Although we always intend to plan ahead, we're often shopping for last-minute gifts. And here are our favorite last-minute easy gift ideas for moms this Mother's Day (or any day of the year!)! Note that if you're in Phoenix, we're also helping you shop local!
a class
My favorite thing to do is find a local class that either I know she'll easily love OR find one that pushes her a bit out of her comfort zone. Then work with her to schedule it!
Here are some class ideas in Phoenix -
Classic Cooking School: This place has been around forever, and that really credit to them having the absolute best instructors. They're knowledgable and patient - and also have a sense of humor! They have so many options (longer sessions or just one-off recreational classes), and many of them serve wine too. :) It makes for such a fun night with take-home recipes and knoweldge to last forever!
Coffee Tasting: When I owned a coffee shop, I insisted on serving Infusion Coffee because their owner (Patrick) knows what he is doing and does it for all the right reasons. He treats barista-ing as a literal science (and sport), and it pays off with the best coffee. He buys his beans directly from the farmers (at a fair price), and can often be traveling around the world hunting out the best beans. He has a beautiful lab in Tempe where he talks through all the different flavor profiles and helps you find one that you love. While he's teaching, he's enthusiatically talking about the entire world of coffee - science, community, agriculture, socioeconomics, culinary tidbits...any intersection. After my mom and I took a class a few years ago, we had a whole new appreciation for the art + science of coffee beans! He offers all kinds of classes - fom classes with certifcations to short tasting classes to niche private classes like 'latte art'.
Curious Nature Shop: This one comes highly recommended by a friend, and I'm signed up for a few classes already this summer! They offer the most unique set of classes - Taxidermy, Tarot Reading, you name it! I love it becuase it's the perfect way to push your comfort level a little in a beautiful and friendly environment.
a plant
As the proud mother of about 87 different species of plants, I can attest to the joy of receiving a plant! I'd suggest making sure you're careful when selecting one, so you can find one that perfectly fits your mom. Make sure to ask the shop questions about pet safety, level of expertise expected for care, sunlight and humidity requirements, etc. Also, take time to find the perfect vessel
Here are a couple of our favorite shops for plants + planters in Phoenix -
Plant Stand: If you want both an activity and a vast shopping experience, visit the Plant Stand. They have 'the largest selection of plants in Phoenix' (seriously, they do) and they have the best prices. There are literally multiple football field-sized greenhouses FULL of both your standard varieties and unique species. There are a growing set of planters to select from too - in all sizes! They also added a little coffee pop-up on site, so it's fun to make a morning of it!
Pueblo: I LOVE this place for planters. They aren't cheap, but they have the coolest ones! I have done a lot of plant shopping, and it's often so unreasonabley hard to find really cute house planters... but not here! I promise you'll be trying to pick from your top seven favorites every time you go in. They also have a lot of other unique gifts (supporting other small businesses!) plus a small greenhouse in the back. They know their plants, and they are happy to help you find the perfect gift!
a book
Is there anything better than a good book? NO. My mom feels the same way. So I love when I can find a book that she hasn't read that I can recommend (which is tricky since she's in like 4 bookclubs). Enter, the local bookshop (or Amazon if you're totally out of time and need to ship direct same-day lol).
Changing Hands: This bookshop is not only adorable (and has a bar and coffee shop on site!), but it's the best place to find a good book! If you want to just wander around, the place is packed with books and they have dozens of little 'staff favorites' signs with great descriptions. This is key for me, as I would literally read every book in the world if I had time... but I do not, so I depend on the experts. The staff are also super friendly if you're looking for something specific and want to just ask. And near the register they have a bunch of other little gifts that you can pair with a good read!
a bouquet
I know some people complain about receiving flowers these days... but REALLY? They are still the best. And you can find such beautiful arrangements - at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and even your local grocery store. Plus add the right simple vase, and you've got a beautiful gift.
Now... if you want something unique and live in Phoenix, I have another even better idea for you too -
Form Floral: OK I've written about this before... but I love these beautiful dried flowers, and they make the best gifts. They have simple vases in a few different sizes, so you can pick the right size for your perfect bouquet. Then they have a literally rainbow of flowers and plants to select from - with help from
Alright - I hope that helped you find something special for the most important person if you're shopping last-minute! :) Stay tuned for more Phoenix recs!
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