Favorite Online & Indie Sources for Mother’s Day Gifts

This painful recession has brought its own gift: a new awareness and consciousness about the things we buy. Indie was becoming important before, but its meaning is doubled now as we make efforts for unique, meaningful, made-by-a-real-somebody purchases. Here are some of my favorite shops that offer finds in those categories. Perfect online destinations for gift shopping for Mother’s Day:

I don’t need to mention – again – that I am a huge fan of Cambria Cove, the best and most beautiful gift catalog around. So much to choose from here, but I would immediately recommend the iPouch wallet, which I received for Christmas and now carry around (for quick errands and for evenings out) in favor of my large handbag. Love, love, love it. But if I were to order my own gift for Mother’s Day, it would be the Ballet Pink Toggle Necklace or the Waxing Poetic bangle with initial charms. Among others…

Wickedly Chic, the protagonist for independent artisans, designers and businesses is featuring select indie artists and retailers in its Mother’s Day gift guide. Miss Malaprop and Barefoot Bling are two of the fun shops featured here. There are more shopping ideas throughout the site. Visit the homepage here.

I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve just discovered the Daily Grommet site. I didn’t think that I had been living under a rock, but apparently… Anyhoo, if it’s new to you too, Daily Grommet features one product a day AND its story in a short video that explains the product itself, talks about the creators and the inspiration. All Daily Grommet picks are fantastic. The Mother’s Day Gift Guide can be accessed from their blog but shop anywhere on the site for great ideas. I have a penchant for the Kiku Handmade glass belt buckles among some of their other seriously fabulous finds. Go here for the main website.

Etsy is a classic place to shop for the mom who prefers to go all indie. The site has gotten so large that it can be overwhelming. But, here is their Mother’s Day Showcase, as they call it, filled with lots of magnificent choices. The gift guide is refreshed daily (what a job that is!) so you’ll never know what you will find. A fun treasure hunt, I think.

1ooo Markets is another great resource for artisan & handmade gift ideas. I have too many favorite 1000 Markets shops to name them all, but here are just a couple: InfraredStudio designs lots of simply beautiful pieces, but the laser cut earrings are striking. I’m in love with On Slender Threads as well. I own one of her pieces and gave one to my mom last Mother’s Day. Every mantle, wrap is knitted with perfection and love. Gorgeous, wearable, comforting pieces.

I’ll leave it up to you to discover the other wonders in these sites. At least, now you know where to go!