On Mother’s Day it is lovely to greet moms and other women we love with “Happy Mother’s Day.” Most mothers do enjoy the recognition. A card is great too, but a simple gift chosen with love can show special caring.
There are many places to shop locally for Mother’s Day remembrances. The merchants in each of our towns go all out to provide lovely gifts. Supporting them boosts our economy. Funds for roads and services stay local.
Cheyenne Rose at Wild Rose Boutique in Dos Palos uses her expertise to advise local shoppers. She explains, “I want to provide a place where locals can stop and pick up a really nice gift or something special for Mother’s Day, a birthday or any occasion. Many of the products that I stock, I have used for years and love.”
Gourmet foods from a nearby production plant, Steward and Jasper Orchards in Newman, are available at area shops. Local merchants have an advantage in that they can personally visit the factory store and taste samples.
Flavored almonds, sauces and seasonings combined make a lovely gift basket that is sure to please. I recommend adding S and J Almond rocky road clusters, possibly the best rocky road your mom will ever taste. That is just a little hint for the family.
Jerrod Smith is not one of our locals, but tasty Shotwell caramels found their way from Tennessee to California boutiques. Smith began making caramels in his home kitchen at night while his wife and children were asleep after coming home from work.
The salted, hand-wrapped caramels come by the pound bag or in four-ounce boxes. The boxes added to a gift pack of other delights complete a Mother’s Day gift.
“And candles!” To her amazement, Rose adds that candles are a best-selling item. Local moms enjoy burning fragrant candles in their homes.
According to Rose, western-themed bags of various fabrics and materials, some with fringes, are popular in our rural area. A stadium see-through is a must for moms who go to a city concert or sports event. Bags with unique designs are more attractive than plain plastic.
A new mom or a mom-to-be might enjoy something special for her baby. Itsy Ritsy baby packs and backpack diaper bags are current. Fill one with items for the baby.
Jewelry is a popular Mother’s Day gift for any budget. Younger gals tend to like fashion jewelry, so they can afford a lot of designs. For a more upscale gift, Rose shows 18-carat gold-filled jewelry.
M4 Rebellious Design in Newman creates custom trucker patch hats that make a bold statement. Get one for a Bronco booster at the local boutique. Find one to match mom’s favorite activity, be it FFA, a favorite sports team or a Los Banos school.
Combine a hat with a sweater or other top for mom. It is always refreshing to have something new to wear.
Reflecting on return customers, Rose says, “While it certainly is enjoyable to have new people see what is available, return customers offer a feeling of satisfaction. They affirm that I am doing something right.”
Rose credits Fleur de Lis Home and Gift Store in Los Banos for teaching her the keys to success, such as how to stock a store with items locals want. Local businesses know that mutual success is good for everyone.
Look in area stores for gifts made up and cello-wrapped. There are many possibilities, such as a spa and bath, jewelry and accessories, candles, Scentsy products, baby and other clothing and home décor. In whatever way you choose to remember a special lady on Mother’s Day, shop locally.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible. Contact jmiller@dospalos.org.)
