Obviously, the best gift when you become a mother is the bundle of joy you bring home from the hospital. But that doesn’t mean that an extra token of appreciation by family, friends or your significant other would go unnoticed. Quite the contrary. I find Mother’s Day yet another opportunity to pick out a nice little token of appreciation for the 24/7/364 (hopefully you get to take Mother’s Day off) job of motherhood.
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Six years into this role, my Mother’s Day experiences have varied from great (brunch at the Peninsula!) to dreary (attending my brother’s law school graduation with a sick toddler in tow). But one thing has remained the same: I always get a great trinket.
Which is why I’m telling all new mothers reading this issue not to forgo the gift! Especially if you’ve just triumphed through the drama of labor and delivery. The time is yours.
Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for new moms.
Helen Ficalora charm necklace
I hadn’t worn letters of any kind since I had my name emblazoned on my high school varsity jacket, but after having my first son, it seemed like the right time to revive the trend. About five months along into the pregnancy I spotted a new mom wearing simple initial discs on a thin chain around her neck and I immediately said: I MUST HAVE THOSE. Understated but commemorative, the ones from Helen Ficalora are my favorite. 2014 N. Halsted St., Chicago. (773) 883-2014. helenficalora.com
Mia Bossi Diaper Bag
The key to good mothering is having a good diaper bag. I’m kidding. The key to good mothering is having a stylish and functional diaper bag. Thank goodness for local designer Mia Bossi, who has created a line of indulgent and gorgeous diaper bags made of the finest quality Italian leathers and fabrics to fit every need. Check out the Maria in Chocolate or the Emma in Tangerine. (877) 642-2670. miabossi.com
Splits 59 workout gear
Forget the stressing about breastfeeding and sleep-training. One of the most stressful decisions you’ll have to make as a new mom is what to wear home from the hospital. Because not only will you want to be as comfortable as possible after delivery, but every flipping family member will be taking a photo of you holding your newborn. You don’t want to make the same mistake I did (read: pea-soup-colored velour track suit from Target). Try some of the gear from Splits 59. Its Supima cotton wraps cover your post-partum belly and the pants have plush elastic that will shrink back as your body does. Also sold at The Dailey Method, 1714 N. Damen Ave. splits59.com
Silk peel at Wicker Park Dermatology
Some of you would bypass the gift for a little R&R. For those looking for an experience to last a lifetime, I’d suggest trying out a silk peel facial. Your skin will be treated to the gift of a lifetime, scraping away those dull skin cells that can build up after nine months of hormonal changes. It’s naptime with a purpose. 1455 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago. (773) 276-1100. wickerparkderm.com
