As a new mom, I found my first Mother’s Day to be a letdown.

I had naively thought that it would be a day where all my anxieties and responsibilities would fall away. But that isn’t your reality when you have a screaming baby who wants to be held only by you. Despite my family’s earnest efforts, each gift felt like a tiny bandage on the gaping wound that was my maternal overwhelm.

So I decided to start doing Mother’s Day differently. If this is intended as a day for moms, I thought, then I’m going to do what I want to do.

So I decided to start doing Mother’s Day differently. If this is intended as a day for moms, I thought, then I’m going to do what I want to do. In all honesty, that was to put my “mom hat” down and just be Sarah. I also talked to other mamas of young children who know a thing or two about how they and others like to feel supported. Here are their mindful mother’s Day gift ideas.

10 Mindful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Give Her Whatever She Wants (Seriously, Whatever)

“Ask yourself what you need at that moment, and then go for it,” suggests , who runs a digital mom’s circle called at . She’s also, clearly, a strong advocate for moms getting their needs met. But this also puts the onus on the mom to know what she needs, which can be another responsibility at times.

Misjan suggests that if you’re the one trying to indulge someone else, there’s an easy way to make that easier for moms. “Offer a few no-strings-attached, guilt-free hours for whatever that mama wants to do. Maybe it’s a walk, going to take a movement class, get a massage, have a coffee in peace and quiet, or binge-watch a TV show.”

2. Home Spa Day

A mom of four, , author of and COO and co-founder of the business mindset consultancy firm Be Courageous, has received quite a few Mother’s Day gifts. One of her favorite celebrations to date was the year her kids created a home spa retreat for her.

“They provided services such as massage, hair washing, and pedicure. I even got a charcuterie plate to munch on during my pedicure service,” says Hermans. “The customer service was top notch!”

Just make certain cleaning up afterward is part of the services.

3. Wellness Getaway

It’s easy for Mother’s Day to become all about our kids. , mom of two small children and owner of in Los Angeles, decided to give herself the greatest Mother’s Day gift ideas she’s experienced to date—a weekend with a friend at a California-based retreat center.

“It was one of the first times I’d left my youngest overnight and honestly, it was wonderful,” says Varshney. “I needed that time to replenish–to not be responsible for anyone’s meals and have all my meals prepared for me, to soak in the baths overlooking the ocean, to read a book. I respect myself for actually choosing to do something for myself that weekend.”

4. Alone Time

Understanding that there is financial privilege in being able to attend a retreat, Varshney also suggests the partner take the kids somewhere for the entire day. “When do moms ever get to chill in their own house? Even something as simple as being able to sleep in is a gift,” says Varshney.

, a single mom of two school-age girls and author of , says what a lot of mothers want more than gifts is an opportunity to completely prioritize themselves and get a break from the mental load of parenting—even if just for a day. She also prefers to celebrate Mother’s Day solo.

“I typically opt for a kid-free mother’s day when I can. I don’t have a ton of support, but I definitely lean on the community on this day specifically,” she says. “So most of my highlights from past Mother’s Days have been solo dates and silence!”

5. An Overnight Indulgence at a Hotel

Yoga therapist and teacher is currently in the “thick of it” (as we mothers like to say) with a six- and two-year-old. She jokes, “If you are a mom of littles, and anything like me, all you really want is time away from your roommates.”

She suggests that you book her a hotel room for the Saturday before Mother’s Day, drop her off, and leave her alone. “Let her bathe and eat in peace. Let her sleep in, wake up, and go back to sleep,” says Jenkins. ‘Then on Sunday, pick her up with a bouquet of her favorite flowers and take her to brunch or a homemade picnic lunch outdoors. Mom will feel so renewed.”

6. Celebrate with Community

“One of the reasons modern motherhood can feel so stressful is the isolation that comes with a lack of community,” says Varshney. She explains that some moms prefer connecting with others rather than escaping to connect with themselves.

“How about organizing a get-together with a few close family friends?” says Varshney. “That way the kids can run around with each other and the grown-ups can have some time to connect. Extra points if someone besides the mom does the organizing.”

is a single mom of two, a self-care specialist, and best-selling author of . She likes to inspire others toward self-care found through community. Some of her more memorable experiences have been hosting walks, barbecues, and other mom-focused events where the entire family is welcome. She suggests including a mini photo shoot of mom, kids, and partner since, as McFaden explains, “moms are usually the ones taking the photos.”

7. Quiet Downtime with Family

and scholar spent a quiet and restful Mother’s Day at home last year in Harlem with her husband and son, Noble, who was just under one year old. To her, it was perfect.

Yoga and meditation teacher , who leads prenatal classes for the , also prefers quiet and simple Mother’s Days in which she has space for her nourishing routines. That typically looks like meditation and coffee and a studio yoga class followed by a long shower followed by time with her two young children and husband.

“The little ordinary moments are actually luxuries when we slow down and appreciate them,” says Narula.

7. Get ���ϳԹ���

“My favorite Mother’s Day is definitely the time we took a walk to a local waterfall with our dogs and the whole family climbed the rocks to adventure up the side of the falls,” says , speaker, author, and yoga culture advocate. “I love going to the nursery and getting a plant or flowers that we can grow from seed and nurture together. Or going on a walk in nature and sharing fun things we notice,” says Barkataki.

Hermans also has an affinity for drawing inspiration from the outdoors. “One year, my kids created bouquets of gathered flowers from the yard and neighborhood. Another time, the older kids watched the younger kids for a few hours so that my husband and I could do something together—we went for a hike. It was an absolute treat.”

8. Focused Family Outings

“The best present is always presence, to be honest!” says yoga and Pilates instructor .

She encourages families to ditch the screens and do activities as a group, such as puzzles and board games or getting outside and moving together. Her favorite way to celebrate includes quality connection with her three boys, including “making breakfast together, doing some yoga poses, taking a walk on the beach, and snuggling on the couch watching a movie.”

9. Handmade Anything

One of the most memorable Mother’s Day gift ideas that experienced was when her kindergarten daughter presented her with “the most adorable artwork. “There’s nothing like a present that’s made with love by my child,” says the holistic wellness coach for working mothers and head of marketing at Tasty Directives.

It’s not an uncommon sentiment. “I am a sucker for handmade gifts! I will gladly accept the tissue paper flowers,” laughs , owner of .

10. Recognize the Other Moms in Your Life

For years, Espinosa had found it difficult to celebrate the many amazing mothers in her life while she was trying to conceive and struggling with miscarriages. “My first Mothers Day was so memorable,” says Espinosa. “When I look at photos of the first year I look so tired, yet I was so happy finally celebrating a holiday as a mother myself.”

Her Mother’s Day tradition is to remind the fellow strong moms in her life that they are appreciated and supported. She usually opts for a phone call or some act of service. If a mother is bereaved and does not have a child earthside, you may still want to send her flowers or a card.

And of course, our most impactful mother-figures are not always the people who birthed us. Barkataki reminds us that there are many alternative forms of caregiving and encourages us to “focus on the role and connection rather than the title.”

The post 10 Last-Minute Ways to Spoil Yoga Moms on Mother’s Day appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

I gave birth to my first kid one week before Mother’s Day last year. Had you asked me then what I wanted for Mother’s Day, I would have said a poké bowl and a Mexican lager (or two or three)—the things I had been craving most after nine months of deprivation.

As for gifts that would make motherhood easier, I had no clue what those might be. According to the Instagram posts I was being fed at the time, that list would have included a trendy leather diaper bag, aromatherapy candles or bath bombs, and a jumbo Stanley water bottle.

Now, 11 months into my mom gig, I know exactly what I would have put on my first Mother’s Day wish list: gear to help me and baby get outdoors. What made my first months of motherhood both easier and more pleasurable was doing what I loved to do pre-baby—with my new family. That included walks and then eventually hikes, road trips to see friends and family, SUP days at our local lake, and new activities like stroller-blading (more on that below).

Getting out the door with an infant and keeping them comfortable, happy, and fed is no small feat, even when you’re just headed out on errands. Throw in an outdoor activity, and you best be prepared. To any new, outdoorsy moms making their first Mother’s Day wish list—or to the thoughtful partners, friends, and family members wondering what to get the new mom in their lives—here are six products that made outdoor adventures with an infant not only manageable, but fun.

Some of these items are admittedly pricey, but in my experience, well worth the investment. Mom hack: You can find some of these bigger ticket items in almost-new condition on sites like , , , and Facebook Marketplace.

At a Glance

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

A Baby Carrier Built for Hiking

Ergobaby Omni 360 Mesh

There are a plethora of baby carrier options on the market—from simple wraps best suited to toting infants around the house to versatile and burly carriers designed for more active pursuits. The Ergobaby Omni 360 Mesh falls into the second category.

This one-size-fits-all carrier accommodates a newborn from 7 pounds to a toddler of 45 pounds and has four carry modes (front-facing inward; front-facing outward; hip-carry; and back-carry). It also features mesh panels in the front for better breathability—key when you’re essentially carrying around a little furnace.

I started using the Omni 360 when our baby was around three weeks old with an infant insert (at 7 pounds and 19.5 inches long, he seemed to drown in the carrier without the insert). Getting the carrier on by yourself is a little cumbersome given the two shoulder straps, one back strap, and the main hip belt you have to buckle and cinch, but once you get it set up for your baby and your body, it becomes more intuitive. After one week of use, I had no issues getting it on and placing baby in it by myself.

And like a good backpack, all those straps and attachment points exist to take the load off your body, making the Omni 360 a great option for longer walks and hikes. I regularly carried our baby in it for 4-plus-mile hikes and experienced no pressure points, load shifting, or uncomfortable chafing.

An All-Terrain Stroller to Get Off the Beaten Path

Thule Urban Glide

We weren’t expecting to use the Thule Urban Glide before our kiddo turned six months old, since that’s when he’d be big enough to safely sit in the forward-facing, upright position. But this stroller is so much nicer to push around than the other stroller we own that we bought the Thule car seat adapter and used the Urban Glide with an infant car seat from day one. (You can also buy a bassinet attachment for this stroller.)

The three large tires—including a front swivel wheel that locks out—navigate uneven sidewalks, gravel and dirt trails, and grassy parks like a dream. While the Urban Glide is not as aerodynamic as the , which Thule markets as their jogging stroller, this model can also be used for jogging. It can even be used for stroller-blading—aka, rollerblading as you push the stroller—an activity that I’m going to take credit for inventing. Keep the speeds low and use the integrated twist hand break in the handle when going downhill, and you’ll have no issue keeping the stroller safely under control.

The only downsides to the Thule Urban Glide: price and bulk. It’s an investment, but we found ours secondhand and in great condition for $400 on Facebook Marketplace. It’s also heavy and doesn’t pack down as well as other, more streamlined strollers. The Urban Glide takes up the majority of trunk space in our Hyundai Santa Fe and doesn’t leave much room for other gear or dogs. On big road trips, we’ve started popping the wheels off (easy enough) and stashing the stroller in our roof box.

A Portable Sound Machine for Sound Sleep Anywhere

Roar Sound Machine + Speaker

Measuring roughly 5-by-2-by-1-inches, this rugged, waterproof sound machine-and-speaker-in-one is about the size of two decks of cards stacked side by side. This makes it much smaller than your average sound machine and even many portable, bluetooth speakers on the market. However, its diminutive size belies its power.

The Roar can blast noise—either one of the three integrated sounds (brown noise, waves, or rain) or any other sound of your choosing when connected to a phone via bluetooth.��It also has an impressive 20-plus-hour battery life. But parents be warned: Do not let this thing run out of battery while in use. On a few occasions we went too long between charges, only to have our son woken up in the middle of the night by a loud, female voice declaring repeatedly that the device had “low battery.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine how much battery life remains—there’s no battery life indicator on the device, so you just have to be proactive in charging.

That’s the biggest downside to the Roar Sound Machine: it doesn’t have a user-friendly control panel. It only features five buttons (power, play/skip to next sound, and two volume buttons), and these rubber buttons are black, blending in with the rest of the speaker. This makes it almost impossible to see the control panel in low light (as in a darkened bedroom or tent). I’ve learned to set the Roar to our desired settings before turning off lights to avoid fumbling with the controls in the dark.

Despite these shortcomings, the Roar Sound Machine + Speaker has become a must-pack piece of baby gear for any overnight trip or outing that will require a nap away from home.

A Thermos to Make Formula on the Go

Purist Maker 10 oz

��

I used the 10-ounce Maker for coffee and tea long before I had a kid, but now I use it regularly to make my son’s formula on the go. We learned early on that our kid was finicky about the temperature of his bottled milk. He liked it much warmer than room temperature, which proved challenging on high-alpine hikes in the colder months. At first, we’d premake his bottles at home the morning of our adventure, only to discover that by the time we fed him on-the-go, the milk had cooled too much. We finally wisened up and started pre-filling his bottles with formula and carrying hot water in the Purist Maker on our hikes, so we could serve warm milk on demand.

We love the small size of the 10-ounce Maker because it doesn’t take up much pack space, yet it holds enough hot water that we can mix it with regular water to fill two 6-ounce bottles of formula. Bonus: Purist makes three different types of lids that are interchangeable between their different thermoses. We like the Scope Top because it allows us to pour water into our son’s bottles without spilling or letting much heat escape in the process.

A Cooler to Tote Baby’s Milk

Yeti Hopper Flip 12

I know I’m probably preaching to the converted, but you just can’t beat a Yeti cooler when it comes to keeping drinks and food chilled. When I needed a reliable way to keep pumped breast milk cold on the go, this is the cooler I reached for. Any mom knows that breastmilk is liquid gold and you simply do not mess around when it comes to storing it properly to ensure not a drop goes to waste. The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 put me at ease.

It reliably kept its contents cool with two ice packs when I left it in a parked car for six hours during a summer hike. Just two gripes: The leak-proof zipper is burly—too burly to easily unzip with one hand (and moms often only have one hand free). And like all of Yeti’s products, it’s crazy expensive. But you do get what you pay for: superior cooling and a bombroof design. If you just need a soft cooler to store a few bottles of breastmilk, the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is overkill—I’d size down to the Hopper Flip 8, which would be less bulky to tote around. But if you also want a cooler that will fit snacks for you, baby bottles, and potentially even your breast pump parts, the Hopper Flip 12 is a good size.

A Folding Seat for Trailside Pitstops

Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 Original Chair

We’ve owned a version of this Crazy Creek chair for more than ten years and it’s been a staple for camping trips and lawn concerts. Now, it lives in the storage basket of our Thule Urban Glide stroller for trailside pitstops with baby.

There’s a lot to love about this portable chair, from its simple, lightweight design that rolls up for compact storage to its adjustable straps that make dialing in your optimal reclining position a cinch. I’ve used it many times to nurse our son along the trail, and even for emergency diaper changes—simply unclip the straps to unfold the chair into a flat mat. It’s not the most comfortable of Crazy Creek’s folding chair options, but it is the most lightweight and packable, making it a winning choice for moms on the go.

A Versatile Picnic Blanket

Coalatree Kachula Blanket

My mother-in-law gifted this versatile blanket to us right after our son was born and it’s become our go-to for outdoor picnics and playtime. Coalatree bills the Kachula as “the Swiss army knife of blankets,” an apt description for this blanket that can be converted into an emergency poncho via an attachable hood and pack into itself to become a travel pillow. Fully unfolded, it measures 50-by-72-inches, making it plenty big for two adults and a baby to sprawl out on.

I love that the top fabric (made from fully recycled materials) is a soft brushed nylon flannel that doesn’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin when he’s rolling around in just his diaper. It’s also water resistant, so you don’t have to stress about spilled liquids or baby accidents. My one gripe: the ripstop nylon bottom of the blanket is great for resisting snags, but it’s prone to sliding around on grassy hillsides.

The post What Adventurous Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Whether the moms and mother figures in your life are hikers, campers, beach-goers or birdwatchers, there’s a piece of outdoor gear out there that will make their next adventure even more memorable. From cozy socks to techy gadgets to mobile apps, these items will let your favorite people enjoy the great outdoors in style and comfort.

Tough Cutie Eve Hiking Socks ($25)

When you have children, tired feet come with the territory, so comfortable socks are a small but mighty addition to your wardrobe. Whether hitting the trails or chasing after kids, Tough Cutie’s lightweight hiking socks will keep your mom’s feet happy and stylish. They’re made from a merino and nylon blend and designed with features that support an active lifestyle, like targeted compression, heel and toe cushioning, arch support, and mesh panel ventilation. And they come in pretty colors, like lavender, cherry pink, and violet.

Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles ($150)

This year, Leki’s renowned Cressida Trekking Poles got upgraded with genuine cork grips, making them even better at absorbing moisture, reducing vibration, and molding to the wearer’s palm, all while keeping the wrist in a neutral position for maximum all-day comfort. Made for smaller hands and with a shorter overall adjustable length (35 to 49 inches), they’re quick to adjust, and the pair weighs just over a pound, thanks to the aluminum construction. Whether it’s your giftee’s first pair or a replacement for a worn-out set, they’ll also enjoy the comfortable straps, interchangeable basket system, and universal carbide flex tips that allow these poles to tackle any terrain.

Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier ($320)

The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier is an excellent gift for mothers who want a safe and enjoyable way to take their kids on outdoor adventures. As the name suggests, it’s a comfortable pack to carry even across challenging terrain, and the ventilation keeps you and your kid cool on the trail. Swapping the pack between parents mid-hike takes just a few quick and easy adjustments to customize the fit. For added protection, it comes with a stashable sun and rain roof, and with multiple pockets all over, it has enough storage space for all the daily hiking essentials. It’s a durable, quality-built carrier that will last through many kids.

Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binoculars ($175)

Every birder needs a pair of binocs, and the sleek, midsize Field Issue packs a serious punch with next-gen optics that deliver ultra-precise focusing and crystal-clear views of your mom’s feathered friends. These relatively affordable binoculars feature an oversized focus wheel, multi-coated lenses, twist-up eyecups, and a wavy grip pattern. Plus, they’re waterproof, fog-proof, and photo-compatible. Choose from two models depending on Mom’s needs: eight-times magnification allows for a wider field of view and has a more stable handheld image, while the ten-times magnification is for those wanting to narrow in on the finer details.

Merlin Bird ID App (Free)

Spend time with Mom without dropping any cash using Merlin Bird ID, a free mobile app developed by the that helps users accurately identify birds using information like size, color, date, and location to narrow down a list of likely species. With comprehensive libraries for geographic regions around the world, Merlin features stunning photographs and illustrations of birds, along with their names, sounds, and detailed descriptions of their physical characteristics and behaviors. It also allows you to use photos you’ve captured or record audio of the mystery bird’s song for real-time suggestions of who’s singing. User-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate, it’s a fun tool for nature enthusiasts to learn about local wildlife.

Cascade Mountain Tech Monahan Rechargeable Retro Lantern ($30)

Combining retro aesthetics with modern features, Cascade Mountain Tech’s Monahan Lantern is a practical addition to any camp setup. With up to 450 lumens of bright white LED light and a cozy tungsten-orange glow that will last all night, this lantern has an adjustable dimmer switch that allows you to dial the lighting to your needs. Plus, a built-in power bank keeps devices charged.

Helinox Chair One Camp Chair ($110)

Certain creature comforts matter after a long day of backpacking, and having a comfortable resting spot is one of them. The is a lightweight, durable camp chair that’s easy to sink into, making it worth its two-pound pack weight. For car camping and other outdoor events, it’s a no brainer. The aluminum frame and rubberized coating on the feet keep it stable on slick surfaces, while the breathable mesh seat offers good air flow and quick drying times. It’s easy to set up and break down, folding into its included storage bag for easy transport and storage.

Gardener’s Supply Bypass Pruners ($25)

Bypass pruners are extremely useful. This seven-inch pair is sharp, precise, and one of the few on the market sized for smaller hands. With a nonslip grip and rubber shock absorber that further minimizes hand fatigue and strain, these pruners are worthy of a spot in any gardener’s tool kit, whether they’re experienced or just starting out. The bright orange handles also make them easy to spot in the garden or in an apron, and they come with a plastic holster for safe and easy storage.

Dansko Professional Translucent Clogs ($135)

Dansko transformed the traditional clog with its bold color blocking and distinctive translucent design, adding a much-needed cool factor to this go-to gardening footwear. They’re a fun combination of practicality and style: durable and long-lasting, comfortable for extended wear, and versatile enough for any setting, whether digging in the dirt, shopping at the Farmer’s Market, or strolling to brunch. The tough TPU upper provides excellent protection for feet while gardening and is easy to clean, while the slip-resistant soles ensure Mom keeps their footing.

Shredly Biker Cham ($98)

Shredly’s padded bike shorts combine style, comfort, and functionality. The waistband-free design makes the Biker Cham easy to layer under baggies, and the laser-cut perforations on the scalloped hem add a stylish touch. Micro grips inside the hem prevent them from riding up during outdoor cycling or indoor training sessions, and the deep side pockets securely hold a phone and other small essentials.

Bern Watts 2.0 Bike Helmet ($90-$120)

The Watts 2.0 is an all-around hard-brim helmet that’s about as stylish and unassuming as a lid can get. This update features improved ventilation and a custom-fit dial, which makes it just as comfortable on long gravel adventures as it is on daily commutes. It’s even suitable for the ski hill: swap out the summer liner for a winter one, and your mom is set for year-round fun.

Uncharted Supply Vault 65L Duffel Bag ($159)

The Vault is a rugged, go-everywhere waterproof bag that can keep up with even the most adventurous mom. This versatile and durable 65-liter duffel performs on any outdoor excursion, from rafting to snowmobiling to road trips. The fully waterproof zipper keeps gear safe and dry, while three pockets (one external, two internal) keep items organized. Bonus: the air valve allows for compression of bulky items like blankets or coats to keep your load tight. The ergonomic shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and the included sternum strap converts the duffel into a backpack for longer treks.

Patagonia Worn Wear Repair Roll ($49)

Whether Mom’s dealing with a torn jacket or ripped sleeping bag, having a well-stocked and organized repair kit is a must for maintaining their kit. The Worn Wear Repair Roll is a convenient and compact solution that offers multiple configuration options, allowing you to adapt your repair setup to the adventure. Made of the same 100 percent recycled fabric used in the brand’s massively popular Black Hole bags, the roll contains a basic Field Repair Kit (with two sewing needles, polyester thread, and gear tape), plus a QR code to gear repair video tutorials.

Cotopaxi Teca Crop Jacket ($80)

Each windbreaker in the Teca collection is limited-edition and made from 100 percent repurposed fabric, and this cropped take on the classic version is cute, sporty, and fresh. It features the brand’s bright signature colorblocking in a flattering fit. The lightweight layer is weather-resistant and has elastic in the hood, cuffs, and hem to help keep the wind out. Cotopaxi also offers a lifetime warranty, a repair program, and lets you trade in lightly used Cotopaxi gear in exchange for store credit.

Ibex Women’s Springbok Short ($100)

Ibex’s Springbok shorts are well suited to trail running, scrambling, and any other fast-moving pursuits. Known for its high-quality merino wool apparel, Ibex used nylon and spandex in the shell for long-lasting durability while still reaping the next-to-skin benefits of their merino and Tencel blend in the built-in brief. With a 3.5-inch inseam that’s short but not too short, the Springbok highly is breathable in hot weather, and will be your mom’s summer favorite.

Buff 5 Panel Explore Cap ($35)

The Explore Cap is fantastic for running and other high-intensity outdoor activities because it’s made from recycled ripstop fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and UPF50 sun-protective. The inner band helps to wick away sweat, and the unique criss-crossed elastic cord closure provides a secure and adjustable fit for all head sizes. Mom can’t go wrong with this cute and versatile hat.

Dometic GO Camp Seat Heater ($80)

Dometic’s Camp Seat Heater elevates outdoor comfort, useful for everything from keeping warm stargazing to pre-warming a sleeping bag to staying toasty during sporting events. Used with a five-volt USB-A or 12-volt vehicle or accessory battery, this durable and water-resistant heater provides three levels of warmth with added safety features like an auto shut-off. A zippered carrying case holds the seat heater and power cord adapter so Mom can take it anywhere she needs it.

The post 17 Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.