Mother’s Day is a truly beautiful manufactured holiday. It’s a day that celebrates mommyhood in all it’s poop-covered glory. Us mamas love the handcrafted gifts from the kiddos, and while our happiness should never be attached to something as silly as a present, a great gift sure helps us feel special on our day.
Gift-giving is not my “love language,” so I find buying them pretty daunting. I just don’t see the point of getting/giving a gift for the sake of it. So, if you’re like me, buying for someone like me, or just want to give a super unique present, here are my top local choices for hip mamas gifts.
Hand Casting
These are just the coolest. Not only are you gifting the mama in your life with an special heirloom, you are guaranteeing time spent as a family holding hands! Win, Win. Local artist Kara Gunter of Well-Crafted Studios makes amazing casts in beautiful configurations. A true creative, she will work with you to create something as unique as your family. Her slogan is “Hands are the heart’s landscape,” and I can’t think of anything that would warm the landscape of my heart more than this amazing gift.
Personalized Hand Stamped Jewelry
Hand-stamping is having it’s social media moment for good reason! There is something rustic about the look, and the handcrafted process instills the pieces with amazing energy. Local designer Chris Marshall of Hippy Do Da Creations will stamp up a custom piece just for the mama you love. She will work with your preferences and budget to create something super special.
Facial Oil
Skin care is a personal thing, but I have yet to meet someone who tried facial oils and didn’t love the effect on their skin. Genuine Glow is owned and operated by Columbia girl Nicki Carrea. Taking a “modern approach to natural beauty,” she handcrafts the complete skin care line from natural, quality ingredients. Gifting your mama with pampering products reminds her to enjoy some self-care. Plus everything Nicki makes looks as beautiful as your skin will.
Custom Cut Wall Metal Wall Décor
I am a sucker for sweet, family-specific ways of saying “I love you.” My daughter and I say “a lot of too much,” and nothing would bring tears to my eyes like having that saying on my wall. Lown Ornamentals will bring your idea to life in a custom cut creation. Leave it metal for that rustic look, or have Matthew Lown paint it for a splash of color. This gift is perfect for the mama who loves Joanna Gaines, which is every mama right?
Coffee
Mamas run on coffee, and there is no better coffee in Columbia SC than Drip. Seriously, that stuff has pixie dust in it. A gift card is an obvious choice. Along with soul-energizing coffee, your mama will also get the memo that you know she deserves to take a coffee break every now and then. Drip also sells their coffee beans, along with mugs and t-shrits. Grab a pastry or two, and you have the perfect gift basket for your coffee loving mom.
A Creative Outlet
I have been to a lot of paint and pour places, but Studio Cellar is my favorite. The spacious atmosphere lends to easy conversation, and you can paint whatever you want. There are group classes and lessons, but going freestyle with the help of the artist/servers is a blast. I often take people here, and everyone walks away being impressed with their artistic ability. Book your mama a class, or get her some freestyle sessions. You can also arrange a girls night, or a family night if you’re kids are older. Not only will she have a great time, but she’ll also walk away with beautiful art, and new-found confidence.
An Adventure
Gifting the mother you love with an experience from Adventure Carolina means your mama gets to explore our beautiful city. Adventure Carolina offers kayaking, ski trips, hikes and more … they truly have an outdoor excursion for everyone. Check out their calendar because they often team up with local businesses for special events. I am a big fan of keeping it simple and kayaking the Congaree. Pack a picnic and I am one happy mama. Booking an experience with Adventure Carolina is also a great way to include older kids on the Mother’s Day fun.
Local Beer Tour
Is your mama more into to craft beer than crafting? Columbia has an amazing brew scene, and it’s getting cooler all the time. The BrewBus will drive you on a tour of local breweries. How cool is that? They also offer wine and spirit tours for the non-hoppy mama. Created by friends who met at USC, the gift of Brew Bus gives the mother you love a chance to let her hair down.
Tea for Two
Local business J. Cottage sells tea blends, hand crafted candles, bath salts, and throws killer tea parties. Owner and product-creator Jennifer Gerdes will curate a divine gift basket including a variety of relaxing products. If your mother is fond of Downtown Abby gift her with a proper tea party. Jennifer will create and throw a private tea party just for you. I’m not sure I know a mom who wouldn’t love an excuse to wear a ridiculous hat and sip tea pinkie up.
This Mother’s Day, skip the run of the mill gift card and get mama something uniquely crafted by a cool local business. Spread the love by gifting local.