the graphic, there are some other things very high on my wishlist. I really want an entire spa day, complete with a massage and facial in particular. And when all else fails, gift cards are a great choice - some favorite places right now are Home Depot and Dunkin'.

See anything you'd add to your list? What are you hoping for this year for your birthday?

Well, Mother's Day has come and passed. And with the world being flipped on top of its head this last year, maybe a gift was the last thing to cross your mind. I'm a big fan of experiences over material gifts, but I really love to get very thoughtful gifts individualized for each person. I would never go in on buying a gift that didn't feel like the perfect gift for the person I was getting it for. So maybe it feels like it's too late to buy a gift for your mother-figure, but it's never too late. We can and should celebrate those we love year-round, regardless of the day. 

Below find some general recommendations for the mother-figures and lovely ladies in your life. 

Personalized photos or wall art

I am always a fan of photos. They're such a wonderfully tangible result of memories. I've gifted photos printed from Mpix in thrifted frames, custom framed canvases, photobooks, calendars, and digital frames. I've been looking into Mixtiles and they're so cute. They're great for renters, because the frames are already peel-and-stick so there's no damage to the wall, and you can pull the photos straight from social media. Digital frames, like this one from Aura, are great for folks who don't have a ton of wall space or other physical space for photos that are framed or need lots of space to fill. Photo gifts are always a smash hit in my family. We're a very lovey-feely family, and so having memories with each other all along our walls are so important. 

Custom accessories

I love a monogram - I think they're so cute. But I was never into them before I got married. Since then, give me anything with my initials on it, and I will take it. I've gotten some favorites from Madewell - customization usually costs $10 but it's free if you sign up as an "Insider" for free. One of my favorite watch shops, Jord, also carries other beautiful accessories like sunglasses, wallets, and bags. Their bags are made from Suberhide™ vegan cork leather which is stain and water resistant, and come with a dust bag and gift box, so you know they're fancy. Keep reading to find out how to get 40% off with free monogramming, and for the chance to win your own personalized Jord bag. 

Non-custom items that are the perfect fit

If monograms and personalized gifts aren't your thing, you can still find perfect gifts for those you love that are perfect for them. A travel keychain is perfect for those who love to travel. They can purchase new tokens after each trip to keep adding to the gift for years to come. A DNA testing kit can help them find out more about themselves and where they're from. It's an easy gift on your end, but can be absolutely life-changing. Or a birthdate candle can be a great gift - it's a scent customized to a particular day, but it's not something you have to figure out... just pick one and be on your way. 

There are so many ways to find gifts that your loved ones will treasure. You've just got to know a little bit about them and where to look. Looking for something, but not quite sure what it is? Let me know below and I'll be happy to help you find the perfect gift.

Still not sure what to get them? Check out these gift guides based on interests:

For the friend who needs some self-care

For the fashionista

For the adventurer

For the sustainability warrior

For the bookworm

For the friend with a new home

For the gamer

For the plant parent

For the parental figures

Want to win a monogrammed luxury vegan cork bag from Jord?

Click here to enter the giveaway - all you need to do is enter your first name and email, and select the bag you like the most. It's that easy! And everyone who submits an entry to win a Jord handbag will receive 40% off their bag purchase and free monogramming - plus standard shipping's always free. 

What are your favorite types of gifts to purchase?

There are items mentioned in this post that I was gifted, however any and all opinions are 100% my own.