The definitive guide to treating your Mum, Ma or significant 'm-other'
You may or may not have noticed, this week I missed (another) Friday link loop...but I have a really good excuse ! Here in New Zealand, we are gearing up for the most important day of the year to not forget : Mother's Day. For most people, Sunday 13th is a straight forward opportunity to celebrate the woman they call Mum, generally stretching enough to include people like adored step-mothers, revered grandmas/aunts/sisters who've stepped up to the plate and beloved alternative female role models. A brunch-filled, pink-fest permeated by fancy candles and the best hand-cream money can buy. For some people, Mother's Day is a loud reminder of the things they don't have; be that a missing Mum, a Ma that's passed away or simply a woman in their who wasn't up to the job. As I get a little older, and listen to friends talk about their longings for the future, I can't help but think about the women for whom Mother's Day will be a reminder that they are not yet, and may not be, mothers.
So this is what I propose: Let's do what significant m-others do best and take care of the people around us this Mother's Day. Whether it's your gal pal who's spending their first without their Mum, a friend who's experiencing their very first Mother's Day or just a chance to say thanks to someone who helped make you who you are, get in touch to say you care. Which, in a round about way, leads me to my first #MothersWeek post: Cards.
First up I LOVE these cards by stationary genius Emily McDowell. I first came across her unorthodox take on cards when I was looking for a card about terminal illness. Smart, witty and cute, there is something for every kind of Mum, Mom or M-Other.
They also stock some of her cards at New Zealand based company Mighty Ape.
If you're looking for something a little plainer, Poppy Cards are designed and made here in NZ, with some very sweet 'Thank You' cards and a range of great 'Native Bird' cards just dying to be filled with a heartfelt note of appreciation.
Funny favorites IKO IKO offer not only some cute simple cards, but they are never short on out-of-the-box gift ideas. Use their Mother's Day Guide as a starting point for some extraordinary ideas.
Last but certainly not least, Kiwi cuties Bread and Butter Lettter (BABL) are your one-stop-Mother's-Day-shop. If you Mum likes candles, they got em. If you Mum likes fancy lotion, they got em. If you Mum likes kiwi designed and made stationary, they've got it. Earrings, got em. Bags, got em. If I ever feel stuck looking for a present, I wander into their store (and always leave with something for myself !). Their year round card selection is worth a visit alone, but this years Mother's Day cards are a treat.
Step One: Buy the card, send the text, write the email, pen the letter - whatever it takes, let your special people know they are on your mind this Sunday. Which cards would you pick ? Where is your stationary go-to ?
Next up...great guided gift giving ! Til then xoxo
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