Mother’s Day Presents Vancouver Moms Actually Want, According to Moms

Mother’s Day is Sunday, but you knew that, right? You’ve been counting down the days and aren’t just scrambling now for something to get your precious mother who has supported you and cherished you and commented on every one of your Instagram Stories every day your whole life, right? You’re actually just reading this story about great Vancouver Mother’s Day presents as a lark to see if maybe there is a second present to get her because one special something isn’t enough for all she’s done for you? Great.

That’s what we thought when we assembled the mothers of the editorial team to share their Mother’s Day picks below: that this story would be totally useless because all the readers of Vanmag are obviously already on top of things. Here it is anyways. What a waste of our time!

If you’re looking for something to feed your mother, check out our list of Mother’s Day dining specials. Or, if your mom is no longer with us and you’re looking for some sympathetic company for a tough day, check out Motherless Day to talk or not talk about your mom with other folks who get it.

What the Moms of the Vanmag Editorial Team Want for Mother’s Day

Slowtide Picnic Blanket

I know it’s only May, but I have officially declared that Beach Season Is Open, which means I have already started dragging sand into the apartment several times a week, much to my husband’s chagrin. This oversized quick-dry park blanket from Slowtide ($90) is allegedly sand-resistant and water-repellant so maybe it will improve both my beach days and my marriage.—Stacey McLachlan, editor-in-chief, Vancouver magazine

The Oasis Ring by Zaleksa

If you see a girl who looks impossibly cool anywhere in Vancouver, it’s more than likely she’s rocking some Zaleska jewellery. The brand, built by local designer Sylvia Tennant, makes size inclusive rings (among other things) that lean toward the otherworldly. The Oasis Ring ($126) comes from her latest collection, which is inspired by elements of the earth. I love the carved waves (like sand shaped by waves hitting beach) that engulf a perfect triangle of sparkling green quartz. —Kristi Alexandra, managing editor

 

Verner Panton Flowerpot Portable Table Lamp

As a mom of a certain age, I have become ever-increasingly interested in ambient (a.k.a. not harsh overhead) lighting at home, and this Verner Panton-designed portable flowerpot lamp from Old Faithful ($395) is LED powered, comes in a variety of contemporary colours and casts the prettiest light. —Darcy Matheson, editor-in-chief, BCBusiness, (our beloved sister publication)

Melanie Auld Pietra Necklace Experience

A spa treatment is 100 percent what I always want, but I also love this idea from Melanie Auld about spending some time to build your own semi-precious stone necklace (from $75). —Stesha Ho, art director, Vancouver magazine

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag

The waterproof Hilo weekender bag from Rains ($140) is what I’m coveting for all of the totally amazing and indulgent overnight spa trips I am assuming my family is planning for me for Mother’s Day.—D.M.

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No Place Like Home by Jessica Barrett

Recently, a friend heroically juggling a seven-month-old and a toddler asked me, “Where are people finding the time to read books? Am I missing something?” I can’t speak for other parents but my secret is: just read while your toddler is watching Gabby’s Dollhouse. Screen-time in service of solace. If you are an anti-screen-time warrior ready to come at me in the comments, sorry but I will not notice, because I am busy reading. Here is a book I am currently reading but will recommend to other moms who have no problem cranking Sesame Street so they can be alone with their thoughts for a moment: No Place Like Home, by former Vanmag colleague and extremely talented journalist Jessica Barrett, is a personal, thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful exploration of the housing crisis and how the market has warped our perception of what a home could and should be (it was capitalism all along, et cetera).—Stacey McLachlan, editor-in-chief 

Brunette the Label Shania Denim Jacket

This lightweight denim jacket ($175)—in leopard, if you’re feeling bold—is perfectly oversized and is lightweight enough for layering with a tee or hoodie in Vancouver’s unpredictable springtime weather.—D.M.

Lego Botanicals Collection Tulip Bouquet

Everlasting flowers were previously the stuff of fairytales (thanks for the unrealistic expectations, Disney!), but I’m delighted with each year that comes since Lego’s Botanical collection came out that there’s a new stem or bouquet to add to the undying blooms in my home. The tulip bouquet ($80) is no exception! Plus, spending time with my fam is the main priority, and they’ll be locked in for at least an hour assembling this for (and with) me. —K.A.

Thousand Chapter Helmet 

Did you know that bike helmets expire? I do, and I think about it every time I’m on my bike with my helmet that I purchased 2018. If my husband and child cherish me as much as they say they do, they will get me a fresh helmet (ideally with a cute tortoiseshell detail on the brim) to ensure my brain stays safe. No pressure.—S.M.

Poplin and Co. Matching Shirt and Short Set

With prints hand drawn by co-founder and owner, Shadi Ahmadisagheb, Poplin and Co.’s two-piece shorts and shirt sets ($179) are a bold and colourful addition to your everyday wardrobe or next vacation.—D.M.

 

 

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Strawbella Red Juicy Jars Vase

When it comes to decor, I’m more than certainly a maximalist, so plain vases do not have a place in my home! This bold, bright red “strawbella” vase (on sale for $50) by Vancouver-local Juicy Jars is the perfect vessel to hold the aforementioned bouquet. They also carry banana, lemon and “strawbibi” jars (a smaller version of the strawbella). Now, how does my four-year-old get in touch? —K.A.

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