The Mama Christmas Gift Guide-Great Gifts for Mom

Need some great gifts for mom to add to the Mama Christmas list? Check out some of these past obsessions of mine.

By obsessions, I mean ardently researched, thoroughly read reviews, and finally bought it…and now am a die-hard fan. (And Yes. I also am a Die Hard fan. #youngbrucewillis)

I sometimes use affiliate links in my content. This won’t cost you anything, but it means if you buy through the link, I get a small commission. This helps offset the costs of running this website.

One of my friends texted me wondering what she should put on her Christmas list. The December mystery, right?! Many moms have no idea and are just too exhausted to try and think about it after furiously compiling meaningful Christmas lists for their kids in time to send it out so relatives don’t miss shipping deadlines. Moms are also balancing ALL THE LISTS to make sure kids aren’t too disappointed in a sea of capitalistic wrapping paper, new sweaters, and thoughtful but “definitely not video game” books.

Sometimes–truth be told–we become the afterthought…even for ourselves. So, let me help you out with that and think through some great gifts for moms that you just might want to add to your list. And yes, some of these things are expensive. But I’d rather get one thing for my Christmas-Valentines-Anny-Birthday gift than a bunch of little things that are “just fine”. (Don’t worry. I’m making a “Time spent with” Gift Guide too.)

You just might want to copy the link above and shoot it on over to the person who wants to buy you a gift this year. (And that just might be your own fabulous self!)

1. Stylish Safety-Thousand Bike Helmets

Gone are the days of 80’s helmets. This thing is vintage stylish and sweetly comfortable. Your noggin’ will thank you, especially this spring as you try and get out and about for some fresh air in this pandemic age. The fake leather strap is comfy. I truly love how this helmet feels on my head AND how it looks on my head. I even just love the feel of the matte finish. It’s nice to touch. It’s the first time I actually feel like I look good on my bike and not just old slightly smelly workout clothes sporty. Thanks Facebook marketing for showing me this ad! (Seriously, I actually clicked on a Facebook ad.)

2. Indestructible Elegance-Sheertex Tights

When I was a teacher, I wore high heels and tights a lot. ( I wanted to dress up more to make sure I looked older than my high school students.) These tights are bomb proof. Well, not really. But they are–snag proof and pulling-on-too-hard-and-ripping-proof. Or catching on the corner of a metal desk proof. (That ruined so many pairs of tights for me!) Check them out on Amazon at the link in the heading or check out their website.

Snag your own pair and watch how much more you wear skirts and dresses this winter because you don’t even think about your tights ripping! It’s not an option with this leg armor.

3. Cozy on the Go-Packable Down Blanket

I usually run cold. And now, in the Northwest most of my friends gather outdoors. I carry around this small down packable blanket in my van so that if I ever think I am going to be cold, I can pop it in my tote and cuddle up when I need to. It is so cozy, I warm up right away and am so much more able to enjoy the gathering. I’ve used it at church when all the windows are open, frequently at socially distanced outdoor gatherings, and when we go out to eat–and it really is OUT to eat since only outdoor seating is available in our state right now. I got mine at Costco years ago for $20.

This blanket from Eddie Bauer is on sale, and it is NOT down, in case you are allergic. And the blanket below on Amazon looks comparable to what I have.

4. Bliss for your Feet-Haflinger Slippers

These slippers are the ugliest slippers I’ve ever owned.

These slippers are the most comfortable slippers I’ve ever owned. And moms need comfort and need foot support. That’s why it’s a great gift for mom.

I literally wear them Every. Single. Day. Except in the summer when I wear my “inside” Birkenstocks. Tell-tale sign #37 that I am getting old–My feet ache if I’m not wearing something supportive for most of the day. That’s when I discovered these sexy beasts. (Haflinger, it even sounds like a mythical creature that brings you comfort and joy.) I’ve worn out two pairs over the last 4 years or so. Get them. Wear them. Just try and throw them out when they get holes in them. I dare you.

Here’s a pro-tip: E-Bay or Mecari will sometimes have them slightly used for half-price in the summer. Hunt them there during the summer for some serious savings.

5. Glamorous simpicity-Martini Metal Craft

This jewelry makes me feel beautiful and capable. Martini Metal Craft is a one-woman powerhouse shop. Situated in a 100 year old building, Marijo Martini handcrafts every piece of simple gorgeousness by hand. Her pieces are classic modern styles that I find myself wearing with everything. Going for a fancy hike? Her earrings won’t get in the way, but make you feel dressed up in that mountain selfie. Attending a charity auction? Her necklaces will modernize that LBD you have better than new shoes. This stellar gift for mom makes her feel beautiful, and is at the ready for any adventure.

Support artists! Buy something handcrafted that you will use and love for years! Truly, I felt like I could give away 1/2 my earrings because I was just wearing the pieces I got from her. You’ll find a wide range of gifts in her store. I like these earrings, because they don’t get in the way of mask wearing. They are a glitzy topography map!

6. The Pants your Legs Dream of-American Giant

These are THE Pants your legs (and waist) pine for. I am wearing them right now. This isn’t just a great gift for mom, this is one of my favorite things I own. And when they get dirty, that’s the time I know I MUST do laundry. I have the AG hoodie as well, which Slate calls the “Best Hoodie Ever Made“. It’s great. But these pants are amazing. Better than bun tight leggings that remind me of how much I hate jogging. These joggers are for hiking. For washing dishes, dancing in the living room, and coco sipping around the campfire. I call these pants-Plandemic Pants. I call them put-on-your-trucker-hat-over-your-dirty-hair and throw some fancy high top runners on and you got yourself a bonafide outfit plan to feel not bloated and schleppy, but ready to rock and roll outside the crazy chicken coop of your homebound house.

Also, I love their mission. They have a veteran’s discount. They are made in America with a goal of improving our home turf industries. Seriously some of the articles in their catalogue (Seriously People! The catalogue used to sell things.) about American industry and textiles have made me tear up.

This company is what I want to support with my money. Their pants are what your legs dream of. Leggings are for nightmares. (Or at least my nightmares. I seem to have a collection of ill-fitting-too-thin-or-too-hot-leggings. And I always want to wear a long top to go with them, and the right pair of leggings and top are never clean at the same time.)

The price is a shocker, but I think worth it when I wear these babies all the time, they stay super black after many washes, aren’t too hot or cold, and don’t pill-up. My Costco joggers pilled after 1 wash. They were $12 bucks, but were essentially falling into that disposable fashion category landfill since they didn’t last and I didn’t want to wear the saggy raggedy looking breeches. Do NOT get the cotton joggers. It’s the pointe ones you want. The cotton ones are fine, but nothing like the pointe fabric.

7. Fabulous Books for Stocking Stuffers

Here’s a quick list of great gifts for mom that might be fun to stuff in her stocking.

1. Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side: Resource-Incredibly well researched book that provides quick thoughtful answers when your kids have hard questions. Stellar as a resource book.
2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: Fiction- This novel takes place during and after World War II. Though it takes place in bleak times, I found it incredibly hopeful and encouraging. Possibly a great gift for a fictional hopeful read in these dark times.
3. Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope: Non-fiction: Gorgeously written, this book is letters from an African American mother to her young son. This book was filled with hope, had me thinking about issues of race and being a mother, and was also pulling me towards Jesus.
4. A Timbered Choir: Poetry- For the poet who loves the outdoors, this is one of my all time favorite collections of poetry. Take her on a hike and read this poetry to her and watch her swoon.
5. Another Gospel: Non-fiction: This book by Alisa Childers just came out this fall and was a powerful read. It talks about Alisa’s own journey starting down the road to deconstructing her faith, but instead her intellectual mining ended up solidly rebuilding her faith. Krista Bontrager at Theology Mom offered an incredible 6-week online book group
6. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Non-fiction: Written by one of my favorite podcasters, check out this book that rounds up some of the greatest thinking on this topic. Written a bit like a “man-blog” it is very accessible and easy reading, but has powerful thinking and quotes from spiritual fathers. It’s a great season to un-hurry and sink into spiritual disciplines.
7. On-line Book Clubs: Great gifts for mom can also include a new book and enrollment in an on-line book club. This pandemic has created a lot of on-line opportunities that never existed before–like authors, theologians, and renowned teachers joining in offering on-line learning opportunities. If you are interested in biblical justice and racial justice issues, contact the Center for Biblical Unity. They have some great offerings this winter for on-line book clubs led by great thinkers.

Happy giving this holiday season! Try and shop local when you can! Our businesses need it. I hope you have a chance to spend time with those you love this holiday season–either over the airways or IRL! Leave a comment and tell me what is on your own Christmas shopping list!

Wondering what to give your own kids? Check out my gift guide for kids.