Haute Mama! Stylish Mother’s Day gifts, sales + events!
April 30, 2010 by karenvitt
Filed under Neat STUFF
By Erin Flesch and Karen Vitt, whose moms are NEAT
Even though we may be guilty of hitting “ignore” on the weekly calls every now and then (or, um, daily, depending on the mom), or rolling our eyes every time we’re told to stand up straight and brush our hair, we deeply, truly love our mothers. Mother’s Day comes only once a year, but gosh darn it if those lovely ladies don’t deserve a heck of a lot more.
We know moms don’t care so much about gifts as much as they do spending time with their oh-so-talented and brilliant offspring, but the best thing about the ones who gave us life is that even the smallest gesture goes a long way. Whether it’s a day of relaxing, a pretty necklace they wouldn’t have bought themselves, or a mean drink out on the town, every mother out there deserves something special come Sunday, May 9.
In preparation for this year’s Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up a few cute local gift options that will make her smile even more than your perfectly on-key rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” at age nine. (Just kidding, nothing will ever be that cute again.) Here’s a look at our Neat Portland Mother’s Day gifts, sales + events guide!
NEAT GIFTS TO MAKE MOM SMILE
Geranium Lake Flowers – Mom will love the modern aesthetic and bright color burst of Geranium Lake’s “Sherbet Surprise” bouquet, a profusion of peonies, roses, orchids and cool branches delivered in an elegant glass cube at the super-affordable starting price of just $55. You have the option to upgrade for more cash money, but you really don’t need to – you know how moms get when we waste our money. Geranium Lake Flowers, 555 S.W. Oak St.; 503-228-1920. geraniumlake.com
Turquoise Coin Bead Necklace – Gift mom this delicate 14k gold and turquoise chain necklace by Robin Woodard ($88), which we found at our favorite art and jewelry gallery, Twist. With smooth beads of sky blue turquoise floating on a 46-inch long chain, mom will love its versatility – it can be worn at its ultra-long length or wrapped around the neck a few times. Mom also will love being on-trend, as turquoise is the coolest color of 2010, dontchaknow. Twist, 30 N.W. 23rd Place; 503-224-0334. www.twistonline.com
Effie’s Heart Hats – Top mom’s day with a pretty-yet-practical hat from Effie’s Heart at Bonnet Boutique. Perfect for practical moms, the handmade hats are washable, cute and comfy, designed with a vintage aesthetic and just enough flounce to make mom smile all spring. We should also mention they have neat screenprinted tote bags to match, and tons of other cute hats and accessories to make mom’s day. Bonnet Boutique, 412 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503-954-2271. bonnetboutique.blogspot.com
Kiehls Lavender Gift Set – Famed NYC-based apothecary Kiehls has packaged together a number of neat gift sets for mom, which you can pick up in the Northwest Portland outpost. Choose from a variety of sets containing Kiehls popular formulas for face and body, or package up your own picks. Our fave is the Lavender Gift Set, with lavender scented foaming-relaxing bath, liquid shower cleanser, hand and body lotion, Midnight Recovery concentrate, and line reducing packettes – all for just $55. Kiehls, 712 N.W. 23 Ave.; 503-223-7676. www.kiehls.com
Chloe Eau de Parfum Spray – It’s hard to find the perfect scent for mom. It needs to be fresh and clean, but also womanly and confident and representative of all her many sides. It needs to be something that will make her feel feminine, even while driving to soccer practice, y’know? Well Chloe Eau de Parfum Spray, the new Chloe signature scent, is the answer, and it’s waiting behind the counter at Nordstrom right now ($85-110). If you purchase the fragrance between now and Sunday, May 9, you’ll receive a free keepsake picture frame, too. Need we suggest whose pics to place inside? Nordstrom (five area locations), including 701 S.W. Broadway; 503-224-6666.
www.nordstrom.com
Fluxus Bias Wrap – Northeast Fremont’s newest style source Shop Adorn (recently relocated from North Russell Street) carries its bestselling Fluxus Bias Wrap sweaters in four colors, each of which are chic, cozy picks for mom. You can shop online, but we recommend going in person so you can also check out the in-store exclusive Nikibiki camis to wear with the wraps. Adorn owner Nicole Whitesell says everyone who tries them on loves them because they are one size fits all, super strechy, super long and high cut – plus made in the USA. Neat! Shop Adorn, 4759 N.E. Fremont St.; 888-654-0570. shopadornonline.com
NEAT MOTHER’S DAY SALES
Grayling Jewelry – Portland designer Katy Kippen says Mom’s Rule! Take 20 percent off all online orders now through Sunday, May 9 using coupon code “momsrule.” They’ll gift wrap your mom’s sweet jewelry gift in pretty box and ship it for free. shop.graylingjewelry.com
Ellington Handbags– Whether mom needs a handbag or a diaper bag, Ellington has tons of perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Shop for locally made leather purses, handbags, wallets and accessories, and get FREE shipping when you use the coupon code MAMAMIA at checkout now through Tuesday, May 4. We think most moms would dig this pretty dusty purple shoulder bag she can wear with everything and that will last for years ($149). or www.ellington.com
Loyly Sauna + Steam Special – This cool Southeast Portland spa is offering a neat deal on Mother’s Day gift packages. Come in and buy mom a gift certificate for The Rejuvenator ($99), a three-hour package that includes a 60-minute massage, aromatherapy foot soak, single-use rejuvenating mask + body salts, tea, sparkling water, and up to two hours in the facility; or The Reviver ($69), a two-hour package that includes a 30-minute massage and up to two hours in the facility, plus a single-use rejuvenating mask, body salts, tea and sparkling water. Pick up the gift certificates now through Sunday, May 9 and you’ll receive a free tin of body salts to use at home, all packaged up in a bag with a lovely card. Loyly Sauna + Steam, 2713 S.E. 21st Ave.; 503-236-6850. loyly.net
Moxie Mother’s Day Sale – Woo-hoo! The Moxie Mother’s Day starts early for Neat Sheet readers! Mention The Neat Sheet to save 20 percent storewide starting Monday, May 3 through Sunday, May 9. Regular folks will have to wait for the sale to start Tuesday, May 4 (suckers!). You’ll save on clothing, accessories and gifts from Matt & Nat, Level 99, Gentle Fawn, Bella Sisters jackets, Clair Vintage and tons of cool locally made jewelry – basically everything is on sale except local art and gift certificates. Our favorite Moxie mom gifts include vegan “leather” diaper bags from Matt & Nat (right), pretty locket necklaces by local jewelry line Freshy Fig, and comfy, sustainable slip-on shoes by TOMS. And if you prefer to shop online, get the same neat deal using coupon code “moms20″ at checkout. Moxie, 2400 E. Burnside St.; 503-296-6943. www.moxiepdx.com
Bunnyslippers.com – What mom could resist a pair of cute, classic bunny slippers?! Or frog slippers or puppy slippers or or or – you name it, the local online retailer carries more than 45 varieties of novelty and animal slippers. Save 15 percent on all orders from bunnyslippers.com when you use coupon code “MOTHERS2010″ at checkout now through the end of the month. To receive your gift in time for Mother’s Day, be sure to place your orders by Tuesday, May 4. www.bunnyslippers.com
Mercantile – Mother’s and daughters are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day at this classic downtown Portland’s boutique department store. Stop by Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for brunch and belinis, mini-manicures and $25 savings on purchases made this day. Mercantile, 729 S.W. Alder St.; 503-223-6649. www.mercantileportland.com
Agave Denim Sale – Agave Denim Outlet will hold a Mother’s Day sale 10 am. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Take a short drive up to Ridgefield, Wash. with mom and spend the day shopping and save an extra 15 percent on designer denim, knitwear and jackets that were already marked down by 50 to 80 percent. Agave Denim Outlet, 6210 S. 11th Ave., Ridgefield, Wash.; 360-887-5400. www.agavejean.com
NEAT MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS
Spring Bonsai Exhibition – Bring mom to browse bonsai at the Bonsai Society of Portland’s Spring Bonsai Exhibition at the Portland Japanese Garden, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9. Not only can you browse world-class bonsai from private collections, but there will be an educational table and live demonstrations on both days of the exhibition, as well as a marketplace with bonsai supplies, tools, and materials for sale. Maybe you and mom can take up a new hobby together that will lead to some post-mom day bonding, too! Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston St.; 503-223-1321. www.japanesegarden.com
YR MOM – Small Victories, a tiny shop for artful, handmade gifts located within Tribute Gallery, will host a two-day Mother’s Day event on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 that includes a 15 percent discount storewide, plus prizes that would make great mom gifts and a trunk show by artist Heidi Sowa. Enter to win one of the Mother’s Day gift prizes by posting a pic of you and your mom on the Small Victories Facebook page and RSVP here. Small Victories, 328 N.W. Broadway No. 117. smallvictoriesshop.com
Mother’s Day in the Pearl – Mothers Day in the Pearl – Shops in the Pearl will treat moms real good today. Stop by Mabel and Zora from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a Mother’s Day Special with champagne, cupcakes, flowers and a drawing, plus TV and wardrobe stylist Kami Gray will be on hand to share her style advice with shoppers. Neighboring shops Little Urbanites, Barre3 and Physical Element also will host Mother’s Day specials this day. Mabel and Zora, 748 N.W. 11th Ave. 503-241-5696. www.mabelandzora.com
Alberta Streeet – There’s a motherload of Mother’s Day happenings on Alberta Street – so many, in fact, we wrote ‘em up separately. From sales at Tumbleweed and Grasshopper, to yoga and sewing classes, read about all of Alberta Street’s Mother’s Day events and specials here.
Mother’s Day Dining Deal – H50 Bistro + Bar will host a Mother’s Day clothing drive to rewards mothers who help others (and really, do we know any mother’s who don’t help others?). All moms who make a donation of gently word work-appropriate apparel to Dress For Success Oregon at H50 Bistro + Bar from Friday, May 7 through Sunday, May 9 will receive a free entrée with purchase of an entrée of equal or greater value during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bistro sits inside downtown Portland’s Hotel 50, eff-why-eye. H50 Bistro + Bar, 50 S.W. Morrison St.; 503-484-1415. www.h50bistro.com
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