Five Mother's Day Gifts for Moms Who Aren't Your Mom
The products listed here were selected by a member of the editorial staff. Should you choose to purchase a product through a link on this page, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Mother’s Day is a day we generally spend thinking about our own mothers. But how many of us have been influenced, raised even, by mothers that weren’t our very own? They, too, deserve to be honored.
The best way to do that is by giving them a gift that’s just broad enough to be appreciated but doesn't force you to guess their dress size or pick a hyper-specific option that might be a miss. The good news is that Sarasota’s shopping landscape has a lot to offer on this front. Here’s what we recommend.
Rattan Bag, Binjara Traders Local
$79.95
327 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 388-3335
We love Binjara Traders for special items that can’t be found anywhere else in Sarasota. This rattan bag ($79.95) is a perfect example. Handmade in Bali, Indonesia, this circular on-the-go purse is perfect for making a unique statement while being neutral enough to go with most outfits. The mom who isn’t your mom will love that you thought of her and probably sport it the next time you see her.
Gift Card, Bookstore1Sarasota Local
$25-$500
117 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 365-7900
What mom doesn’t want to curl up with a good book after a hard day’s work? The problem with giving someone a book is that it can be hard to gauge their reading tastes. Rather than do that, why not buy a gift certificate to Bookstore1 Sarasota? Getting to browse through Bookstore1 Sarasota’s spacious new downtown location will certainly be a plus. And if you’d like to both give them a gift card and pick out a book you think they would like, we recommend “Find Your People” by Jennie Allen ($25). Who doesn’t want to get tips on how to seek out a community?
Wooden Ships Crew Cotton Sweater, Foxy Lady Local
$150
Foxy Lady, 209 Beach Rd., Sarasota, (941) 349-6644
If you live in Sarasota, chances are you love the beach. How could you live here and not? Now, give the mom who’s not your mom an opportunity to wear her love for the beach on her sleeve — okay, well, close enough. This cotton crew sweater from Wooden Ships ($150) and sold at Sarasota’s Foxy Lady makes for a wonderful gift. It’s just soft and cozy enough to keep you warm but not too heavy for a 65-70-degree day. Perfect for our Sarasota winters, if you ask us.
Bubble Wall Flower Vase, Shoogie Boogies Local
$17.95
1919 Morrill St., Sarasota, (941) 951-5437
Home decor is always a good bet when you want to show someone you care but aren’t quite sure what to get. And we absolutely love these bubble wall flower vases from Sarasota’s Shoogie Boogies ($17.95), a unique cafe in the heart of the city’s art district. These bubble vases hang from the wall and make a statement in any room. The next time the mom who isn’t your mom has a party, she’ll get countless questions —Where ever did you find that?
Moon Coin Necklace, Pineapple Lain Local
$21.95
407 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 330-8771
This layered moon coin necklace ($21.95) from St. Armands boutique Pineapple Lain will leave the recipient glimmering in style. The moon-and-stars design offers a precious reminder that you have only to look up to remember the vastness of life. You may not be the child of this mom, but she’ll think of you you just the same once you give her this gift.