Yes, Bake and Destroy has been around for 6 years and this is only the 5th annual Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Part of being a mother is accepting the fact that nobody is perfect, not even you. Once again I have assembled a motley crew of ladies – from an eclectic wrestling fan to a college professor – to spark your gift-giving imagination. Maybe you’ll see something you’d like for yourself, or maybe there’s something here that your own mom would love – the magic of this gift guide lives inside YOU.
Don’t forget to check out the end of this post to find out how you can win one of two ridiculously cool prize packages that are up for grabs!
For the Crafty Mom
I had to ask Jen Davis to write this one. Had to. See, not only does she operate a super crafty Etsy shop with her mom, Jan – but my mom and her mom happen to be besties. Jen and I grew up together, and even when she was cheerleading and I was fist-fighting boys we always stayed friends thanks to the strong model of female friendship our own moms gave us. So here are Jen’s picks for moms who make stuff!
So you are looking to buy a gift for the crafty mom in your life and you have no idea where to begin. Obviously, the easy choice is to buy a giftcard to Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby but if you are hoping to really knock her knitted socks off this Mother’s Day, here are a few gift ideas that any crafty mom is sure to love.
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ThePolkaDotPosie camera bag – $89
Something “Hobby Specific.” If the crafty mom in your life is never without her DSLR camera, consider a cute camera strap or bag like these from ThePolkaDotPosie. (Save 10% when you enter BAKEANDDESTROY10) If she paints, peak around her studio and look for supplies that are running low and replenish them for her. If she does paper crafts, you could blow her mind with a new Cricut Machine or cartridges. And finally, if your mama loves to work the needles, consider getting her a new project kit from KnitPicks.
- Something to Inspire her. Thanks to websites like Etsy, crafty moms everywhere are turning their favorite hobbies into thriving online businesses. Inspire your crafty mama and pick her up a copy of “How To Sell Your Crafts Online,” by Derrick Sutton. This book helped my mom and I start our Etsy shop and we’ve been going strong for over a year now!
- Something to Keep her Organized. The only person that can trash a room faster than a toddler is a crafter. Help your mama stay organized this year with an awesome mobile craft cart like this 12-Drawer Chrome Organizer Cart by Honey-Can-Do.
- Something to Spark her Creativity. This gift is for the tech savvy Mom who loves digital scrapbooking and crafting or wants to learn how. My Memories Suite software will help her edit and archive pictures, make cards and calendars, create party favors, labels, cupcake toppers and more! )You can also save $10 on this software by entering code STMMMS75437 at checkout.)
- Something to Keep her Hydrated. Have you ever been to a weekend sewing retreat? Or an all night scrap crop? No? Well let me tell ya…crafters are HARDCORE. We put in long hours and burn some serious calories while we are cutting, sewing, gluing, beading, stitching, painting, and knitting. And when we are in the middle of a craft marathon, it’s important to stay hydrated and remember this very important rule, “No Coffee, No Workee.” Obviously, this is the perfect mug for that.
For the TV Casualty Mom
Agnes Barton-Sabo, better known as Betty Turbo, is my spirit animal. Like me, she is obsessed with cult television shows and pro-wrestling, and unlike me, she is a wildly talented illustrator, painter and plushie-maker. Have I mentioned that she illustrated my cookbook? Because that is also true. Check out her picks for the pop culture-obsessed mom & check out the end of this post to see how you can win the card of your choosing from Agnes’ shop!
I used to tell time on summer vacation by whether I could hear Matlock or Murder, She Wrote playing when I woke up. My mom and I have always enjoyed watching mysteries and crime procedurals together, from Perry Mason to Veronica Mars. Whether your mother is a foul-mouthed HBO junkie, or a carefully coiffed classic sitcom devotee, there are lots of fun options for TV-themed gift giving beyond plain old DVDs.
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Twin Peaks Fabric by Bridgeen Gillespie – from $17.50/yd
Test Pattern Pillows by Barbara Perrino – A fun nod to the television itself, and also a really attractive, bright, modern addition to your sofa! Or bed, or chair, or wherever you need that extra lumbar support to watch hours of tv at a time.
- Stoneware TV Dinner Trays by Uncommon Goods – Skip the microwave meals and serve mom’s finest home cooking in these ceramic trays. Dine in front of the tv without worrying about making a mess or missing an episode! Also helpful for siblings with OCD concerns about foods touching…
- Mad Men Game of Thrones Mashup art print by PJ McQuade – Cover two of Mom’s faves in one piece of art with this handsome tribute to Don Draper dressed for battle in the North! Perhaps the Starks could have used the assistance of an ad man on their epic Winter is Coming campaign? This scene probably already exists in Your Mom’s Sunday night dreams.
- Keychains by PeachyApricot – These artists have culled many gems from epically quotable shows like Parks & Rec and Arrested Development to create laugh-worthy shrinky dink keychains! If your mom doesn’t know what “#LiveTweeting This Bitch” means, do her a favor and give her the Mother’s Day gift of a lesson in using Twitter. Start by following Retta herself, (@unfoRETTAble), the actress who plays Donna, who is, in fact, hilarious.
- Twin Peaks Fabric by Bridgeen Gillespie – This illustrator has created a whole line of Twin Peaks-inspired prints! Order some fabric and make your mom a dress! Or an apron! Or a Double R Diner waitress uniform! For the less sewing savvy, perhaps some tea towels, or a scarf? Or if your mom is a super-seamstress, order fat quarters of each design and give them as quilting fodder!
For Moms Who Drink and Swear
Crotchfruit. That’s what Nicole Knepper calls her children. But then, you probably already knew that because you’re probably already a fan of her hilarious blog, Moms Who Drink and Swear. Take a peek at her recent post, 5 Things I Do Not Want for Mother’s Day and you’ll know why moms everywhere have wine coming out of their noses as they laugh along with her brutally honest take on motherhood. Check out the end of this post to see how you can win one of two personalized copies of Nicole’s new book (three guesses what it’s called).
My father in law used to say, “That girl is so easy to please,” because when asked what I wanted for gifts, I’d always ask for special time with loved ones. Dinner together, going to movies or hanging out was all I wanted. Now that I have two kids, I just want some time to myself. And I want some other stuff too.
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Image via Icons Jewelry/Shutterstock
Top Shelf Booze – Yeah, that’s right. I want a ginormous bottle of Grey Goose Vodka. I can justify buying a bottle cheap wine for myself every week, but spending SIXTY bucks for 1.75 liters of that smooth sauce would send me into a guilt and shame spiral so twisty and fast, I’d never be straight again. Oh but I adore it and I waaaaaant it. Gimmie Goose!
- A Date With My BFF: ME – I want a night out – alone. I want to stroll along in Lincoln Square, have wieners at The Chicago Brauhaus, and then tuck into a corner with a glass of wine and a good book at The Book Cellar. As Greta Garbo said so many years ago, “I never said, ‘I want to be alone,’ I said, ‘I want to be let alone.’” That’s what I want! Just to be let alone for a bit. With books.
- Sessions with a Professional Organizer – have a smattering of OCD and the attention span of a gnat. Not a good combination. I need someone to keep me focused and on task. I want Erin to hold my hand and help me tame the chaos.
- GF Cooking Lessons – A few years ago I was diagnosed with celiac disease. This huge change in my life coupled with my lazy attitude toward all things food has wreaked havoc on my diet. I need and want to eat more delicious food that doesn’t cost six hundred dollars at Whole Foods. It would also be nice to stop cutting myself every goddamn time I try chop shit up. I hope knife welding is part of the lesson.
- Love Letters – I love it when my husband and kids take time to write me little notes. Sure the ones made at school are cute and I save them (along with the coupons for chores that they never intend to allow me to redeem without whining) but what I really love and crave are the words that come straight from the heart. I love the scribbles and funny notes they create spontaneously at home or inside a silly card they find at the store.
For the Running Mom
Erin Shea Smith is something else, man. She is an accomplished writer, serious business lady, marathon runner, mama, activist and, most impressive in my book: she was never mean to me in high school. I asked her, as a non-judgy healthy eater and active person, to pick some gift ideas for the ladies in your life who have a need for speed.
Running magazines will tell you that running is a low-maintenance sport. The authors of those screeds have never met me. In addition to how incredible running makes me feel – mentally I have yet to find any exercise that leaves me as blissed out as running – it also sates my need to indulge in gadgetry. Most runners will tell you that watches, socks, hair bands and GPSs don’t matter, and sometimes they don’t, but a shiny new way to measure your awesomeness out on the trail is a wonderful impetus for getting your butt out of bed.
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Nike Element Shield Max Running Jacket – $150
Road ID – I have always had vivid, dark fantasies about my mangled body splayed out on a street, the result of a semi barreling into me mid-run. In the past I tucked into my shorts’ pocket a Post-It note with my husband’s name and cell number on it, but invariably it became sweaty and rendered useless. I finally splurged on a Road-ID and I love it. It hasn’t curbed my morbid tendencies, but it does make me feel better that should I meet a gnarly fate, my husband can be called.
- Smartsoaks – Not too long ago I was at my local health food store when I came across The Duggan Sisters’ Smartsoaks products. One use I was hooked. Pure ingredients and effective as can be. Plus? The Duggan Sisters are local, hailing from the South Side of Chicago. Muscle aches and pains need water therapy, and after a long-run day, a soak in a tub filled with the grapefruit-scented variety is a spa-like experience.
- Honey Organic Stinger Waffles – Long-distance runners are crazy about their fueling methods. While I’ve always stuck with Gu, when I come across it and have a few extra bucks in my pocket, I pick up these treats. They’re a satisfying snack and tasty as all get out.
- Sweaty Bands – Ugly running doesn’t bother me. Uncomfortable running does. One of my biggest pet peeves is what to do with my hair when I’m running. I’ve tried a multitude of contraptions, but none seem to work as well – or are as cute – as Sweaty Bands. I have invested an obscene amount of money into these things and they’ve yet to deteriorate. Best on the market.
- Nike Element Shield Max – I finally invested in a real winter running jacket this year. And in full-disclosure, my girlfriend works at Nike and got me a sweet discount. And while I know the cold weather is abating, this is the most amazing jacket I have ever owned, I wore it in ZERO DEGREE temperatures AT THE LAKE this winter in the dark and was as comfortable as can be. And because it’s on sale right now, I have to include it.
For the Vegan Mom
Before I knew Leigh Saluzzi as the co-owner of Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe, online shopping spot for all things vegan (now closed, R.I.P.) I knew her as a contributor to Send More Cops, a silly vegan blog I created and then instantly neglected. I couldn’t think of a cooler, more down to earth vegan mama to curate this list. Enjoy!
I may not know what every vegan mom could want for Mother’s Day, but I definitely know the kind of gift that I would want. Give me something fun for the kitchen I spend so much time in while making you delicious vegan meals, give me some adornments that make me feel pretty when I’ve been up half the night covered in toddler snot and haven’t had a decent haircut since the kid was born, and above all else, give me sweet treats all my own that I didn’t have to pick off the kid’s snack plate.
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Caramel-infused chocolate croissants – $15
Nutritional Yeast Jar by Vessels and Wares – If she’s vegan and prepares homemade meals, then she probably has a bulk bag of nutritional yeast in the pantry. This pretty “nooch” jar is handmade by vegan potter Jeanette Zeis, and has a handy scoop that attaches to the side of the jar. It’s pretty and functional!
- VGN Anchor Necklace by Mishakaudi Jewelry – This piece is cool and casual. I don’t need jewels to wear while changing diapers, I need a necklace that will make me feel like I put some effort into dressing in the morning and still look good with a t-shirt. I love the message, too: “Veganism is my anchor”.
- Wine Topstich Hobo Bag by Crystalyn Kae – So pretty and way better than leather, Crystalyn Kae glazes fabric to create a leather-like feel on her handmade bags. I’ll take this gorgeous wine hobo, please.
- Cinnamon Rolls by Cinnaholic – If you are lucky enough to have a vegan bakery in your town, then run there and get that mom some damn cinnamon rolls for breakfast! If not, then Cinnaholic’s got your back. You can order a half dozen or even a full dozen of the Berkeley-based bakery’s vegan rolls and have them ship straight to mom’s door. $1 frosting shots are also an option in amazing flavors like caramel, almond, butterscotch, Irish Cream, and Pumpkin Spice.
- Croissant-Infused Chocolate Caramels by Lagusta’s Luscious – Organic, fair-trade vegan chocolate is good all by itself. Hell, so are vegan croissants. Then Lagusta decided to go off the rails and take fresh baked croissants, blend them up with caramel, and stuff them into some organic croissant shaped chocolates. Lord have mercy.
Giveaway Entry:
This giveaway is now closed – winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered!
First of all, please be sure to check out all of these prize sponsor’s websites. Fan them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, etc. I couldn’t host amazing giveaways like this without them, so show them some love. You will receive one entry for doing each of the following – do as many or as few as you like:
- Comment on this post & tell me your favorite mom from TV, books or film.
- Use the Tweet button at the top of this post to share this giveaway.
- Use the Pin It button at the top of this post to pin a gift pick item or one of the prize pack images. (Please tag me @bakeanddestroy so I see it.)
- Grab an image from this post and share it on Tumblr with a link. (Please don’t use the Tumblr button above, it’s wonky.)
- Post this image to Instagram and tag me @bakeanddestroy.
I will randomly select two winners by the end of Monday, May 6th. (Contest open to those with a U.S. shipping address only, please.)
Atomic Prize Pack:
- The greeting card of your choice from Atomic Spinster
- A signed copy for of Moms Who Drink and Swear courtesy of Nicole Knepper
- A sugar skull hairclip/brooch from Hell Razor
- A pair of carved bone skull earrings from Misfit Garden + free domestic shipping code: MOMS1
- A sexy pencil skirt in your choice of color from On the Trashy Side
- Your choice of two prints from Miss V Babydoll
- Quite the sassy t-shirt from Delicious Dames
Turbo Prize Pack:
- The greeting card of your choice from Betty Turbo
- Your own signed copy for of Moms Who Drink and Swear courtesy of Nicole Knepper
- A Lucky Cupcake Hairclips prize pack that includes a rose necklace, hair flower & bow
- This awesome record cupcake stand by Dan Cox (hit him up on Twitter if you’d like to order one!)
- Super cute mommy & me skull aprons from Cupcake Provocateur
- This amazing cupcake print and iPad case from Everyday is a Holiday
- A pair of cupcake ankle socks from Yummy You
My favorite mother growing up was Morticia from the Addams Family. I know she is a fictional character. But she has it all, devoted and adoring husband. Two strange and unusual children but who love their mother very much. Plus she was beautiful, sexy and the glue that held the family together. I am a proud weird mama with a quirky 2 year old little girl that is as awesome as Wednesday.
My favorite TV mom would have to be June cleaver 🙂
Hey, Nicole…Make mine Ketel One. 🙂
My favorite TV mom is Samantha from Bewitched!
I tweeted the giveaway!
@burstofpanties
XO!
The best tv mom was Edith bunker. I hope I’m not the only one who’s ever seen all in the family. My father let me watch it which was totally not appropriate!! I loved watching it with mom and dad late at night and poor Edith put up with grumpy Archie but at the same time she was just happy if her family was happy and in the end that’s how us mammas r happy when the family’s happy.
My favorite TV Mom is Rosanne! I love Rosanne Barr- she’s amazing!
xoxo,
Tara O.
I love Mrs Olie from Rolie Polie Olie – but as an actual role model Morticia wins here too. Those two families are our family’s role models!
I have to agree with Marisol, Morticia Addams had it all! She was calm and collected, with a beautiful adoring family, gorgeous house and all the while remained deliciously sexy. She looked as if all daily life related mishaps just rolled right off her back, and she always had time to take care of herself. I’ll bet she never spent a day in baggy sweats covered in spit up, or if she did….she did it in heels with a martini in one hand!
peg bundy rules!!
I’ll have to say Morticia Addams. She was an incredibly graceful, calm, and supportive Mother. She also never lost her cool and always looked sexy!
Kitty Forman! Her laugh was contagious and her sarcasm was flawless.
My favorite mom growing up (other than my own, obviously!) was Amy from boy meets world, and a close second runner up of Theda Funnie, from the nick show “Doug” lol
My favorite TV mom is Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. She always seemed like the most fun mom ever!
June Cleaver because my Mom really was like her. And now, when my husband tells people that’s what I’m like, I have to admit I’m flattered.
I Tweeted, Pinned, and Tumbled! 😉
Can Joan Crawford count? Faye Dunaway playing her in Mommie Dearest was amazing. And made me thankful my mom didn’t beat me with a can of Comet.
Molly Weasley. Not only did she deliver 7 children and make it look so simple to take care of the entire household, but she also took care of anyone who entered her presence.
Peggy bundy rules
My favorite mother growing up was actually Endora from Bewitched! She just wanted her daughter to be awesome and use the powers that she had….and she had a quirky way to go about it….AND….Fabulous eye shadow!
My favorite TV mom was Lorelai Gilmore for Gilmore Girls – I just adored that show!
My favorit TV mom was Patty Chase from My So-Called Life. She reminds me of my mom. One part over protective, one part cool as hell, all done out of experience and love.
This is a no-brainer for me!… Definitely PEG BUNDY! The cheetah print, the hair and the sassy attitude!… I love it!
My favorite TV mom is Roseanne! I love her and her sense of humor!
favorite tv mom would have to be Marge Simpson.
Favorite mom= Roseanne….hands down!!!
My favorite TV Mom is Lois Griffin from Family Guy 🙂
Favorite movie mom: Dola the air pirate from Castle in the Sky.
Roseanne! She was smart, sassy, witty and through the television she showed women around the world you didn’t have to be the parent society wanted you to be, but to just be you.
Oh what a hard question! Off the top of my head I’d say Marie Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond. I’d hate to have a mother-in-law like her but I loved watching her! 🙂
Marge Simpson because she is always so understanding and caring and just wants her family to be happy no matter how much they screw up and like a true mother she is the glue to her family. And I couldn’t pick just one (I’m a bit of a TV Casualty), Lorelai Gilmore because she is always straddles the roles of mom and friend so well, she has an amazing relationship with her daughter and yet she is still the boss and fun and cool.
I love Kitty Foreman from That 70’s Show. She had just the right mix of homemaker, hilarity, and insanity (no doubt from being a mother).
Favorite Mom of all time was “Mrs. Cuttingham” on Happy Days! Classic but so sassy!
OOh! I have to agree- I love Kitty Foreman from That 70’s Show!
The best tv mom is Amy Matthews from Boy Meets World!!
This is a hard question…. currently my fave mom to read is Moms Who Drink & Swear…. because seriously…… Growing up, on TV, one of my favs was Dixie on All My Children – horrible, I know. …..
Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days. Loved her red hair (not many of us out there) and her mod style. She would kind but could also be tough as nails. And now knowing what I know about parenting, she was a damn good mom.
EDINA MONSOON hands down !! from Ab Fab (obv). That character was amazing and made me grateful for the attentive and slightly less hilarious mother of my own
Hmmmmm………I have to go with Dora the exporer’s mom, because she doesn’t do jack for her kid & totally gets away with it! I’m sooo jealous!
My favorite TV mom would have to Reba from Reba (the show). She was always there for her kids (and friends) and would help them the best she could. No matter what happened she found a way to deal with it and let her kids make their own mistakes. However my mom role model would have to Pink!!! I live how she’s a tough chick but melts when she talks about her daughter. Plus she’s proof you can be strong and sweet…and she has kick a$& tattoos!!
Clair Huxtable! Smart and funny. I loved her. And “Bessie” Glass, (from Franny and Zooey) mother if many neurotic genious children, mainly because of her house coat with deep pockets.
My favorite mom from TV is Virginia Chance from Raising Hope. Just the right mix of crazy and humor.
Kitty Foreman for sure!! She had the best laugh and could smile her way through whatever bulls$&@ that her kids threw her way!!:)
My favorite mom is Marge Simpson. Always loved her.
Claire Huxtable, she was smart, successful, understanding and she laid down the law. Plus she was a classy lady in a way that I will never be.
My favorite mom is Mrs. Jetson. She had it goin’ on!
My favorite Mom from TV is Morticia…
Claire Dunphy!
My fav tv mom would have to be Marge Simpson!!! 3 kids and a man child… I can totally relate!
Amy Roloff from Little People Big World. She’s a little person and raised 4 kids while I’m struggling with 1…!!!
My favorite Mom was Patty Chase from My So-Called Life. She reminded me so much of my own mom – the breadwinner, tough but loving. And of course, I thought I WAS Angela Chase as an angsty teen!
Roseanne! I also like Patricia Heaton from The Middle, she is so relatable.
I always wanted to be Morticia Addams growing up – she was cool, sexy, fun… doesn’t get much better than that.
Lorelei from Gilmore Girls. Thanks for such a great giveaway.
One of my favorite fictional moms is Claire Huxtable from “The Cosby Show” — smart, funny, sassy — all around great!
I have also tweeted, pinned, posted on Instagram and shared on Tumblr.
Thanks!
My favorite tv mom from back in the day was Rosanne and my favorite tv mom from today is Claire Dunphy from Modern Family. Both are hilarious, tough when when they need to be but love their kids more than anything and will defend them to no end.
So…my favorite TV mom? Mama Bear. From Little Bear, the kids show. When I was in high school I got home schooled for a year. That meant as long as I completed the crap work in my books I would pass.
So, I woke up early and spent all morning watching Nick Jr and usually did my schoolwork at 10pm. And you know what? Little Bear’s mom? She was really cool.
My favorite mom is Molly Weasley. Her house is crazy, but she has enough love for everyone and is fiercely protective!
My favorite fictional mom would have to be Kitty from that 70’s show. She was always so wonderfully adorable and cheeky at the same time. And while being the perfect housewife, kept her man in check when it was needed.
Roseanne! She’s just like my mommy.
I love Amy Matthews the mom on Boy Meets World!
My favorite TV mom was Peggy Bundy. She was very fair and put up with a ton of shit from Al. She was a straight shooter in the truest sense.
This is awesome! And I’m thrilled to see my Twin Peaks fabrics mentioned for the TV Casualty Mom!
I’m not UK based so sadly I’m not in the running for the give-away, but my favourite TV mom at the moment is Mrs Cooper, Sheldon’s mom in Big Bang Theory- she’s a perfect foil for him!
Marge from the Simpsons. She puts up with a lot of shit and rarely loses her cool!
My favorite mom is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s mom.
Nancy Botwin from weeds
Lucille Bluth, hands down.
Gonna have to go with The Mom from the Cartoon Bobby’s World! “don’t ‘cha know”
It has to be Roseanne. I didn’t grow up watching her but I knew about the show. When I moved to America, I finally watched it. I remember the day, I was alone and grumpy from being 5 months pregnant and channel surfing when I saw there was a marathon on. I laughed, I cried and I absolutely loved that they showed a positive and strong female lead in a show here. If I’m letting everything get to me, I just watch Roseanne everytime now because I know that I’ll be laughing by the end!
Good luck everyone ♥
Joyce Summers, from Buffy. So clueless, but so badass with an axe.
Elyse Keaton. She was the best. She always knew just what to say and made being a working mom seem effortless.
My favorite mom from tv is Lois from Malcolm in the Middle! She don’t give a shit, and she don’t take no shit.
My favorite Tv mom was Roseanne. She reminded me of my mom. The neighborhood kids called her Josanne.
I love “Marmy” from Little Women : )
Gemma on Sons of Anarchy. Sure she’s a meddling bitch at times, but she’ll defend her family until the death….literally!
Gloria, Sophia Vergara, Modern Family. Love her accent.