The California Edit – Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Welcome to The California Edit, a twice-monthly roundup of the things that inspire me most right now. From beautiful interiors and coastal decor, to effortless California style and entertaining finds, this is where I share the best of Golden State living.

Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the moms out there! Hope the special people in your life celebrate you this weekend. I’ll be spending my Mother’s Day at my younger daughter’s college graduation. We are so proud and excited for her!

In case you are still trying to decide how to make the moms in your life feel appreciated, I’m sharing some of my personal picks for thoughtful gifts. Most of them come from my favorite department store, Nordstrom, although you can find similar gifts at other price points too.

Today’s Edit

On today’s edit I’m sharing a pretty jewelry set, a gift card idea, a fun candle, my absolute favorite lounge wear, the perfect summer bag in a trendy color, and some yummy chocolates, plus some suggestions for fun day trips with mom.

Pretty Jewelry

This Mama Mikki Huggie Hoop Earrings & Pendant Gift Set from Kendra Scott has everything you need to feel put-together on Mother’s Day. Small gold hoop earrings and striking “mama” pendant necklace are the perfect accessories for everyday wear. I know my kids were always thrilled to see me wearing the jewelry they picked out for me on Mother’s Day, whether it was store-bought or hand made.

The Gift of Reading

I’m always looking for my next read, and with summer vacations coming up I’m going to need some books to read on the plane and by the pool. A gift card from Barnes & Noble is a thoughtful gift for moms who love to read. It’s also a great gift for someone who is hard to shop for. I love the whole experience of shopping in an actual bookstore. There’s something special about being able to physically pick up a book in a store vs shopping online for one, don’t you think?

A Fun Candle

There are a bazillion candles out there, so it can be tough to find the perfect one for mom. That said, I must admit I like the cheeky “Mom’s Day Off” label on this one. (Is there such a thing?) This scented sox-wax blend candle from the brand homesick is described as “A citrus sun rises on a day reserved just for you. Be pampered by notes of sage and indulge in the ocean breeze.” Sounds perfectly California to me!

My Favorite Lounge Set

This cozy lounge set is my first piece from Varley, and I am completely sold. The Molly Longline DoubleSoft^® Half Zip Sweatshirt fabric is impossibly soft, and — this was the detail that won me over — the pants come in a longer 30” inseam, which means I finally have a lounge set that actually fits. A small thing that makes a big difference.

It’s the kind of set that works everywhere: errands, travel, a long flight, or an afternoon where you have absolutely nowhere to be. Which, if you ask me, is exactly how a mother should be spending Mother’s Day!

A Fun New Bag

Well I’ve officially joined the Clare V. fan club. Happy Mother’s Day to me! I love this cute fanny pack. Something about the blue said “summer” to me. It will be perfect for our upcoming travels. I just know I’m probably going to cave and order one of the cute camera bag straps to go with it.

Gourmet Chocolates

When all else fails, chocolate is (almost) always appreciated. Double points if it comes in a pretty box like this Number One Mom Book of 8 Assorted Chocolates from House of Dorchester. Just don’t expect mom to share!

A Day Trip to Her Favorite Place

Sometimes the best gifts for mom aren’t things, they’re experiences. Now that my kids are grown and out of the house and I don’t get to see them everyday, I appreciate it more when I do get the chance to spend time with them.

If the mom in your life loves a trip to the local nursery, why not make an afternoon of it and include a lunch or brunch? Or maybe mom would love a picnic in a park, or breakfast in bed. The point is to prioritize her needs and wants above all else on Mother’s Day to acknowledge all that she has done for you over the years.

Great Movies to Enjoy With Mom

If your mom would prefer to hang out at home and watch a movie, here are some top picks for Mother’s Day movies.

What to Cook for Mom (just be sure to clean up the kitchen afterward!)

Want to treat mom to a special homemade brunch, lunch or dinner? Here are 54 recipes to get you started.

Thank you Moms! I hope you have a lovely weekend!