Mother’s Day Gift Ideas-2015

Lovely Lily of the Valley

It’s almost May 1st, or May Day, a holiday widely celebrated in Europe. My favorite part of this fête nationale in France is the muguet, or lily of the valley, that delicate flower with droplets of blooms that resemble little white wedding bells. You can enjoy its fresh, redolent scent in Diorissimo, a signature fragrance of the House of Dior. Christian Dior’s favorite flower was, in fact, le muguet, one of the most beloved symbols of happiness in France. On le premier mai en France, most everything is closed, but you can still find all kinds of bouquets of muguet sold throughout–from street corners to flower shops.

Telluride Truffle Mother’s Day Gift Box

Telluride Truffle Spring Gift Box

Ruth’s Toffee

Pink Champagne from Henri’s Reserve

Voilà there’s one terrific gift idea for the lovely lady in your life for this Mother’s Day. Read about many more at my Online Shopping page. Many of the online boutiques I feature actually showcase European goods or goods of such fine quality that they could pass for European made. Telluride Truffle and Ruth’s Toffee are such examples and indeed the quality of their products rivals some of the delectable treats I’ve sampled from France’s top chocolatiers. What mom wouldn’t be thrilled to receive some sweets from these two Colorado-based confectioners! Pay close attention to the instructions on my Online Shopping page to receive a 10% discount on online orders from these two purveyors and all others highlighted on that page (and below).

Nothing says holiday like bubbly, especially when it’s champagne. Send mom a beautiful bottle of champagne rosé from Henri’s Reserve to celebrate her. I promise she’ll be tickled pink.

Alpine Treasures for the Ladies from Alpen Schatz

If you’re looking for something more everlasting such as a piece of jewelry or a lovely home decor item, read what I have to say about Alpen Schatz and Quel Objet, two charming online boutiques on my Online Shopping page that sell a highly curated selection of goods from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France. Quel Objet just received a fresh shipment of authentic, made-in-France espadrilles; not only are they beautiful but the quality is far superior to espadrilles made in China or other far-flung countries.

Espadrilles from Quel Objet

I’ll Take Three!

For a gift of great sentimental value, consider an autographed collectible from The Autograph Source, an Aspen-based find that takes unique gift ideas to a different level. In Breckenridge, Colorado, there’s a lovely lady that handcrafts beautiful soaps. I sent my mom a pretty package of these creations from the Fresh Soap Company last year for Mother’s Day. Here also, you can receive 10% off by following the instructions on my Online Shopping page.

Susan Rahmann (Dressed in Her Creations) with Her Mom

It’s always nice to have a fresh top or other fun clothing piece for spring. Pick up one for yourself and/or your mom at Rahmen + Co., Susan Rahmann’s Telluride-based clothing company that uses primarily textiles crafted from bamboo.

European Dog Collars from Alpen Schatz

Another way to touch mom’s (or anyone else’s) heart is to show love and affection for their pet (s). Send a stunning collar and leash from Alpen Schatz or a cuddly, organic toy from Purrfect Play. You can bet there will be tail wagging and purrs all around. This is also a wonderful way to honor all the fur baby moms that are often forgotten on Mother’s Day.

Remember to pay close attention to the instructions on my Online Shopping page to receive a 10% discount on online orders from all the purveyors highlighted here and on that page.

Adventure Travel for Mom

If your mom is an adventuresome type, consider offering her a gift from my Adventure Travel Love for You and KOTO.  Most of the tours and excursions are for Telluride, Colorado, although you can also choose from an exciting bike trip in a number of stunning regions across the U.S. You might even want to make that a trip à deux; or in other words, go ahead, accompany her.

A Tour of the Heart: A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France

Perhaps your mom is more the type to read about a bike adventure than to do one. If so, she’ll surely like one that takes place in France and involves romance, food and wine, travel and more. Yes, you guessed it:  order a copy of my travel memoir, A Tour of the Heart:  A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France, in either paperback or eBook. Many are enjoying it and it definitely qualifies as a fun, summer read.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

Mom and Me