Don’t give Dad another tacky tie this Father’s Day. Instead gift him with with one of these cool subscription boxes for men. Yeah, they like surprises on the reg, too. 

Sometimes it seems all too easy to fall into those old Father’s Day gift-giving tropes–the tie, the golf-themed tchotchkes, a “World’s Best Dad” coffee mug. While your dad may appreciate the thought, we are pretty sure that stuff just ends up in a landfill somewhere. Why not gift your dad something cool that he will actually use this year instead? And what’s with all the subscription boxes aimed at us ladies? Guys dig ’em too, even if they play it cool.

Of course, the trick is to get your dad a subscription box that he will actually use–for goodness sake, don’t get him a bad tie subscription!

We have selected some of our favorite subscription boxes that just might be perfect for gifting your dad this Father’s Day. These boxes just might also be perfect for your mom’s birthday, holiday gift-giving, for a housewarming gift, and more.

9 Subscription Boxes for Men

1. Dollar Shave Club – Unless your dad has a full-on beard give him the gift of quality replacement razors. The Dollar Shave Club is super affordable and offers replacement razors that are suitable for men and women shavers.
2. Craft Beer Club – This club is perfect for the microbrew enthusiast dad. At just $39 a month, it will get your dad 12 independently-brewed beers delivered each month.
3. Bos Creek – Bos Creek offers monthly subscription boxes full of meat from grass-fed pasture-raised animals. There are beef, mixed meat, and custom boxes available.
4. Mantry – While the name may be kind of questionable, the service is not. The Mantry box delivers six curated food products around a theme from artisan makers every two months. Past box themes include Pizza Party, Bourbon BBQ, and Tailgate Tour.
5. Bitters and Bottles – The Bitters and Bottles Home Bar subscription includes 4-6 full-size quality ingredients delivered monthly.  Each box provides curated spirits for craft cocktails that aren’t too basic, but nothing too fancy either.
6. Nerd Block – Nerd Block is a toy collection subscription box. Every month their expert nerds select outstanding gear, toys and collectibles to curate the nerdiest of toy collectible boxes.
7. Loot Crate – In the same vein as Nerd Block, but with more gear, Loot Crate delivers the best in geek and gaming gear. From collectibles, apparel, tech gadgets, art, and other epic gear, Loot Crate claims to be like Comic-Con in a box.
8. Naturebox  – Help your dad snack healthier and tastier by gifting him a Naturebox subscription. Who wouldn’t love snacks delivered to their door each month?
9. KinderBox – KinderBox claims to be a monthly subscription box service for men. While we would argue that many women would like the boxes too, we do like the mix of everyday outdoorsy adventure gear and grooming products offered and think it would be a great gift for many dads.

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Father’s Day Gift Image via Shutterstock

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The time to show Mom your appreciation is just around the corner, so we’ve compiled this special Mother’s Day gift guide to help you finalize the perfect present for the parent who has played such an important role in your life.

Surprise her with something that’s thoughtful, personal, and sustainable without sacrificing style. You know your mom (or that special mother figure) in ways that no one else does, which is why it’s important to take a little time to show your gratitude for all that she’s done. Have a look at our suggestions below – and remember that even if you can’t get these to her before Sunday, they will at least provide some gift giving inspiration that can be recreated by visiting your local co-op, health food, or specialty store.

1. The Earthy Momma

If you’re going to get Mom a card that’s not handmade – which, by the way, you’re never too old to participate in – then opt for a recycled greeting card instead. Boutique style gift shops typically carry these, but you may also get lucky at a big box store if you don’t have another alternative. Recycled Paper Greetings has a handy zip code search for retailers near you and your eco conscious mom will appreciate the extra thought.

2. The Chocolate Lover

Peanut butter cups, peppermint crème patties, truffles, salted caramels…are you drooling yet? Mom definitely will be when you give her the gift of delicious, organic, fair trade chocolates from one of three gourmet chocolatiers we’ve handpicked for you. For the vegan mom, we recommend Allison’s Gourmet, the traditional mommy will appreciate the heart shaped goodies from Mama-Ganache, and the hip momma will adore the trendy confections from Theo Chocolate.

3. The Green Thumb

Rather than flowers that will only last a few days, give her a gift that will flourish for weeks and months to come. Not only will it give mom a reason to smile, but she’ll think of you every time she tends to her plants. Succulents are still popular among botanical lovers and this little living wall planter kit from Uncommon Goods may be just the thing for Mother’s Day.

4. The Techy

Ok, so maybe tech savvy is a stretch for the mom that recently learned to (sort of) send text messages, but she would probably appreciate pimping out her cell with one of the pretty and biodegradable phone covers from Pela. Made from Flaxstic, these cases utilize the often overlooked flax plant combined with plant based bio-plastic in order to create a durable, functional, and beautiful product. They come in multiple colors, but we especially like the lavender.

5. The Zen Mom

For the meditating momma who loves to relax with a good fragrance, we recommend Neom Organics for her aromatic gifts. Whether she regularly channels her inner Zen, or just prefers to smell something wonderful while she burns the midnight oil, choose a candle that contains a whopping 30 to 4o milliliters of pure essential oils, combined with a complex blend of pure, natural vegetable wax.

6. The Caffeine Craver

Whether it’s a strong cup of joe or an afternoon break for tea she craves, give your mom what she wants this year by ordering some of the best organic and fair trade gourmet coffees and teas from Equal Exchange. The beans are grown by small farmers and sourced from co-ops that produce the best product from each harvest, and the teas are from small farms in India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa as opposed to plantations.

7. The Glamour Gal

There are plenty of beautiful fair trade options for the fashion lover in your life, and One World Fair Trade has numerous choices for Mom no matter her personal style. From jewelry to clothing to handbags and more, there is something for every mom from this online retailer. We especially like the aesthetic (and the price) of the unique and elegant Capiz Shell Leaf Earrings found on the site.

8. The Hostess

Viva Terra is the spot for helping your mom stockpile her kitchen with some of the best serving ware for her next gathering. From beautiful serving utensils to recycled glass dishes and bowls, you’ll be sure to find something that fits her personality perfectly. We are especially fond of the Teak Wood Riser and Tray Collection, as well as the Aurora Recycled Glass Serving Bowl.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Mother’s Day gift guide to sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly ideas that have something for every mom, young or old. Now you can not only show your love and appreciation for the mom or mother figure in your life, but you can also share your passion for making the world a better place – she should be proud for raising such a thoughtful and compassionate child! Do you have any special Mother’s Day gift giving tradition? What do you think of our list? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 8 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Ideas appeared first on EcoSalon.

Gift mom with one of these subscription boxes for Mother’s Day this year. It’s the gift that will keep on giving.

For some of us, Mother’s Day can sometimes be fraught with the gift-giving conundrum. What to gift the woman who brought you into this world and continues to nourish your mind, body, and soul with her motherly wisdom, love, and chicken soup when you’re sick? We think subscription boxes, while a pale comparison to how awesome your mom is, are a brilliant solution for Mother’s Day. It is possible to find subscription boxes that will fit the personality of most moms. Is your mom an adventurous cook, an avid reader, a lover of animals? There’s a box for that.

We have selected some of our favorite subscription boxes–hopefully, one is a fit for your mom!

Subscription Boxes for Mother’s Day

1. KitNipBox – Is your mom a cat lover? Gift her (and her favorite feline) a monthly box of cat goodies for crazy cat fun all year long. And if your mom is more of a dog person, try out Barkbox. While these may seem more like presents for your Mom’s pets, serious pet lovers would love these boxes!
2. Book Drop – For readers who prefer physical books over digital books, try out Book Drop. It’s a subscription box that is lovingly created and run by a little independent bookstore. There are several different options from which to choose, but “The Jane” box is by far the most popular. It features Contemporary, Historical, and Literary Fiction titles.
3. Audible – And while it’s not a subscription box per se, Audible is a monthly audiobook subscription service perfect for those prefer to listen to books. For a monthly subscription, members can choose a new audiobook to listen to each month. Listeners can enjoy their books on their phones, tablets, computers, and via Bluetooth devices too.
4. The Spicery – This subscription box is another in the very large category of food and cooking boxes, but it’s all about trying something new. With options that include Friday Night Curry, Date Night, and Meat Free Magic, there’s a lot of variety for adventurous and spicy cooks.
5. Chroma Club – If your mom is into the adult coloring book craze, gift her with the Chromas Club. Beautiful and original coloring books will be shipped to her every month. The club boasts that their coloring books are the perfect blend of art, fun, and challenge, with illustrations drawn by artists from around the world.
6. Terra Bella Box – The Terra Bella Box includes handmade, small-batch beauty products made from natural ingredients. Each month subscribers receive a variety of beauty products for face, body, bath, hair, and sometimes even cosmetics.
7. Norsebox – Norsebox calls itself the Nordic Design Subscription. Each Norsebox features 1-5 seasonal items from Scandinavian designers. The boxes focus on one room of the home, but will move around each month to give each room a fresh, Scandinavian update.
8. Club W – If your mom likes a glass of wine (or 2) in the evening, gift her the Club W subscription. Club W works with subscribers to create a palate profile to deliver the wines that you (or your mom–remember this gift is for your mom) will love.
9. Love Goodly – This subscription features a mix of eco-friendly, nontoxic, cruelty-free, vegan products that can include everything from beauty, skincare, and wellness goodies to snacks and style accessories. Sounds perfectly lovely for your conscious shopping mom.

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Here’s how to help your gorgeous fresh cut flowers last a teensy bit longer.

Oodles of moms around the world scored a beautiful bouquet yesterday for being so awesome—and even though those fresh cut flowers won’t last forever, there are a few tricks of the trade to keep in mind to make them last as long as possible.

Jenny Barker, BloomNation florist and owner of Magical Blooms in Redondo Beach, CA shares her quick and easy tricks to extend the life of your fresh cut flowers:

1. Start with a clean vase

If you use your vase on the regular, it may contain microorganisms that will mess with your flowers. Before placing your new bouquet, give your vase a thorough cleaning by filling it with hot water and stirring in a tablespoon of baking soda and white vinegar.

2. Avoid placing them in a sunny locale

Make sure you steer clear of placing your bouquet near a window that gets a lot of sun. “The sun beats down on the flowers and makes them sweat/wilt,” says Barker. “It also warms the water in the vase, which spoils the hydration of the flowers.” Display them in a locale that’s room temperature (65-70 degrees).

3. Keep them away from vents and tech

Keep your fresh cut flowers as far away from heating vents and items that give off heat as possible (such as your television or computer). “Flowers can’t stand warmth and will die within a 24-hour period—even if you just got them,” says Barker.

4. Keep tabs on the water level

If you received flowers already in a vase, Barker recommends checking the water level: “Sometimes the water is at a much lower level due to travel, so the key is to have the vase filled almost to the top.”

To keep your bouquet fresher longer, change out the water daily and give the stems a small trim so the flowers get better access to water. Make sure to cut them on a slant using a sharp knife that isn’t serrated.

5. Mist the petals

If it’s particularly sweltering out, give each of the flower heads a spritz. It turns out flowers love it as much as we do!

6. Do some plucking

Sometimes some flowers tend to die quicker than others. Simply pluck out the sad looking flowers to keep the rest of your bouquet looking purdy.

How do you keep your fresh cut flowers… well, fresh?

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Happy Mother’s Day to our favorite eco-friendly celebrity moms.

Being that Mother’s Day is all about how awesome moms are, it’s time to send a shout out to our favorite celebrity moms—who not only live the green life like a boss, but always keep us aware of the planet-friendly ways we can do better (and be better).

1. Julia Roberts

This pretty woman lives green in a sustainably-designed home that’s solar powered and built with woods from responsibly-managed forests. Motherhood’s the big reason she started thinking critically about the environment and has made oodles of lifestyle changes over the years—from using environmentally friendly diapers when her kids were young to using only green household cleaners, she’s one of the many celebrity moms who practices what she preaches.

2. Charlize Theron

Not only has Charlize founded the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, which supports children in need and AIDS/HIV education in South Africa, but she’s also a passionate animal rights activist and was a spokeswoman for the Clean Water Act.

3. Gisele Bündchen

Gisele is more than just a(n insanely) pretty face: In 2011, she was named Greenest International Celebrity of the Year, and devotes a lot of her time and money to environmental causes such as the Brazilian movement A Drop Of Water. She’s also extremely passionate about protecting the Amazon rainforest.

4. Meryl Streep

After reading a Natural Resources Defense Council report in 1989 regarding pesticides in produce, Queen Meryl created Mothers and Others, a group that taught consumers about chemicals and toxins commonly found in non-organic foods. Although the group ended in 2001, her efforts continue with other organizations like the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition, a group that works to protect children from toxins in water and foods.

5. Alicia Silverstone

Alicia is the grand poobah of vegan beauty: She wrote a diet book called “The Kind Diet“—which is about living a happy, healthy life while taking care of the Earth at the same time—and her blog, The Kind Life, includes vegan recipes, beauty tips and other environmentally-friendly finds.

6. Natalie Portman

Where do I start? Natalie has always been a strong animal-rights activist. She became a vegetarian at nine years old, doesn’t wear fur, feathers or leather, and in 2007 launched her own vegan shoe line. Even her wedding ring is made with recycled platinum and conflict free diamonds!

7. Jessica Alba

After becoming fed up with the lack of effective, eco-friendly baby products available, Jessica and her hubby started The Honest Company, a line of toxic-free household items made from safe and natural chemicals to keep your family safe and sound.

8. Michelle Obama

Not only is she committed to creating a healthier lifestyle for her hubby and kids, but kids across America. From her Let’s Move campaigns for school children to educating them about locally grown fruits and veggies to wearing SpaRitual’s environmentally friendly nail polish, this girl is on fire.

9. Drew Barrymore

Drew is the epitome of natural beauty, and in 2013 she launched Flower Beauty, an eco-friendly makeup line. The products use botanical-infused ingredients, aren’t tested on animals, and are made in the USA.

10. Chloe Jo Davis

The ah-mazing woman behind GirlieGirl Army, Chloe Jo Davis is all about living an ethical life, and it’s impossible to not want to follow in her footsteps—she makes everything look so damn good! From food to beauty to fashion, there are equivalents to all animal products, and she and her army always keep us in the loop.

11. Jill Ettinger

No list of green celebrity moms would be complete without our very own Jill Ettinger! As our senior editor here at EcoSalon and our sister site Organic Authority, she helps us all make better choices for our health and the environment. When I was first hit with severe adrenal fatigue a few years ago, I knew my life had to change but had no idea where to start. It was stumbling across Jill’s words on EcoSalon (I wish I could remember which article specifically!) that helped push me in the right direction—toward whole foods, green living and that refreshing little thing called minimalism.

Who are your favorite eco-friendly celebrity moms?

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Out of Mother’s Day gift ideas? Forget the chocolate and candles, and get Mom a more personal gift this year.

What woman doesn’t love beauty products? Even those on the more minimal end of beauty maintenance like to smell and feel good.

This year, rather than getting her a card and chocolates (unless it’s this vegan fudge, of course), give Mom something she will really love. A healthy gift tailored to her true nature.

No matter what type of mom you are shopping for, there are organic beauty products just for her. Items to suit every lifestyle and personality, all free from harmful ingredients. Find out what the moms on your list would love this year.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Organic Beauty for Every Type of Mom

For the New Mother – What’s the main thing all new moms yearn for, other than the wellbeing of their newborn? Sleep! Since downtime is ever elusive in the first few months of motherhood, sometimes we have to fake it. Give the new mother on your list the gift of energy with the help of natural ingredients. When the chance to shower arises, be sure they make the most of it with Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Body Wash paired with Natural Sea Sponges Sustainable Sea Sponge for instant vitality. And possibly the easiest route to a boost, Lotus Wei Radiant Energy Mist for a quick spritz of oomph.

For the Outdoorsy Mother – Whether gardening, jogging, or hitting the beach, a mom who loves the great outdoors needs skin protection. Be sure she’s covered with Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30. The nature loving mom will also worship a tube of Waxelene All Natural Petroleum Jelly Alternative to soothe and moisturize on the go. And for once she comes inside, Dr. Alkaitis Organic Herbal Toner to replenish skin that has spent its fair share of time under the sun. Maybe Mom needs some color before summer arrives. Score some natural bronze with Karora self tanning products.

For the Workaholic Mother – For the mom who never seems to stop, give her a reason to settle down. Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment eases the busy mind and transports the psyche to a calmer place. Amala Hydrating Hand Cream’s jasmine scent provides instant luxe to hard working hands. And Vered Organic Botanicals Le Chocolat Citrus Foaming Face Scrub is a quick way to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate skin at once. Or how about a membership to all things healthy? Thrive Market is a new take on shopping healthy products. From foods to cleaning supplies, this site carries tons of products for a clean lifestyle and Mom can skip (or shorten) her trip to the market with online ordering. Memberships are $55.95 for one year which includes 50% off products from over 400 top brands. A great way to introduce the moms on your list to healthier living.

For the Glam Mother – You know who this is. The mom who likes to look her best and doesn’t mind a little indulgence. Definitely cause for a beautiful facial oil, and there’s none better than RMS Beauty Beauty Oil for instant radiance and softness. To stay hydrated and luminous all day long, Maya Water Facial Mist Pure is perfect for packing in her purse. Top it all off with a hit of Lina Hanson Global Body Serum for gorgeously glowy skin with a sweet citrusy scent. All women love jewelry and your mom is likely no exception. Sylca is a line of unique handmade jewelry create by, appropriately, a Columbian-born mother/daughter team. An appreciation for nature and South American love of life is the inspiration behind these beautiful pieces.  May we suggest this Gold Multi-Strand Leather Bracelet.

For the Sophisticated Mother – Shopping for the mom with discerning taste? Think glorious scent, indulgent feel, and silky skin. Let’s start with Strange Invisible Perfumes Hydro-distilled Body Care Duo for super soft skin in five glorious scents. Next, YULI Harmony Body Oil smooths and rejuvenates skin sans fragrance, so no interference with signature scent. Speaking of which, how about giving Mom a new signature, Vered Organic Botanicals Perfume Signature Scent. Is your mom a coffee or tea lover? Set her up with a healthy supply from Organic India. Organic Tulsi Jasmine Tea is always a hit or introduce her to Herbal Coffee.

Check out the gorgeous products here:

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This is the true meaning of Mother’s Day.

“You’re the most beautiful mom in the world!”

I woke up to those words and the beaming face of my daughter.

“Happy Mother’s Day,” she said as she dove into the bed to give me a delicious bear hug!

The most beautiful mom in the world? Wow! As my mom would say: my daughter “looks at me with good eyes.” I just turned 51 and although I am attractive, fit and take good care of my skin, I felt it would have been a more accurate compliment of my 25 year old self, especially when it’s six in the morning!

What is it that makes a mother beautiful to her children? Is it her face, her voice, her smell? Maybe so–and it’s surely much more than a physical characteristic.

Thinking back to my childhood, I realize what made my mother beautiful was more about feeling than vision. No matter what was happening, I knew I was the center of her universe. When I looked at my mother I saw the beauty of her unconditional love, her undivided attention, her fierce devotion. Perhaps it was because of this that her face glowed when she looked at me. Her love was like a tangible force field (a superhero power) that radiated through her eyes and constantly surrounded and protected me.

Could it be, what we as children see when we look at our mothers, is a reflection somehow of the love our mother feels for us?

My mother has been gone for 36 years, having lost her battle with breast cancer when I was a teenager. I have been without her longer than I was with her. After so many years, it isn’t the physical attributes that I remember; to be perfectly honest I can’t remember her voice or her laugh. Her physical body left, but her force field of love never did, I felt this once the pain of loss began to dissipate. I still feel the beauty of her love surrounding me to this day.

This Mother’s Day, in honor of my mother and in celebration of the amazing child I have been blessed to share my life with, I will unapologetically accept the gift of my daughter’s compliment and return it with my attention. I will put the phone down, return the email tomorrow, and right now, I will look deeply into her eyes (with my superhero mom powers) so she knows she is the center of my universe. I believe it’s the experience of truly, deeply loving a child unconditionally that makes a mother beautiful.

Find Fatima on Twitter @fatimaolive and on Pinterest

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I know what I want for Mother’s Day: a bath. Actually, not just a bath, but a bath experience at home and some me time to really enjoy it. Know any other moms who could use this? Check out these Mother’s Day gift ideas for the spa and tub loving mom (read: every mom).

Ritual bathing has been around for thousands of years and rightly so.  There is something so incredibly luxurious about slipping into a body of water.  Soaking in warm water actually triggers the dilation of blood vessels allowing muscles to relax and release tension.  The other component of the ritual bath is more enigmatic; a cleansing of energy and spirit. It is a way to release stress and encourage some quiet relaxation in order to be fresh for a new experience.

This Mother’s Day why not give mom a gift of time to herself by preparing a bath ritual for her? Here are our top picks for Mother’s Day gift ideas truly embody the art and ritual of relaxation.

Begin with the environment.

Make sure the bathroom is clean and free of clutter. Make it sparkle. She will find that a gift in and of itself!

Set the mood

Light some candles – I first discovered Big Dipper Wax works candles at Whole Foods.  They are made of 100 percent beeswax, which has a lovely sweet honey smell on it’s own. Big Dipper Candles also come in ten blends that are created with pure essential oils. Aromatherapy candles can set the mood whether mom needs to relax (lavender) or energize (lemongrass and grapefruit). I always travel with one of Big Dipper’s candles in a convenient tin, the ylang ylang and tangerine combo is my favorite.

 Prepare the skin

Before getting into the bath, have mom take a warm shower and thoroughly exfoliate the skin. Clairvoyant Beauty’s Blue green Algae Body Polish contains a super-moisturizing blend of shea and cocoa butters, almond and avocado oils, as well as sea salt to gently smooth skin while delivering essential moisture. (Encourage mom to spend a little extra time on elbows ankles and knees). I love that the founder’s grandmother was the inspiration for this line!

Fill the tub, and have mom pick one of the 5 herbal bath formulas from Kneipp, Revive 5 Herbal Bath Collection that best suits her needs. These highly concentrated oils combine with the soothing powers of water to create a spa like atmosphere. Choose to awaken vitality with rosemary, and for deep sleep use valerian and hops; may chang and lemon creates an uplifting experience; juniper is great to sooth muscles; and almond blossom softens the skin. Each bottle contains enough for 1-2 baths.

Set a glass of cold water with lemon near the tub so mom can sip while she soaks.

And don’t forget to leave a clean towel with a bottle of Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil, for mom to use after her bath.  I used this light sweet almond oil blend throughout my pregnancy and still love it after my bath (ten years later).

Now turn off the phone, close the door, and let mom enjoy.

Find Fatima on Twitter @fatimaolive and on Pinterest

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Pamper your mom with these Mother’s Day gifts that keep on giving long after the day is done. We’ve got the best natural products that are sure to restore and rejuvenate–just like a day at the spa–minus any un-giftworthy ingredients. Even better, once she has them, she can repeat the experience over and over, thinking of you, and thank you each and every time.

Set the Mood

Start by giving Mom a little peace of mind in a bottle. While bubbly or a cold glass of chardonnay might be called for, we’re talking aromatherapy. Lotus Wei’s Flower Elixirs ($35-$50) harness the power of flower essences to help us increase joy, magnify love, quiet the mind, increase clarity and focus, relax the body, support sounder sleep or boost energy, depending on which of the six formulas you choose. Also great for relieving physical tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, which leads us to our next item…

Relieve Aching Muscles

Jamu Spa Massage Body & Hair Oil ($6-$29)

Now that Mom is starting to relax, up the ante with a little therapeutic massage. It doesn’t have to be professional to be beneficial. Touch is healing and you’ve got options. Have her partner, spouse or just about anyone with a smidgen of upper body strength indulge her with a massage. Whether it’s a back rub from a family member or a mini massage on her own two legs, feet, hands and arms, Jamu Spa’s Massage Body Oil ($6-$29) offers a nourishing tropical blend of sunflower, coconut, jojoba & exotic essential oils creating the perfect balance of slip, hydration and sensory experience.

A Facial To Make Her Glow

Give Mom the tools she needs for a complete facial. Cleanser, exfoliant, mask, toner and moisturizer. Depending on her skin type, we suggest a gentle creamy cleanser such as Acure Organics Facial Cleansing Cream Olive + Mint ($14.99) .

Follow this with either a fine grained facial scrub, such as Derma E’s Microdermabration Scrub, the at home alternative to an in office micro derm treatment with the perfect “grit” factor for effective exfoliation ($32.50).

No facial is complete without a mask, so treat her to a high impact, antioxidant rich one like Pangea Organics’ Japanese Matcha Tea Acai Goji Berry Facial Mask ($45) for the “wow” factor in her DIY facial. She will love the marked improvement in quality, tone, and texture of her skin.

Finally, give her a deeply hydrating treatment moisturizer to leave her skin radiant, plumped and glowing, such as Pomega5’s Grenade Anti Rides Nourishing Cream ($78 – she’s worth it…and so is this cream).

Soothing Tub Time

Sometimes, closing the bathroom door is the only “me” time Mom gets, so help her make the most of it. If she’s a bath lover, let’s amp up the skin-loving relaxation factors with a bath enhancement such as Sumbody’s Stress Relieving Bath Salts ($6.95), which help to replenish minerals in the body, soften and soothe skin, and assist in combating a number of common ailments, or moisture rich Bath Melts ($5.50) to help hydrate and seal in moisture for velvety soft skin.

Since shaving may not make the ‘Mom To Do List’ often, help her out by stocking her bath or shower with a fresh (and eco-friendly) razor from Preserve ($8.50) and some rash reducing shaving cream such as Eco Armour’s Shave With Benefits ($12.95).

This rich foam reduces knicks, ingrown hairs, and razor burns, for a smooth, comfortable shave and even helps keep that razor sharp!

Mom more a shower than bath gal? Opt for a high impact, skin loving shower gel such as Seaweed Bath Co’s Wildly Natural Soothing Shower Gel ($12.89). Packed with nourishing and detoxifying properties of seaweed, this natural body wash soothes and moisturizes even the most sensitive skin.

Mani-Pedi

Now that she’s clean, hydrated, massaged, relaxed and glowing, it’s time for a little mother child role reversal during which you play with her finger and toes. Didn’t inherit the nail painting gene? Recruit help! That artsy sister (cousin, aunt, friend…) of yours can handle a mani-pedi and Londontown ($22-$125) has a range of nail care with everything you need. From cuticle treatments to nail hardeners and amazing color lacquers, their healthier formulas are free of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin, 5 nasties often present in other polishes. Available in a wide range of colors, Mom can flash those fingers and toes with confidence when you’re finished.

And remember, the best Mother’s Day gifts for any Mom is just time with people she loves. Be sure to make an afternoon of your gift and enjoy some of the experience with her. That’s any Mom’s wish come true.

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top image: edgar barany

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This Mother’s Day, venture beyond flowers, chocolate and a card. Sure, the gesture is always welcome, but for a mother as special as yours, why not gift her something that will put an even bigger smile on her face?

The following 5 alternative Mother’s Day gift ideas are just as sentimental as they are unique.

1. Charitable Gift

The International Rescue Committee has set up a way for you to give a gift to help refugees around the world for causes including health, education, emergency relief rebuilding, and supporting women and girls. Mother’s Day gifts include a $24 safe delivery, $52 maternal health care, a $240 new classroom, and an $80 safe space for children, among many others. Gifts range from under $50 to over $250, so you can give comfortably within your budget. Mom will be happy to know that she has a helping hand in making the world a better place.

2. Handmade Goods

Buying clothes and other items from online retailers is nothing out of the ordinary, but ensuring that it’s handmade isn’t. Etsy allows you to buy just about anything from independent designers. Check out Etsy’s Mother’s Day Gifts section for ideas.

3. Personalized Cookbook

Is your mother a great cook but doesn’t have an organized cookbook? Bring her recipes together in a beautiful and personalized way with Tastebook. First, you create a recipe collection online and then you design a cover and add a dedication page. Your mother will love seeing all her favorite recipes in one straightforward and decorative place.

4. Personalized Wine

A good bottle of wine is never unwelcome, but for Mother’s Day, it’s worth it to up the ante on your gifting game. Personal Wine lets you personalize your wine bottle with Mother’s Day-apropos labels as well as a range of others fit for holidays, celebrations, corporate occasions, or for general purposes. Wine ranges from $23 to $150.

5. Personalized Chocolate

Chances are your mother is a fan of chocolate, and what better way to entice her taste buds than with a chocolate bar that practically screams her name? Chocomize lets you create your own chocolate bar. You begin with a dark, milk, or white chocolate template at $4.25 and then can add up to five toppings, each ranging from $0.50 to $4.00. Toppings include nuts and seeds, fruits, herbs and spices, candy, decorations (“Happy Mother’s Day” insignia included), and others, such as potato chips, money munch, ground coffee, graham teddies, and mini pretzels. Given the options, the resulting chocolate bar will truly be one of a kind, just like mom!

Photo Credit: Hdptcar

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