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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion trends and styles. |
| Mothers’ Day is quickly approaching. With the long, cold winter we saw in the northeast, it may seem like we have a long while until that special day arrives. However, a quick check of the calendar will confirm that May 13th will be here in the blink of an eye. Mothers’ Day rituals are different in every home. For some, breakfast in bed is the order of the day. For others, the day may include dinner out at a favorite restaurant. It could involve planting the garden, backyard BBQs, mani/pedis and so much more. Regardless of how you spend the day, you likely will need a fabulous gift for the women in your life celebrating Mothers’ Day. Is your gift picked out? Are you mulling over a few ideas? Are you simply without an inspiration for that perfect gift? If you are reading this without a great idea tucked away in the back of your closet (or, at least, in the back of your brain), fear not. Read on for some suggestions the cover an array of budgets, personalities and preferences. Great gifts can be found no matter how big or small your budget. I believe in selecting a gift that reflects the recipient’s taste, style and interests. If you keep the recipient in the front of your brain as you choose [rather than your personal taste], you are more likely to select the perfect item or experience – remember that your gift can be either. This spring, fashions have a great deal of ‘pow’. With that in mind, you could select one real statement piece – either a clothing item or an accessory piece – that will freshen up her wardrobe and be a piece she might not have purchased for herself. Luxurious satin, floral kimonos are being shown by an array of designers for both loungewear and as outfit toppers. In keeping with the floral theme, you will find an array of spring handbags and shoes in vibrant colors with floral designs. She is bound to be noticed out and about with a new purse or shoes that pack great visual punch. Scarves are also a big trend this season, and one that enhances her tried and true outfits is a great gift choice. Does your lady love to write? Whether she takes notes, keeps a journal or needs them for work, a few beautifully appointed journal books, complete with an exquisite pen, will earn big smiles when she unwraps her gift. If she loves receiving jewelry on occasions such as this, you cannot go wrong with a new item in either rose gold or white. The former is the season’s biggest color for all things sparkly (watches, rings, earrings, etc.) and the latter is perfect for the summer ahead. Whether you go for costume or real, you will find a lot from which to choose and something in every price point. A plush bathrobe with a matching pair of slippers makes a great gift for the lady who needs to unwind and exhale from her day-to-day. Is she a road warrior, travelling from client to client? For her overnight travel, get her a suitcase designed with today’s business traveler in mind. A Smart Birdy bag (on the high end of the price scale) has its own charging ports, USB, tech pocket, laundry bad, jewelry pouch and more. Plus, its fabulous design is sleek and stylish. For the woman who loves her garden, a Butterfly and Hummingbird Attracting Plant Kit (under $30 at Proflowers and several other retailers) will provide everything she needs to plant a lovely garden that will invite winged friends to visit. It even comes in a delicate pink gift box. If you are looking for the gift that keeps on giving, consider one of the may subscription boxes available. You can order a six or twelve-month subscription to fit you your budget needs and, for many of the companies, you can even select the size box that will be delivered. If you are still not sure this is the gift for you, consider that this concept has virtually exploded over the past few years. Options have grown to include coffee and a book (Coffee & a Classic), monthly coffee deliveries, makeup, skin care, perfume, chocolates, flowers, Disney, Nerd Block boxes (for the Star Wars, super hero loving lady…and, yes, that is the name of the company), clothing, crafting, and more. The list of available companies offering these subscriptions grows every month, so do a quick online search of her favorite thing and you are likely to find it for monthly delivery. If a monthly delivery is simply not your thing, or you want a gift of this sort to be more personal, you can build your own gift basket. You will need some supplies, including the basket, cello wrap, a bow, some shredded paper and, of course, the gift items. You can make a basket with virtually anything she would like – skin care, cosmetics, scented candles (I just gave one of these and it was a hit…glad you liked it Mom), craft supplies, and more. Your imagination and her interests are your only limit here. Don’t forget an experience as a gift. Consider a certificate for gourmet cooking classes, a wine pairing event, dance lessons, even sky diving for the daredevil mom. Does she have a bucket list? A certificate to experience something from that list is a guaranteed hit. Moms should be celebrated every day. After all, they are there 365 days of the year 24/7 for when that special ‘mom touch’ is needed. Tell your mom you love her and show her that she matters all year long. But on Mothers’ Day, shower her with love and affection…and a gift that says you care. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 