CBS San Francisco » Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Best Mother’s Day Gifts In South Bay

cbsexaminer — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:17 +0000

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and this year is the year to get her something worthwhile and different. How do we show appreciation in the form of a gift for the woman who carried us, mentored us, raised us or just all around loved us? While options seem limitless in the Bay area, we’ve handpicked options in the South Bay that help you with your Mother’s Day gift needs, all while featuring the unique character that encompasses the meaning of “mom.”

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Loves Cupcakes
85 E San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 998-2253
www.lovescupcakes.com

Price: Loves Signature Gift Package $7
Hours: Tues to Thurs – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri to Sat – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Get your Mother’s Day gift-giving off to a great start by presenting your mom with a mouth-watering cupcake. Loves doesn’t make just any ordinary cupcake- these are top-notch, fluffy rich cupcakes, not unlike a perfect wedding cake wrapped up in one tiny little mouth-sized bite. This is a moderately priced establishment with 16 daily flavors to choose from, including sugar-free options. They also make cupcake truffles in several flavors. You can request that your order be “gifted” and they will add a ribbon, signature label and gift box to your order for $7. Having a party? They can deliver your order with advanced notice. And don’t be fooled by the name, you can get a whole cake here, too.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Thanh 39 Unique Gift Center
3027 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95111
(408) 629-0353
www.thanh39.com

Price: Range form $5 to $50 per item; engraving included
Hours: Mon to Tues, Thurs to Sat – 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Reasonably priced with a huge gift selection, the second generation owner of Thanh 39 does his own calligraphy, wood carving and hand-painted work specified by the buyer. They also do engraving with a computerized engraving machine so one has both options, depending on the personality of the gift recipient. Some mothers may prefer a handcarved piece versus the machine engraving that many places offer. Several options for Mother’s Day gifts include a wooden jewelry box, the engrave-able crystal lined pill box with daily slots for medication and wood or pewter frames with a custom design that you choose.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Rosies & Posies Florist
1581 West Campbell Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 378-4046
www.rosiesandposies.com

Price: $45 to $150; depending on arrangement
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You will be impressed with Rosies & Posies’ high quality flowers and same day delivery service. This florist uniquely caters to your requests, making each bouquet individually to your specifications. The florists understand the meaning of “special” and cater to offering the best flowers, the best arrangements and the best deals. Check the website before stopping in to make your order for a 10 percent discount. Spring brings with it more tulips, daisies, roses, begonias and African violet- try them in a basket arrangement this spring.

Related: Best Parks in the South Bay

Photo Credit: San Jose Museum of Art via Facebook

San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 271-6840
www.sanjosemuseumofart.org

Price: Membership cost starts at $50.
Hours: Tues to Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special Hours: Third Thursday of each month – Open late until 8 p.m.

Watch the art connoisseur just dying to come out of your mother blossom with this Mother’s Day gift that gives year-round. An annual membership to South Bay’s contemporary museum can cost as little as $50 for mom, and includes one free ticket for a friend. The sheer number of programs here is enough to keep anyone busy. The museum has 1,400 pieces of artwork permanently stationed in its normal collection, along with a couple exhibits showing from other areas at any given time. This is perfect for the art enthusiast who has yet to get her hands completely wet in the art world. A series called Lunchtime Lectures, comedy nights in the evenings and exhibition opening parties are all free for members to attend. This Mother’s Day gift will be appreciated year-round and definitely keep your mom busy.

Photo Credit: Eddie’s Quilting Bee via Facebook

Eddie’s Quilting Bee / Dawn’s House of Sewing
480 S. Mathilda Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 830-9505
www.eddiesquiltingbee.com

Price: Quilting classes – $25 to $75; Sewing classes – $10 to $45
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sat – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This second generation family-owned and operated business can be a mecca for the avid quilter or sewing goddess. For the crafty types, it is always a great adventure to learn a new craft with other like-minded artisans. This two-story location offers a wide selection of fabric, sewing materials and sewing machines. It’s also one of the only places in the South Bay to offer a choice of several classes to suit any fanciful mom looking to fine-tune her craft. One can keep it simple with a gift card, or carefully select fabrics and purchase a class or two to complement your mother’s hobbies for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Photo Credit: manresarestaurant.com

Manresa
320 Village Lane / N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-4330
www.manresarestaurant.com

Price: averages about $175 – $200 per person
Hours: Wed to Sat – 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For the advanced foodie, this food haven treats your mother to exquisite fine dining at a Spanish-style restaurant. This spot plates up the most delicious gourmet dishes, meriting several awards from the Bay Area for its food and atmosphere. This Mother’s Day gift will please any palette; enjoy your meal as more of a food tasting experience, than a quick eat. Manresa has an outdoor patio that is heated and a formal waiting staff that attends to your every request. Be sure to make reservations and leave about 10 minutes early for parking on this Mother’s Day.

Photo Credit: Azuca via Facebook

Azuca
11 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 395-1680
www.azucastore.com

Price: Starts at $10 and up
Hours: Mon to Thurs – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Azuca offers up gifts of an eclectic, kitschy feel with more than just a few styles of jewelry. The shop also boasts some of the best local artwork for sell. This place is perfect for the crafty type who doesn’t have time to create her own masterpieces, but nevertheless loves having the stuff in her home on display. Mother’s Day gift shopping will be a breeze, as this local shop covers gifts for every personality type with their selection of jewerly, local artwork and various handmade knick knacks and adornments.

Mel Ball is the founder of AskASalon.com, utilizing her background of 10 years in the beauty industry to promote, market, mentor, and build business for small salons and spas across the country. She links up quality salon or spa talented folks with businesses that need them, and supports the growth of all those in the service industry through her virtual knowledge networking site and real-world events. She resides in San Francisco. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide, Online And For All Budgets

RyanWarrenCBS — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:12:43 +0000

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

All year, mothers make their children breakfast, forward (hilarious) spammy emails, help translate tax returns, teach proper dinner party etiquette and lead the never-ending quest for a perfect roast chicken. Or maybe that’s just my mom. Regardless, mothers work tirelessly every day making their kids’ lives a little better.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your mom how much you care. So spend the day appreciating her. And don’t forget a gift! Whether you simply put a fun spin on breakfast in bed or splurge on something pricey, these ideas will make make mom’s day.

Find activities for mom on Mother’s Day.

Photo Credit: Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary on Etsy

It’s The Thought (Under $25)

After bills and that unexpected parking ticket, spending on a present can hit the wallet pretty hard. We’ve all been there, no need to worry. With a little extra research, you can find presents to give mom a fun day or last her well past Mother’s Day.

For the gift of a relaxing spa experience without springing for the all-day package, just think outside the box. Etsy shop Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary makes charming soaps fashioned after various treats. Consider the cinnamon bun soaps for $6.25; the sweet scent will add a little luxury to mom’s next hot bath. This Etsy shop also carries macaron and popsicle soaps, lip scrubs and lotions — all for less than $10.

Breakfast in bed is a Mother’s Day go-to for youngsters looking to impress mom with their toast-making and coffee-pouring skills. Now that you’re older, update the classic breakfast in bed with McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix. McClure’s, a Detroit and Brooklyn-based pickle company, makes the mix with its spicy pickle brine and heaps of garlic, hot peppers, dill and fresh cucumber juice. Order her a 32-ounce batch online for just $10.50.

For a useful present with longevity, choose the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker for $19.77. The sleek design and ease of use will make this stovetop maker a family favorite for years. Throw the Moka on the stove with some fresh espresso grinds for classic espresso in minutes. Curl up on the couch and catch up with mom as you enjoy your morning boost of caffeine.

Or, give mom something she probably wishes she had all along: a “No” button! The Spoon Sisters‘ big red button emits ten different variations of the word we heard all too much growing up. Grab this silly gift for just $11.95.

Cinnamon Bun Soaps – Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary on Etsy ($6.25)

Bloody Mary Mix – Dean & Deluca ($10.50)

Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker – Amazon ($19.77)

The “No” Button – The Spoon Sisters ($11.95)

Cool Gadgets For Moms

RyanWarrenCBS — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:02:05 +0000

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s time to think about gifts for those special moms in your life. Cards and flowers may be traditional, but moms today aren’t. Get her a cool gadget that will fit her lifestyle, in touch and on the go. With so much to choose from in various price ranges, you can’t really go wrong.

Get more great gift ideas for mom.

(Photo Credit: ematic.us)

It’s The Thought (Under $50)

Who says you have to spend a fortune to make mom happy? The eMatic eSport Clip,$24.98, is a great multi-use gadget to cover mom’s basic media needs. This handy device can play music, take pictures, record video, read text files and even record voice memos. All that comes in a sporty little package with a low price. What’s not to love?

The Coby Digital Photo Keychain, $10.99, can hold all of mom’s most precious memories wherever she goes. She’ll be extra surprised when she discovers all the pictures you’ve uploaded ahead of time.

The Bracketron Universal USB Power Dock for $29.95 will give a charge to the woman on-the-go. Mom can power up her smartphone and enjoy hands-free access while she carts the kids around or drives to her next business meeting.

eSport Clip – Walmart ($24.98)

Digital Photo Keychain – B & H ($10.99)

Universal USB Power Dock – Bracketron ($29.95)