A year into motherhood, it still amazes me how little free time (and energy) I actually have at the end of the day for things like online shopping, Netflix, even reading other blogs. In fact, until the hubs asked the other day, I hadn’t even given a thought to what I might like (or need) Santa to bring this Christmas.
If you have a modern mama on your gift list, or also have a little one and haven’t had a moment to put your wish list together yet, here are 10 pretty and practical gift ideas.
An oversized leather tote to hold those essential items: keys, wallet, phone, a sippy cup, bib, baby spoon, snacks, pacis, hand sanitizer, diapers and wipes — oh and an emergency toy or two. This one from Cuyana is perfect — the leather is super easy to wipe down, the zipper closure keeps everything from winding up on the floor of the car and it even comes with a detachable strap perfect for cross-body wear.
A gift card to Framebridge — because every mama has at least a dozen photos she wants to frame but just hasn’t had the time for. They offer custom framing at affordable prices with free shipping, both ways. All you have to do is select a frame, send them your print or photo using the mailer they provide and wait by the door for your art to arrive. Framebridge is by far one of my favorite finds of 2016. They’re honestly the only reason why we have any art at all up on our new walls!
Tile, to attach to those critically important mom essentials that constantly seem to go missing — keys, wallets, pacifiers, baby shoes… and mittens! What I love most is that Tile will also find a misplaced phone, which comes in handy when a certain someone hides it between the couch cushions or in a planter. All you have to do is double press the button on any tile and the phone will ring — even when it’s on silent. #genius
A pretty hair tie bracelet for emergency mom bun situations.
This Bearly Awake mug to add a little humor to those tired mornings.
A pair of Manhabis slippers — Not only are they beautiful, warm and comfy, the detachable rubber soles turn these into indoor-outdoor slippers, meaning you no longer have to take your cozy slippers off to take out the trash. READER SPECIAL: Purchase using the link above and enter ELLE PENNER at checkout for 15% off!
Living Proof Hair Products — As a mama I can attest that one can never have too many bottles of their dry shampoo. The Full Dry Volume Blast is pretty great too.
A simple, beautiful, functional watch. I love this one from Arvo with the date and weekday windows on the face. Hooray for getting the kid to daycare on time and never mistaking Thursday for Friday again!
A delicious smelling candle for when the kiddos are tucked into bed. I can’t get enough of the Amber and Moss candle from the P.F. Candle Company.
And last but certainly not least, every modern mama needs a blanket scarf. In addition to keeping the bitter cold out, blanket scarves make great nursing covers, stroller blankets, even a makeshift pillow on an airplane or in the car. I have several — love this one from DeBrosseNYC.
I cannot live without LP dry shampoo- it’s a must and it helps keep my favorite mom hack (washing my hair only every other day) going strong. ;)
Love the dirty hair hack! #dirtyhairdontcare
Love your blog!.Great list, Elle!
yes to a leather tote! I just snagged a cross body Kate Spade that looks similar to the one you have here. It’s perfect for downsizing from the diaper bag! Cheers to a year of motherhood.
I made the mistake of using my suede purse as a diaper bag… DOH. Hoping Santa upgrades me to a leather tote. Cheers my dear!