Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2014

A dozen beautiful, tasteful, and practical gifts perfect for Vancouver moms

Moms deserve far more than just one day to be showered with appreciation and recognition, so make this Mother’s Day really count with some thoughtful gifts that will last well beyond a day. Whether you’re trying to say “I love you”, “I miss you”, or even “I’m sorry”, these gifts will carry your message to Mom with style and heart.

Click through to see our lineup of a dozen beautiful, tasteful and even practical gifts.

Date Night at Shangri-La: Movie and Dinner

The classic pairing of a movie and dinner just took an enormous, gourmet leap forward. The Shangri-La Hotel’s Movies at MARKET series invites guests to begin their evening with a glass of champagne and gourmet popcorn while they watch an exclusive screening of a movie in the hotel’s private theatre.  Afterwards, guests are escorted to the hotel’s private dining room where they’re treated to a gourmet four-course dinner at MARKET by Jean-Georges

The Movies at MARKET series runs twice a month throughout April and June. Book quickly – when this series was debuted during Dine Out earlier this year, every event sold out within 48 hours of being announced.

Tickets are available by calling the restaurant at 604.695.1115. Check MARKET’s Facebook page for details on upcoming movies.

Price: $78 per person
 

Native Shoes

Native Shoes combine the best of both worlds: style and comfort. What mom wouldn’t love that? They’re quick to slip on, are washable and are odour-resistant. Made from foam-injection molded EVA and available in classic styles with on-trend colours, these are perfect for moms on the go.

Available in Vancouver at Walrus and Still Life. Click here for a full list of retailers.

Price: Starting at $60
 

Sephora + Pantone Universe: Radiant Orchid

Radiant Orchid is 2014’s colour of the year and Sephora has teamed up with Pantone to create the Radiant Femme Artistry Set, which contains everything Mom needs to get her face and nails looking great. This blue-toned pink colour is flattering on nearly all skin tones and gives complexions a healthy glow. This kit contains a liquid luminzer, liquid eyeliner, cream blush, lipstick, nail laquer and a cosmetic pouch to keep it all organized.

Available online and in-store at Sephora.

Cost: $90
 

Canada Goose Ridge Shell

If your mom is a super fan cheering you on (you’re number one in her heart) even when it’s wet out, keep her dry with this Canada Goose Shell. It’s completely waterproof, breathable and highly adaptable so it fits perfectly. It also comes in a range of beautifully saturated colours, from cheery brights to classic neutrals.

Click here for a list of retailers.

Cost: $650
 

Victorinox Swiss Army Watches

Sure, these Victorinox watches will help Mom keep track of time, but they’re also gorgeous as a fashion accessory that will help elevate any outfit, even if your mom lives in active wear. The designs are classic and since they’re Swiss Army, they can take a beating and come out at the end of the day looking fantastic.

Click here for a list of retailers.

From left to right: Maverick GS, $450; Chrono Classic Ceramic, $625; Dive Master 500,mid-size, $795
 

Massage at Willow Stream Spa

For Mother’s Day, Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is promoting a mother-daughter package. With any two 90-minute treatments, you’ll both receive a complimentary three-course spa lunch with amazing options like a sushi and sashimi platter, bento box or tuna tatake salad. While you can choose from any of their 90-minute treatments, two favourites are their Ultimate Facial ($265) for firming and hydration, and their Pure Ener.g Experience ($245), a head-to-toe pampering that includes exfoliation and a massage.

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
 

T3 SinglePass Whirl

This deceptively simple hair appliance will have Mom ditching the ponytail in no time flat. This hair wand works like a clipless curling iron (but way better) to produce smooth, natural-looking beachy waves. Using this will have other moms secretly hating her for looking so good all the time.

Available online and in-store at Sephora.

Cost: $160
 

Fresh Brown Sugar Perfume

For a sweet-smelling gift, Fresh’s Brown Sugar perfume is a homerun. It’s modern and fresh, but conveys all the homey comforts you’d associate with brown sugar.

It’s lightly effervescent with a top note of sparkling citrus, then mellows out to reveal honeysuckle and peach notes, with a base layer that’s all about warm, rich caramel.

It’s a unique, happy and uplifting scent, without being cloying or generic. Fresh is a master of sophisticated yet accessible scents and this perfume is well on its way to becoming a classic.

Available in-store at BeautyMark, 1268 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver

Cost: $103 for 100ml or $56 for 30 ml

Dragees at Bel Cafe

If Mom has a sweet tooth, Bel Cafe has just introduced a new series of drageés, or candied nuts. There two varieties: dark chocolate covered hazelnuts and milk chocolate candied almonds – perfect for an indulgent protein pick-me-up. The hazelnuts are organic and locally sourced from Aggasiz and all nuts are roasted, caramelized, coated and packed with love by Bel’s Pastry Chef, Wayne Kozinko.

Available at Bel Cafe, 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver

Cost: $8.50 – $9.50

Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Vancouver’s The Roof

A treat for all the senses, take Mom up to up to Hotel Vancouver’s newly renovated pop-up restaurant, The Roof, for afternoon tea. Once graced by royalty, celebrities and the social elite, The Roof remains iconically elegant. And, of course, it still has that killer view from the 15th floor under the famous copper roof.

The special Mother’s Day afternoon tea menu includes the hotel’s famous cream scones, assorted finger sandwiches, savoury bites, fresh pastries and a hand-rolled chocolate truffle station. All moms will receive a small gift made by the kitchen to take home with them.

Reservations are recommended. Hotel Vancouver, The Roof, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Cost: $59 per person

LUSH Bath Treats

Treat Mom to some quality “me” time in a bath made fun and fragrant by the fun and fragrant experts, LUSH. These limited-edition bath-time bubblies will soften her skin, fill the bathroom with a lovely fragrance and leave her feeling relaxed and renewed.

Pictured above, upper-right going clockwise: Inhale Exhale bath bomb ($5.25): Two gorgeous perfumes bring a moment of serenity, one half features neroli and rose, the other cedarwood, lemon and grapefruit; Rose Bubble Bar ($4.95): Cocoa butter and rosehip oil soften the skin while lemon and rose scent the bath; Wonder Woohoo Bubble Bar ($6.95): Inspired by Wonder Woman, this is covered in gold sparkle to replicate her gold tiara and packed full of sandalwood and bright Brazilian orange oil; and Secret Garden Bath Bomb ($5.25): Bursting with petals and scented with roses, sweet wild orange and rosewood oils.

Available online and in-store at LUSH.
 

Tiffany & Co. Atlas Bangles

If your mom is your world, then the Atlas bangle is the perfect gift. Named after the Greek god often seen holding the globe, this series pays tribute to elevated concepts of time and the endurance of classic elegance.

This new re-release is an update on the original designs (1995), now slimmer, more feminine and contemporary. Still featured are the signature Roman numerals, highlighting the juxtaposition of angular lines against simples curves that ultimately convey grace and strength.

Available online and in-store at Tiffany & Co.

Cost: starting at $605