“I will look after you and I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say. I am here. I brought my whole self to you. I am your mother.” — Maya Angelou, Mom & Me & Mom
I grew up standing on a stool in my mother’s kitchen, playing sous chef to the woman with whom I share a genetic propensity for a big butt and an infectious laugh. We’d each assume our positions every night—mom at the stove and I right beside her. These nights together were some of the happiest of my life, and my mother and I like to recreate them even now, nearly three decades later, especially around Mother’s Day.
How do you repay a woman for creating such happy memories (and enduring however many hours of labor it took to deliver you to life)? It’s impossible—but, luckily, our local makers are here to help us try.
Here are 5 local gift ideas for mom ahead of Mother’s Day.
1. The Weekender Box Set from Kerber’s Farm
Remember how mom always used to make you pancakes when you were growing up? Well, this gift set from Kerber’s Farm in Huntington will help you return the favor. This box contains everything your mom will need for a special Sunday morning at home—or everything you’ll need to serve her breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day: Pancake mix, maple syrup, coffee mugs, hot cocoa mix, and oatmeal raisin cookie mix. What more could mom want? • $85. Available for purchase online or at the farm in Huntington.
2. A Candle from Hamptons Handpoured
Available in two sizes—3-ounce votives and 8-ounce tumblers ($12 and $28, respectively)—Hamptons Handpoured 100% soy candles come in an array of different scents, all of which are inspired by Long Island towns. We’re big fans of Sayville (Lavender, White Tea, Ylang Ylang) and East Hampton (Cashmere, Fig, Strawberry). • $12-28. Available for purchase online.
3. A Lace-Inspired Vase by Hideminy
Handmade in New York City, this vase is the perfect gift for a mom who likes to garden—and then bring the treasures of her garden inside. Stop by a local farm stand for some fresh-cut flowers to make this gift extra special. And spring for the good flowers! This is your mother we’re talking about. • $69. Available for purchase online.
4. A Cooking Class—Extra Points if it’s “Mommy & Me-Style”
Help turn your #1 mom into your #1 mom with knife skills. Check out Su-Jit Lin’s definitive guide to cooking classes on Long Island, and then find a class that you know mom would like. Learn to make macarons or Spanish classics like paella and sangria. The possibilities are endless (just like a mother’s love). • Prices vary. Available for purchase online.
5. A Pamper Session in Wine Country
Is there anything better than time with mom? Yes, apparently. Time with mom at the spa. From May 1 through May 19, the East Wind is offering a “Mom & Me” Spa Package for $339. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Taste of Tropics manicure and pedicure, and a 1-hour Paint and Sip Class at the Painted Canvas. • $339. Book online.
This story was originally published in April 2017.
