Sometimes it seems really simple to find great gifts for moms. Girls like things that look and smell pretty, right? But after a few gift-giving occasions throughout the year, it gets harder and harder to find something different that they’ll actually love… and that isn’t an exact repeat of the last gift you gave.

That’s why I took to the internet to find some really cool, pretty different gift ideas for moms that I wouldn’t mind unwrapping myself. Great for Mother’s Day, birthdays, pretty much any special occasion that pops up during the year, these gifts are sure to catch that special momma in your life by surprise and fill her up with happiness.

Also, I’ll take one of each. Thanks. 😉

I’m exhausted, but do you know what makes me feel better? Tapping out for a few minutes to put together a collection of really pretty (and pretty damn serene) pieces that I want to find under the tree this holiday season.

If you’re being pulled like taffy in a million different ways like I am, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to drift off into a world that’s all about you. It doesn’t matter if none of the pieces you find will actually make their way into your possession. What matters is taking a second to relax and give yourself a little smidge of the love you throw out to the rest of the universe.

And with that hippie dippy sentiment fresh in my head, I’m going to ease myself back into the madness…

clockwise from top left: Urban Outfitters crescent planter // Have courage and be kind print by Indigo Eleven // Xhilaration pillow // Harry Potter pullover // Rachel Corcoran sister print // Brooklyn Global buddha planter // Farm2Fashion wrap // TOMS silver glitter wool classics // Urban Outfitters jewelry box // Emily McDowell mug

I think you can tell from some of my recurring series (Local Love and Girl Boss, to name two) that I’m a big fan of small businesses and people who find something they’re passionate about and make it work. I also have a soft spot for New York’s Hudson Valley which just so happens to be where I live and which is bubbling with creative awesomeness.

While putting together gift guides for the holidays, I realized it would be crazy to miss out on tapping into some of that local goodness. There are so many talented makers out there and the little guys deserve the spotlight just as much as those with a bigger budget do.

So, I gathered a list of a few of my favorite local makers whose pieces would be perfect for gift giving any time of year to put together a Hudson Valley gift guide that’s bursting with local makers.

Can we agree that getting something special in the mail—and I mean fun special not jury duty special—is exciting no matter what age you are? Then why not make someone you love happy not just one time, but stretch that feeling out over a few months by gifting them a subscription box service? There are tons of options out there, but I’ve rounded up five for you here.

Kids usually fall under two categories when it comes to buying gifts: insanely easy or completely impossible. The easy ones love everything and will be thrilled just to open something (that would be Ellie). The impossible ones have everything and are usually at in-between ages that make it difficult for even them to know what they like (that would be Samantha).

Since I have a wee bit of experience in these things, I thought I’d put together a list of fun and different gift ideas for kids that will be sure to excite all of the little boogers.