pulling it together

Getting What You Really Want for Mother's Day

On my first Mother's Day after the birth of my son, my husband surprised me with a weekend away (but not too far away), and diamond earrings.

By the time our next child came along, life had gotten a bit busier and it was Champagne Brunch at a restaurant in town and a framed picture of our little angels.

Last year for Mother's Day, I had a Pop Tart and a paper cup filled with apple juice delivered to my room by the little angels at 6am. On the tray, in a puddle of juice, were two hand-scribbled coupons each good for "One Free Hug".

Now, it's not that I don't appreciate the sentiment, but after 365 days and nights of motherhood, I want something I can brag about at the water cooler on Monday morning. I want something that doesn't just say "You are loved", I want something that says "You are valued".

And while I do treasure the plaster of Paris handprints and various items made from Popsicle sticks, I also want something elegant, fashionable, and indulgent.

Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or a part-time working mom you deserve a gift that says, thank you for giving up your Pilates class to take me to KidsGym. Thank you for spending your lunch breaks designing flyers for the PTA, and thank you for using up all your paid vacation days chaperoning field trips.

Since children, and daddies with major credit cards, aren't necessarily masters at picking up on subtle hints, here are a few suggestions for Mother's Day gifts from See Jane Work that are stylish, practical and perhaps most importantly, can be delivered to your home or office without taking a small child to a shopping mall.

You might just consider printing this list and posting it prominently on the fridge, bathroom door, or somewhere else they can't miss it.

• Whether you've recently been appointed Team Mom, or you're just trying to schedule an after-school play date, it seems like you're always digging in your bag for something to write your name and phone number on. You need a box of "Mommy Business Cards" with your name, contact info, and perhaps even a title such as "Janey's Mommy" or "Anderson Family Co-Founder and CEO". Keep them in easy reach with an exquisite Acme Card Case featuring designs from prominent artists, architects and designers.
• Look up the word Mom in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of a pack mule. Well anyway you should. Give your arms and shoulders a break by taking the Wheeled Carryall with you shopping, to the soccer field, to the farmer's market, or on vacation. It's also great for carrying product samples, books and supplies or, slide the nylon bag off and use the included bungee cord to strap boxes or storage bins to the wheeled frame.
• Keep track of your daily, weekly and yearly schedule with a fabulously fashionable agenda from Kate Spade. The Punched Noel and Wellesley Debra Agenda both feature sumptuous leather covers in rich colors and come filled with calendar pages, as well as an address book and To Do pages.
• Notepads from Mom Agenda are specially designed for busy Moms. The Weekly Menu/Grocery List is perforated down the middle so the meal planning side stays at home while the shopping list goes with you.
• The Enamel Mail Holder makes a great message center for the family. Top and bottom compartments hold mail, homework, notebooks and lists, and the metal hooks keep keys in plain sight. Pair it with a set of All Mighty Magnets and the steel Enamel Mail Holder doubles as a magnetic bulletin board.

If even a printed list isn't obvious enough, go ahead and place the order yourself, we won't tell. And while you're at it, don't forget to order something for your own Mom. Odds are you owe it to her.

If one of our ideas or products works for you, or if you have a solution you’d like to share, please let us know at ideas@seejanework.com.