The Journeys of Motherhood — and the Gifts that Suit Each One
This is my first Mother’s Day (surprise announcement! 🎉). I’m still carrying our baby bean inside me — but I’m excited to acknowledge and celebrate the wonder of becoming a mom. It’s been a difficult journey for Alex and me to get here… after years of navigating health issues, learning about autoimmune conditions, and dealing with the rollercoaster that is infertility, we’re beyond thrilled to become parents. We’re looking forward to making new memories as a family of 3.
At the same time, we understand that not everyone is feeling as fortunate around this time. Some aren’t able to have their mothers with them on this day. Others are struggling to become a mother themselves. It can be an extremely difficult time for those dealing with infertility, the loss of their child, or loss of their own mother. For those who are grieving, it's important to remember that it's okay to feel sad and to take time to reflect on your emotions.
And of course, there are many of us who rack our brains each year to figure out the perfect gift for our moms, grandmothers, mother figures, and mentors. It’s common to feel that no gift is up to par — and it makes sense; being a mother is one of the ultimate sacrifices in life. How can we show the depth of our love and appreciation?
Willinglee is here to help! Below, we’ve listed our top ideas for each journey that is motherhood. Let us know what you think.
Gifts ideas for the expecting mom
These ideas have been specifically curated based on the symptoms and challenges of my own pregnancy 😅
Maternity Pillow
As an expecting mom, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. A maternity pillow can provide much-needed support and help her get a comfortable and restful sleep.
Personalized Jewelry
A piece of personalized jewelry is a beautiful and sentimental gift that she can cherish forever. Consider a necklace or bracelet with her child's name or birthstone. I for one can’t wait to get something special from GLDN.
Pregnancy Journal
A pregnancy journal is a great way for an expecting mom to record her journey and memories of this special time. It's a keepsake that she can look back on and treasure for years to come.
Comfortable Clothing
As her body changes, an expecting mom will appreciate comfortable and stylish clothing that accommodates her growing belly. Consider a cozy robe, maternity leggings, or a cute and comfy t-shirt. My new favorite brand is Hatch.
Spa Gift Card
A spa gift card is a wonderful way for an expecting mom to pamper herself and relax before the arrival of her little one. She can enjoy a massage, facial, or other spa treatments that help her feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Luxurious Lotion or oil
One thing no one tells you about pregnancy: your skin gets SO. DRY. Check out two of our favorites below from Wiley Body.
by Wiley Body. Meet the Maker!
Lightweight, creamy, and cloudlike, the Everything Lotion is the key to velvety soft skin. Using a powerhouse botanical blend of green tea, calendula and shea, it works hard to deeply hydrate, nourish, soothe, and repair the skin – that’s why it’s called our everything. Wiley Body gently folded in their signature blend of Grapefruit + Juniper Berry for a light, calming scent that softly lingers without being overpowering.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic Aloe), Aqua, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Organic Sunflower), Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Organic Jojoba), Oenothera Biennis Oil (Organic Evening Primrose), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic Green Tea), Calendula Officinalis Extract (Organic Calendula), Fragrance comprised only of essential oils, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid / Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Use: Apply head to toe daily to restore and soothe dry skin. Thoughtfully formulated for every body and skin type.
by Wiley Body. Meet the Maker!
Crafted from a skin-loving botanical blend of lightweight cold-pressed oils like sunflower seed, apricot kernel, and rosehip seed, the Everywhere Oil is an ultra-nourishing treat for the whole body. This nongreasy, unscented body oil is perfect for locking in moisture after a shower, mixing with the Everything Lotion for an extra shot of hydration, and nourishing elbows, cuticles, and heels. 4 fluid ounces.
Ingredients: Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil (Safflower), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Organic Sunflower), Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (Apricot Kernel Oil), Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil (Grapeseed), Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Organic Rosehip Seed), Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil (Camellia), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Use: Apply daily to any part of the body in need of a hydration boost. Pro tip: the Everywhere Oil also works as a nongreasy beard oil, makeup remover, bath oil, split end treatment, and more. (Yeah, it’s pretty much the MVP.)
Gifts ideas for the new mom
Hey, partner! If you didn’t physically birth that little one, I’m looking at you. I can only imagine these are the things I’d most appreciate come newborn life.
Take Care of the Baby
Give your partner a break from childcare duties for the day. Get up early with the baby, change diapers, and feed them so your partner can sleep in and have some much-needed rest.
Plan a Special Day
Plan a special day for your partner and the baby. You could go for a family outing to a nearby park or a zoo or make a special meal at home. The important thing is to make your partner feel special and appreciated.
Get Creative
Get creative with your gifts or cards. Make a scrapbook or photo album of your baby's first year or make a special keepsake that your partner can treasure for years to come.
Give Her Time to Herself
Let your partner have some time to herself. Take care of the baby or arrange for a sitter so she can spend time with friends or do something that she enjoys.
Show Your Love and Gratitude
Most importantly, show your love and gratitude for all that your partner does as a mother. Tell her how much you appreciate her and how amazing she is as a mother. This can be done verbally, or handwritten in a sweet note so she can always hold onto and refer to it.
Hand printed by Elūm Designs. Meet the Maker!
• Blank inside
• Letterpress printed
• 100% cotton rag paper
• Soy-based ink
• Tiny old-school white envelope
• 2.25" X 3.5" Folded
by Worthwhile Paper. Meet the Maker!
Screen printed with water-based inks
One blank card with a Kraft envelope
Screen printed with white ink on 100# recycled ochre yellow paper
Size: A2, 4.25"x5.5"
Screen printed by hand in-house
Gift ideas for wishful moms &/or women who are grieving
My heart especially yearns to comfort grieving moms & children during this time. If you or someone close to you has experienced infertility or loss, it’s especially important to recognize them and their feelings. Though nothing may heal the wounds (which is totally okay, by the way), here are some suggestions to fill an otherwise complicated day:
Take a Nature Walk
If you're feeling down, a walk in nature can be a great way to clear your mind and reflect on happy memories. Focus on the beauty of the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.
Honor Your Loved One
Dedicate a special activity or gift to your mother, child, or another loved one who is no longer earth-side. This could be visiting their favorite spot or making their favorite meal. It's a way to keep their memory alive and celebrate their life.
Write a Letter
Take the time to write a heartfelt letter to your mother or maternal figure, even if they are no longer with you. Express your love and gratitude for everything they did for you and how much they mean to you. Alternatively, you can write a letter to yourself. Include love notes to yourself or tips on little things that make you happy as a reminder to yourself to read on days that feel especially difficult.
Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community and honor your mother's memory. Find a local charity or organization that aligns with your values and donate your time or resources.
Indulge in self-care
Block a few hours of your day to give yourself a face mask, paint your nails, and watch a funny movie or rom-com. Some of my favorite wellness products are linked below.
by ESW Beauty. Meet the Maker!
Inspired by avocado-flavored banana milk, this compostable Plant-Based Milk Sheet Mask is the go-to for all things hydration. Combining avocado and banana extracts, this rich blend provides deep moisturization and keeps your skin supple.
Deeply moisturizing
Clean ingredients
Vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable
Compostable sheet mask
Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Formaldehyde, and Sulfate Detergents
See full ingredients list here.
To use: Cleanse your face and apply toner. Apply the mask onto your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask and gently pat the remaining essence onto your skin.
by Urb Apothecary. Meet the Maker!
A buttery soft face balm. For sun lovers and worshipers, repairing sun damage, brightening dark spots, clearing acne, soothing sunburns, healing wounds, and improving overall skin health and tone.
Organic & cruelty-free
Made in the United States
Ingredients: Jojoba*† infused with calendula*, high linoleic safflower*, sunflower*, baobab*, passion fruit seed oils, raspberry seed CO2*, rosehip seed CO2*, sea buckthorn CO2*, beeswax* helichrysum & ho wood oils *organic †Arizona-grown
Gift ideas for moms (or mother figures) of all ages
For those always on the lookout for the perfect thing for mom, consumables and experiences are always our go-to’s.
Gift box, curated and hand wrapped by Willinglee
Whether she’s a weekend warrior or your sunshine, we’ve put together some beautiful packages just for mom. Take a peek below.
Picnic in the Park
Pack a basket of your mom's favorite treats and head to the park for a picnic. Enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while spending quality time together.
Family Game Night
Plan a family game night with your mom. Play her favorite board games, whip out a puzzle, or try some new ones. It's a fun way to bond and create some lasting memories.
Movie Marathon
Curl up on the couch and enjoy a movie marathon with your mom. Grab the snacks and choose her favorite films or watch some new releases together.
Cooking or Baking Class
Take a cooking or baking class together and learn some new recipes. It's a fun and educational activity that you can enjoy together.
What gifts have you given to mom or received as a mom?
Let us know in the comments below. We love learning more about you :)
Happy Mother’s Day to all 🌻
