It’s that time of year when we show our appreciation to the women who gave life to us – our moms! And while we here at Inhabitat don’t necessarily believe in buying into all the hype behind this hallmark holiday, we also think that Mother’s Day is an important holiday for women, and a great way to get our favorite ladies into the green spirit. Check out our eco-friendly picks for Mother’s Day gifts that are sure to please both your mom and Mother Earth…
EGGLING – $12
Wouldn’t you rather give your mama something that reminds her how much you love her every day instead of flowers that last a week? This adorable little egg planter comes with the seeds to grow a house plant perfect for any sunny windowsill. Charming in its simplicity, the pot is made of unglazed ceramic with a base made of terracotta. Choose from basil, cactus, red pepper, mint, lavender, or strawberry.
FINE & RAW CHOCOLATES – $8 – $28
My mom’s favorite line when it comes to presents is “hana yori dango,” which translates roughly to “dumplings over flowers.” In other words, she’d much rather have something to eat than something that just sits on her dresser. If your mom is the same way, these rich, creamy and raw chocolates are the perfect way to say “Thanks for feeding me all these years!” Plus, you can feel good about buying these bittersweet bonbons and bars because they’re 100% organic and fairly traded and cunningly devoid of sugar, dairy and yucky additives.
$8 – $28 from Fine & Raw Chocolate
RECYCLED NEWSPAPER ROSES – $3
Real roses are so un-eco-friendly and so last year! These beautiful recycled newspaper blooms are handmade by and raise money for the Lower East Side Girls Club. Your mom will feel great knowing that your gift to her gives back.
FUNNY SCENTED MAMA CANDLES: ‘Hot Mama’ & ‘MILF’ – $18
Let your mom know that she’s still got it goin’ on with the warm glow of these eco-friendly scented candles that are hand-poured and made with 100% soy wax. The cheeky fragrance names – ‘Hot Mama’ (Sugar & Spice) and ‘MILF’ (Milk & Cookies) – are sure to make her chuckle.
PLANT A TREE – Donation
Planting a tree is such a powerful and symbolic way to show your mom how much her love for you has helped you grow. Take this great opportunity to help re-forest American land in her name! She’ll hug you for being a treehugger.
+ Donations can be made at AmericanForests.org
+ Donations can be made to MillionTreesNYC if you live in New York City
RECYCLED LP PENDANTS FROM THE HERITAGE COLLECTION – $56
One man’s trash is another mom’s treasure! These charming recycled pendants from WrecordsByMonkey, the Brooklyn based company that creates accessories out of recycled records, are a unique combination of vintage imagery and recycled materials.
HOMECOOKED DINNER USING LOCAL AND/OR ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
This year, instead of dishing out tons of cash on a fancy dinner out, why not flex your culinary muscles and introduce your mom to the joys of locally produced and organic ingredients. Better yet, make a day out of it and go shopping for fresh and seasonal fruits, veggies, breads and other ingredients for a decadent meal that is truly special because you made it – just like that macaroni picture frame that she’s kept for all these years.
BAMBU KITCHENWARE – $24
These elegant and minimalist bamboo bowls and utensils are a useful addition to your mom’s kitchen. Made from 100% organically grown bamboo, each item is constructed of renewable materials by a manufacturer working to integrate safe and sustainable business practices in China. As an added bonus, you get to reap the renewable benefits to your stomach – your mom’s homecooking!
$24 each from the Inhabitatshop
ORGANIC HANDMADE BATH & BODY GOODIES
Pamper the most important lady in your life with these handmade, hand cut, and hand wrapped Kathleen Lewis soaps and rich bath and body oils. They come in soothing, natural fragrances like rose, lavender, sage and honey and are gentle for all skin types.
$9 and $22 from the Inhabitat Shop
RECYCLED VINTAGE RENEWAL NECKLACE – $195
Present your mom with something extra special that will remind her of you (and what a perfect angel you were growing up) every time she wears it! The Renewal Necklace is crafted from a series of vintage chains with delicate antique chandelier crystal details and is made in Brooklyn, NY by Dirty Librarian Chains.
$195 from Dirty Librarian Chains
GARDEN IN A BAG – $9
Who says you need a backyard to watch your garden grow? These no-hassle herbs are especially perfect for city moms who want to exercise their green thumbs. You can choose from basil, cilantro, chives, dill, lavender, oregano, parsley, and sage, or get them all (hey, there’s a reason why you’re the favorite).
QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR MOM – FREE!
And finally, as much as mothers enjoy presents, nothing is as priceless to a mom as the time spent with her children. This year, why not grab some bikes and go for a ride, watch a movie that you know with make you both cry, or just curl up on the sofa with your mom and catch up. All 100% sustainable activities that we guarantee your mom will appreciate more than any floral arrangement.
Pssssst…for New Yorkers who need ideas about where to take their moms for some quality time, Jill and Olivia from Inhabitat will be leading a Green Design walking tour at the BKLYN Designs furniture fair on May 9th. It is sure to be a lot of fun, and a memory that you and your mom can share. We’re taking a limited number of people on the tour, so if you are interested in signing up, please email us at inhabitat at gmail.com.
There’s a great “green” Mother’s Day gift guide at ReusableBags.com. Stuff that is not only made with sustainable materials, but that can also actually help moms create less waste.
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/104/1/Green-mothers-day-gifts.html
Here is a unique( not high tech) affordable Mothers Day Gift that I also give to my friends, family and students who enjoy plants, nature or gardening. –A TickleMe Plant!
Ever see a plant move when you tickle it? The TickleMe Plant grows year round indoors, closes its leaves and lowers its branches when it is tickled. It is an easy flowering plant to grow in its own TickleMe Plant Greenhouse. When I first saw it move I was startled and amazed. You’ll love seeing the big smile on the face of the person who sees the plant move for the first time!
Visit http://www.ticklemeplant.com for more information and videos of the live plant. Most products are under twenty dollars.
What kind of person would give their own mother a candle that says “MILF”?? That’s… Kind of sick. In an Oedipal sort of way. Milf being an acronym for “Mother I’d Like to F***”
*shakes head*
I found your blog, when I was looking for the perfect mother’s day gift idea for my mother. In my opinion she is a really hard case, but I think I have some ideas now. But I will still be looking, so are there any other ideas?
Here’s a totally green gift for mom – a sea glass cairn. It’s just right for a mom who loves nature, and it’s really cute.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72517792/for-moms-who-love-sea-glass
Jen