Coastal Collective Co.

motherhood

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Spring, Relationships, Fashion Blog Posts, Gift IdeasAnneke McConnell

Mother's Day has become one of those bittersweet holidays for me, recognizing the life-changing, yet AMAZING reality of becoming a mom myself, mourning with those who have lost their mother or even their own child, and those who have struggled with infertility.

There is this unspoken depth to this holiday, with women united in the honor called Motherhood.  So as I share some fun and pretty gift ideas to help you simply say how much you care for the "Mothers" in your life, know that it comes with this understanding.

Truly, the greatest gifts we have are the moments throughout the year together, hugs, experiences, and our health.

With that said, giving gifts as an act of love and appreciation can be downright fun!  If life has gotten a bit crazy (like we did with a kiddo getting sick last week) and you're looking for some last minute ideas, this is for you!

 

 

The Go-To: AMAZON

 

When it comes to quick shipping, I'm a huge fan of Amazon as a Prime Member - BEST thing I did this past year!! Especially since iTunes started charging for service, we now use Amazon music streaming as part of of membership as well.

Ha! Now that I think about it, I probably would be stoked if someone gifted me an Amazon Prime membership. That's just me, but think about it......2-day free shipping from one of the largest online retailers is a GIFT of sanity. Lol

I'm not going to reinvent the wheel, because they've broken gift ideas down into categories for mom's who love fashion, gardening, tech gadgets, photography, craft items, shoes, jewelry, fitness, books, etc.

One of my personal fave gift ideas from Amazon would be their endless options for gifting a magazine subscription. It's literally the gift that keeps giving all year long. And who doesn't love a little monthly Happy Mail?!  My favorites are Coastal Living, HGTVBetter Homes and Garden, and InStyle magazine.

Did you know you can even book home services like home cleaning through Amazon? #mindblown

 

 

THE GIFT OF TRAVEL

 

I don't talk much about travel here, but I can't talk about Mother's Day without saying a trip together would be the ULTIMATE gift!!!  I fondly remember trips with my mom, sister, and girlfriends.  One night away locally to a week long trip abroad would be wonderful!

I've found Trip Advisor to be really helpful and all-encompassing when researching for a trip.   When I was browsing around, I found this STUNNING rental in Maui!  Holy moly!! Grab a crew of friends to split the cost and have some fun together in Hawaii! I usually look for homes to rent so I can cook my own food. :-)

 

 

JEWELRY

 

Jewelry is such a classic go-to gift, and for any fashionista or sentimental mom, you can't go wrong with jewelry as a gift.  It says a lot too if you notice what she does and doesn't tend to wear.  For example, I'm pretty big on earrings (big or small), rings, and necklaces, but rarely wear bracelets or watches.  This is one of my personal FAVE jewelry pieces for daily wear. You can go with something trendy, fine jewelry, or even a coordinating set. Below are just a handful of ideas to get you started!

And how cute is this Mama necklace?! I love supporting small business owners, so be sure to browse around on ETSY!

 

 

Home Decor

I love to see things around our home that have been gifted to us over time from family and friends.  We have special coral from far away travels, frames, blankets, plants, etc. that mean just a little more because they were given in love and with thought for our coastal loving, rustic modern style.  Here are some home decor items to give you an idea for gifts this Mother's Day and beyond.

ShopBop

 

When browsing around I was happy to find that ShopBop is having a surprise sale of 40% off.  They have higher end, great quality items, so 40% off is a BIG deal!!! If you know your mom or friend loves good quality, this is a great place to shop online. 

Browse the Sale

 

 

A few other places I'd check out for gifts:

Kate Spade:  There are so many classic and cute items with coastal flair. I LOVE this pretty clutch with the turtle on the front!

 

Stella & Dot: There isn't much I don't love from Stella & Dot, from their chic (and SMART) jewelry, stylish purses and totes, not to mention some pretty cute tunics like the one below!

fringe tote

 

The Wild and Free Project:  I love how one of my go-to fitness gals, Alexa, has started this clothing line to raise money and awareness toward childhood cancers.  Straight from their website:

"The Wild and Free Project is founded on strong moral principles, dedicated to making a positive impact on the greater community. Through our 'Wild & Free" Movement, we are committed to supporting charitable organizations who fulfill a critical role promoting high quality programs in health-related areas such as childhood cancer. And through The Wild and Free Project, we strive to help these organizations bring encouragement to individuals battling critical health problems. 

We hope that you will join us in our ‘Wild and Free’ movement to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer. 25% of profits goes straight to CureSearch for Children's Cancer and the Kylie Rowand Foundation built on a mission to spread awareness, raise funds for promising, less toxic treatments as well as raise funds for children and their families currently fighting childhood cancer."

I love supporting companies like this that in turn significantly help children and families going through extremely challenging times.  My favorite item from the Wild and Free Project has to be the t-shirt below, but they have options for women, men, AND children! Check it out!

 

Nordstrom: 

Probably one of my favorite online retailers in general, Nordstrom is a great place to find gifts of all kinds and various price points.  If your mom or friend is a coffee lover like me, you need to check out this pretty MOM mug!! And don't forget the chocolate. ;-)

Ok, so here are just a few recommendations to check out at Nordstrom.

 

I personally wouldn't mind a gift card for garden flowers, or DIY supplies, but you know the mothers in your life best, so go with your heart, and spoil her with love this Mother's Day!

Navy and White Living Room Design + A Style Update!

Fashion, Edesign, Coastal Interiors, Handbags, Interiors, Living Room, SummerAnneke McConnell

via: S.B. Long Interiors

Navy and white/cream tend to be my staples in design as classic coastal colors.  They are what ground a design at the core and then work out from there.  By adding plants and a pop of warm color, you're on your way to coastal design that not only welcomes the day to day, but is beautiful and functional as well.  As someone with three young kiddos, I swear by white slipcovered sofas that can be easily washed.  They are deceivingly impractical, but are more of a life-saver than anything!

Today's living room design features a classic roll arm sofa, gold metals, ikat, stripes, and bold saturated color.  That HUGE beautiful floor mirror (  is a favorite piece carved of mango wood in a lattice pattern and whitewashed finish.  I can never get enough whitewash you guys.  Back when I was painting furniture more frequently, it was my go-to. No surprise there!  Anyhow, this mirror would reflect the light of a room beautifully, making the room feel dramatically larger.

*For details on the items used in this design, click the photo or descriptions below.

 

On the fashion front, I think I found what is going to be my "go-to" sandals for Spring and Summer.  They are not too high, super comfortable for running around in general, and I prefer the wrapped front across the top of the foot for support. 

IMG_4373.JPG

tan sandals / black booties / black handbag / pendant necklace

On another note, I'm a bit ecstatic because I finally found a pair of black distressed denim that fits my petite, curvy self. Lol I rarely order jeans online because the struggle is REAL.  Imagine my surprise when these pair I ordered fit on the first try! 

sweater (sold out: similar) / black and white jacket / black denim / tan suede heels

I instantly fell in love with this lace trim tee as soon as I tried it on. It's soft, has a good fit, can be tucked into the front of jeans, is long enough to wear with leggings, be layered, and more. Talk about a wonderfully versatile shirt!  The lace trim definitely makes me feel a little more fancy on a casual day with mom duties. ;-) Lol

If you haven't heard it yet today, YOU are beautiful. I mean it.

A lovely follower I know personally, also the mother of two kids (one a newborn!), left me a comment on instagram saying, "You give me hope I can look put together again someday!".

It instantly made me think of the days when our youngest was a baby and he literally spit up down my back every single day.  Every day you guys. Too much information?  Well.....that's just real life sometimes!

I loved fashion back then, but I certainly had a TON of extra tees stocked in our car!  I love sharing and inspiring, putting outfits and designs together, but don't think I don't have real life messes where I wear paint clothes and whatnot.

It's all about dressing for the occasion in my "rule book".

 

Have a LOVELY day!

xo,

Anneke

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