Written by Jenni Keniston (an Earth-loving Mama of 3)
There are all kinds of loving, hard-working and selfless caregivers in this world who definitely deserve a little extra recognition this Sunday (and everyday). If you are struggling to come up with a fabulous way to say "thank you!", we put together a list of gift ideas here that might help.
Thoughtful, Low-Waste Mother's Day Gifts:
- Provide a Home Cooked Plant-Based Meal or Support a Local Restaurant (Make sure to cover all prep and clean-up!)
- A Potted Plant or Terrarium
- Herb Garden in Jars or Recycled Containers (Don't miss the Rising Sign Farm plant sale at Scoop this month!)
- Jewelry Made by a Local Artist (Bonus if made from up-cycled materials.)
- Personalized Loose Leaf Tea Set and Tea Strainer
- Unpaper Towels
- A Fun DIY Kit or Class from a Local Business
- French Press or Tea Pot for a Zero-Waste Brewing
- Reusable Mug or Bottle (Super cute to have children decorate or paint.)
- Bulk Organic Coffee Beans that come in compostable bags
- Locally Made Preserves or Condiments
- Local CSA Farm Subscription (Did you know that Scoop is a pick-up location?)
- Membership or Punch Card to a Local Yoga Studio or Fitness Center (Bala Yoga has three locations in the Seattle-area, including one right next to Scoop!)
- Membership to Scoop Marketplace - the gift that keeps on giving all year round
- Gift Certificate to a Favorite Local, Small Shop (Zero-waste Shop Suggestions for Seattle: Scoop Marketplace, Eco Collective, Out of the Box, or Public Goods)
- Locally Designed Tote Bag (Works great as a gift bag!)
- Plan a Weekend Adventure (Bonus if you take care of packing!)
- Donate to a Cause (Animal Sanctuary, Environmental Group or Social Justice Organization, to name a few options.)
- Cloth Diaper Service or Eco-Friendly House Cleaning Service
- Leaf Razor ("Ugly Ducks" sold in-store only at Scoop Marketplace)
- Almond Cow or Similar Plant-Based Milk Maker
- Clean, Cruelty-Free Makeup that comes in Low-waste Packaging
- Plastic-Free Hair Accessories or Brushes
- Stasher Bags or other Reusable Storage Containers
- Period Undies (Or at least a gift card so they can pick out their preferred size and style.)
- Second-Hand Books
- Pass to a Local Nature Park or Reserve
- Chocolate!
- Personalized Zero-Waste Spa Package - Here are some suggestions:
Just remember that a conscientious caregiver will always appreciate and treasure a hand-made, up-cycled or thrifted gift. It is not about the amount of money spent but about the thoughtfulness, personalization or effort put into a gift that makes it so special.
Avoid buying a traditional gift bag or non-recyclable wrapping paper and get creative! Reuse old gift wrap, recycle paper bags or newspapers, or wrap with a beautiful hand-dyed scarf.
*All linked recommendations are businesses and organizations that I personally enjoy and support.
Shout out to the Scoop's fearless leader and super mom, Stephanie!