While it might be tempting to shop for a gift with a big wow factor this Mother’s Day, why not spring for something practical—an item your mom will actually use on a regular basis?
12.04.2024 - 20:37 / forbes.com
For adventurous moms who love the outdoors, get them something they really want this year. Rather than the traditional flowers, perfume, or home goods route, why not show the intrepid mothers in your life how much you really see them and care about their interests and passions?
Whether heading to the local trail for a day hike, public lands for an overnight adventure, or the backcountry for a longer multi-day hiking trip, trail mavens will appreciate anything on the below list, curated specifically for backpackers who are interested in lightweight and hard-wearing gear.
Anyone who has been backpacking for a while knows that it’s important to always bring along rain gear, even if you don’t think a downpour is in the cards. The Women’s Dew Point Jacket from SITKA, which is waterproof and lightweight, has an adjustable hood, deep front pockets, and an cinchable waist. Pair the jacket with the matching Women’s Dew Point Pant, which is also packable, durable, and waterproof, and your mom will be good to go.
Available at www.sitkagear.com.
As the weather warms up and your mom starts planning her next big trek, make sure she’s ready with one of the best lightweight packs for backpacking. Exped’s Lightning 45 is only 39.9 ounces yet it’s big enough to carry everything she’ll need while on an overnight adventure. This bag is water-repellent with a roll top closure. Plenty of pockets, including useful ones on the hip belt, are standouts and it comes in two different colors—black or forest. Bonus: the women’s version of this pack has shorter shoulder straps and hip belt for a better fit. If she’s trying to shed some weight, but needs a sturdy bag, this is it!
Available at www.expedusa.com .
Just because your mom is camping, it doesn’t mean she’ll have to be filthy the whole time. It’s easy enough to bring along a lightweight towel and small bar of eco-soap so that she can clean up on-the-go. Or, if she’d rather eschew bathing while on the trail, she can always use this towel as a picnic blanket or place to spread out her gear. The Ultralight Towel from Nomadix is everything she’ll need in an absorbent cloth: it’s packable, odor-resistant, quick-drying, soft, and it comes in over a dozen different fun colors.
Available at www.nomadix.co.
The new Sherpa Collection from LEKI offers a lightweight pole that is good for year-round adventures—yes, you read that right! Whether your mom loves to tackle the slopes in the wintertime or hike to the top of mountains in warmer weather when the wildflowers bloom, these poles are sturdy and up to the task.
The Sherpa FX Carbon sticks are lightweight, foldable into three sections, and incredibly durable—even on those long multi-day backpacking trips where poles are needed
While it might be tempting to shop for a gift with a big wow factor this Mother’s Day, why not spring for something practical—an item your mom will actually use on a regular basis?
Coolibar makes three items that are fashionable, fit moms of all size, and best of all, offer UPF 50+ protection. The Freestyle Long Sleeve Rash Guard is refreshingly different from the traditional form-fitting styles. It cuts a feminine figure that flatters, but a bit of flare at the bottom makes it loose around the middle. The side zipper stores your phone out of the way of movement and hides behind a fabric cover. This shirt is ideal for paddle boarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
Why experience the creations of one chef when you can experience a range of local and noted guest chefs plus wine tastings, seminars and other gastronomic treats? That’s the ethos of an enticing food festival and it’s even better when it’s located in a destination that is desirable anyway as a holiday spot. Here are some of the best festivals in, and just outside of, the U.S.
That hottest club in town is Cookbook Club! And whether mom is in one right now, thinking or starting one or joining one, these gifts will help her prep for the most delicious social gathering of the 2020s. Prepare to be lauded as the best child (or spouse) of this cookbook club member, because these gifts are perfect.
Traveling can be hard on the skin. Your travel-loving mom probably knows this all too well. However, with the right lotion, there’s no need to worry. Here is a carefully selected variety of skin-nourishing lotions to help your mom maintain hydrated and healthy skin in any climate.
If mom’s idea of a great getaway is using someone else’s kitchen to prepare lavish feasts, well, celebrate that. Especially if you’re invited on the trip! Rental properties are notorious for having dangerously dull knives, a lack of specialty kitchen equipment and often a selection of essentially much more stark than what was promised. Help mom feel prepared and pampered in any kitchen with these great gifts for cooks who love to chef it up at an Airbnb, VRBO or any rental home away from home.
Travel can be a hair-raising experience. Or a hair-flattening one.
If your travel-loving mom loves painting her nails before or during her travels, she’ll love to open her Mother’s Day gift and see nail polishes in colors just right for her. These vegan, cruelty-free nail polish options can help make your mom’s life more colorful and fun. Also, nail polish is a gift that can last for months or even years, and your mom is sure to think of you and remember your thoughtfulness every time she goes to choose one of her favorite shades.
There’s much to consider when selecting a running shoe. Will you be running on the pavement, a treadmill, or a crushed-gravel trail? Is it more important for a shoe to be lightweight for competing or cushioned for comfort and knee relief? Is your gate neutral or does over pronation occur?
Packing healthy and nutritious snacks for the road helps travelers to avoid high-sodium and high-fat food often sold in airports. From snacks to supplements, beating jet lag and keeping a wellness routine going on the road are easier with the right diet and exercise. These products make great gifts for the frequent-traveling moms in your life.
Dinner out is always a welcome gift and it’s an even better one for mothers who stay up to date on New York’s restaurant scene and want to try the ones most in demand. Getting those top tables is tough, though, even if you follow to the second the advice on the booking platform Resy about when reservations drop. (Part of the gift, then, might also be handling the reservation process instead of leaving it to your mom. )
Show Mom your love and consideration for her frequent travel with these clever and convenient travel gadgets and gear that can make her time on the road easier. From health and wellness to traveling more efficiently, these are some great Mother’s Day gifts for the regularly traveling moms you know.