Biz Mama Holiday Gift Guide 2018: the gifts working moms REALLY want
Not a slipper or eye mask in sight. Here are the gifts that working moms are REALLY asking for.
BONUS: Look for the Mom-made tag for products or services from mom-owned businesses or designers.
Chaos Coordinator Tee (Banky Girl Creations)
Mom-made
What I move most is that this tee is equally appropriate for both home and work environments. Perfect for office casual day!
Lightspeed No-Show Socks (Sock it to Me)
Because as working moms, we always function at light speed. And like our kids, we never seem to have socks that match.
Most Likely To Microwave Oven Mitt (Blue Q)
Yes, we occasionally microwave meals after work. OK, we microwave meals MOST of the time (and are not afraid to admit it!)
Mother Tasker Coffee Mug (Mama Said Tees on EveryKind)
Mom-made
Show me a working mom and I will show you someone who is finishing up a work project, scheduling a kid’s doctor’s appointment and eating lunch — all at the same time. (I know, I know…we shouldn't be multi-tasking, but humor me)
I Should Probably Kick Some Ass Today Art Print (The Motivated Type on Society 6)
A gentle reminder for those mornings when you can’t seem to get anyone out the door in time (or fully dressed). Perfect for the office wall!
Fitness Classes (Fit4Mom)
Mom-made
Self-care is often low on mom’s list, so treat her to a workout. And baby can even tag along to some classes, so it’s like free babysitting!
MyWeek Weekly Planner (Crystal Ink)
Mom-made
We all have calendars on our mobile devices, but sometimes it’s nice to write things down. This planner highlights the “Top 3” for the day, helping to keep you focused and on-track when you get pulled in a million directions.
StitchFix Subscription
We are working moms. We don't have time to shop for ourselves. We haven't updated our wardrobe since before our first child was born. Please help us…
Black + Decker Cordless Hand Vac
I’m not one of those people that shuns practical gifts in favor of more “romantic” ones — bring on the small appliances! Since my two kids have turned my car into an embarrassment of snack crumbs, this one is personally on my list.
Note to Black + Decker: let’s keep it real, show us a pic of a mom vacuuming the back seat of her car and I guarantee you will increase your sales!
Gift Certificate for Family Photos
Mom-made
For most of us, our photo collection consists of: kids, selfies with kids, and random pics your kids snapped. Give your mama friend the gift of a lovely family portrait from a local photographer. BONUS: The kids will be well-dressed and well-behaved for at least an hour!
Chicago moms: shoutout for our photographer of three years, TK Photography
DryBar Gift Card
Mom-made
I’m a diehard curly girl, so I have no idea what a blowout is. But I trust my mama friend who insists that, after only 30 minutes, you will walk out of here feeling fabulous.
Instacart Gift Card
Shopping with kids in tow is fun — until they start fighting or throwing things at each other. Save your mom friend the trouble (and embarrassment) by giving her the gift of peaceful, online grocery shopping. (Referral link)
Exchange Donations or Volunteer Time
Mom-made
One of my BFFs shared a great idea to forgo exchanging stuff (since we already have too much) and instead trade donations with a friend. If you don’t already support a specific organization, check out Charity Navigator for ideas.
Another great idea would be to exchange volunteer time with a friend — taking turns to help out at one your favorite local organizations. Check Volunteer Match for organizations who are seeing volunteers your area.
The Gift of Friendship
Mom-made
And last but not least, we want the gift of friendship. With work, kids, travel, and other obligations it’s hard to keep up with even the dearest of friends. Call a working mama friend and make a date for lunch or coffee (or wine — no judgement here). An hour or two with a good friend is more relaxing and inspiring than anything money can buy.
Happy holidays to you and all my biz mama friends!
Note: these gifts are equally applicable to stay-at-home moms — we all work hard and deserve a treat! No sponsored or paid links, refetral links are indicated.
Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design is a nonprofit brand strategist, marketing designer and speaker. She also outfits kids of all ages in good design with her apparel line typebaby.
