We hear it on repeat, but it continues to ring true: “Things look different these days.” And this Sunday, May 10 — Mother’s Day — will be no exception. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate.
Thanks to small businesses and their widely available curbside and no-contact delivery options, we can still show the moms in our lives love from a safe six feet away with these local gift ideas:
Go green: Studies show gardening strengthens the immune system and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. During this time of uncertainty, give your mom an instant mood boost with a succulent garden, blooming basket, easy-to-care-for patio plant or Green Plant of the Month subscription. Mom doesn’t have a green thumb? Opt for seasonal fresh flowers instead.
Replenish the pantry: We’ve all raided our mom’s pantry. Save her yet another trip to the grocery store by stocking her shelves with Arkansas-made quarantine snacks like Wicked Mix, J&M cheese straws, My Brother’s Salsa and What’s Cookin’ gift sets, or even a ready-made charcuterie board.
Be sweet: Those early childhood and teenage years can be rough. Make up for all those times you weren’t so sweet by gifting her a tin of Lambrecht’s Gourmet Toffee or a Community Bakery cookie decorating kit.
Brighten her day: Everyone is tired of being stuck indoors. Liven up mom’s décor with a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers delivered right to her door, or with handmade homewares from James Hayes, LUX Fragrances or New Found Skill cutting boards.
This quarantine is tough on everyone, but especially on moms working double time or those who feel isolated from loved ones. With these gift ideas, we can show appreciation for the mothers in our lives and our local businesses, both of which need our support right now.
Chris Norwood, AIFD, is the vice president of Tipton & Hurst, one of the state’s leading florists since 1886 with five locations in central Arkansas.