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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted By: Miel Abeille | April 30, 2010 | 5 comments

Once again, the calender flips to Mother’s Day (MAY 9th). What is the appropriate gift for the woman who gave you life? That is a question many people struggle with this time of year. Sunday brunch, flowers, and chocolate are obvious choices, but there must be a more creative option, right?

As children, the answer was simple — make something for mom! As adults, handmade is an option, too. I recommend that you pass on the paper mache vase or pasta necklace, and head over to Etsy.com. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade goods. Artisans from around the globe showcase their wares in their own shops, and deliver designer goods right to your doorstep.

For the inaugural edition of my Mother’s Day gift guide, I decided to showcase a few lovely Philadelphia artists. Team Philly has close to 900 items available for sale, and if you act quickly, Mom’s gift will be delivered before her big day. Here are a few suggestions:

Bath and Beauty: Pamper mom with indulgent soaps from Mamoucha Soaps.

True Diva is a deep cerulean blue and scented with the a Vetyver, a clean scent made from grass. The floral and scroll markings give this soap a regal appearance. If mom is more feminine, Mamoucha created a red, sparkly heart shaped soap scented with Nile Queen. The blend of sandalwood, frankincense, amber, peach, citrus, and a touch of white floral creates an oriental aura.

Soap maker Kate Johnson is trained in chemistry and all of her soaps are made from ingredients that are FDA approved. At only five dollars each, these soap sculptures are a thoughtful gift. Visit Mamoucha at www.etsy.com/shop/mamouchasoaps

Gorgeous stationary: Note cards from MollieDogPaper

Andrea, the proprietor of MollieDogPaper, has created inventive stationary that has a touch of whimsy. For only seven dollars, get mom a set of five note cards stamped with a bee are accompanied by coordinating red envelops with a gorgeous bee lined interior. Ten personalized cards in a cupcake motif are a sweet deal at sixteen dollars. Visit Andrea at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MollieDogPaper

Bags and Purses: From clutches to totes, you’ll find it at Momotrees

Momotrees offers an unbelievable selection of purses, billfods, and totes in a variety of designs to suit any woman’s style. Designer Christina created a lovely rose and vintage lace clutch which sells for thirty-five dollars. Visit Momotrees at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoTrees.

Bath and Beauty: Lilith Apothocary will help mom relax

Lilith Apothecary sells a variety of face and body products, plus herbs and teas! Sarah, the artisan, is an herbalist and promotes using herb-based products “for their therapeutic, aesthetic, and beautifying benefits.” Mom will adore Lilith Apothecary’s Herbal Home Spa Facial kit, a gift wooden spa crate filled with toner, herbal facial steam packs, herbal mask and an Asian mask mixing bowl. Lilith Apothecary can custom make a gift package to suit your needs. Visit Lilith Apothecary at http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilithsapothecary

Jewelery & jewelery: Is jewelery ever an inappropriate gift for a lady?

There is an abundant selection of jewelery on Etsy in a wide range of price points. I am particularly impressed with the collections at Klaatu Collection and Becky Augustine.

Suzy Shaw’s shop, Klaatu Collection, is well stocked with a variety of designs. Her ring collection is a showcase of gems that will glitter and glamor. Of all the artistic designs, there is an especially alluring necklace of double stranded Tigers Eye nuggets surrounding a turquoise Buddha pendant. This is a piece of art that can be dressed up or down! Visit
Klaatu Collection http://www.etsy.com/shop/KlaatuCollection

Jewlery designer Becky, of Becky Augustine, designs jewelry that exudes a casual elegance, appropriate to be worn by everyone. The bold and chunky Amazonite and Silver necklace is a stunning piece the color of a robin’s egg. Matching bracelet is available. Becky Augustine: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beckyaugustine

For more about the artists featured today, you can visit Handmade Philly or visit each proprietor in their shops:

Mamocha Soaps http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamouchaSoaps

MollieDogPaper http://www.etsy.com/shop/MollieDogPaper

Momotrees http://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoTrees

Lilith Apothecary http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilithsapothecary

Klaatu Collection http://www.etsy.com/shop/KlaatuCollection

Becky Augustine: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beckyaugustine

5 Responses

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Ilene May 3, 2010 at 2:30 pm

Love the Buddha necklace!
Miel Abeille May 2, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Thanks, dude!
how much should i weigh May 1, 2010 at 8:17 am

wow nice info dude.
Miel Abeille May 1, 2010 at 5:01 am

As an afterthought, it should be noted that most Philadelphia area sellers on Etsy can make special delivery arrangements for Philadelphia buyers to expedite receiving your order.