Hudson Valley Finds: Shop Local with Fab Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the time to go all in with a gift that’ll surprise and delight the mother figure in your life. It’s a way to say, “Thanks for all you do” — because if anyone deserves thanks, it’s moms.

If you’ve already done the flowers-chocolates-brunch combo and want to give something more personal this year, you’re in the right place. We put together this Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help you find something right for her — while supporting small businesses. We’re lucky to live in a region where you can shop local in nearly any town and find a unique array of gift ideas for moms of any stripe — from outdoorsy mamas, to introspective book-lovers, to beauty product enthusiasts.

Whether you’re seeking a practical Mother’s Day gift, or a decadent splurge that she might not otherwise treat herself to, take a look at our Hudson Valley shopping ideas below.

When you shop UNSHATTERED, not only are you purchasing unique purses, totes, and accessories handmade in the Hudson Valley, you’re also supporting a Dutchess County nonprofit that allows women in addiction recovery to develop job skills and find personal fulfillment within a supportive atmosphere. Products are made from recycled materials, such as this (1) Makeup Kit made from the interior of a vintage 1955 Mercedes-Benz ($115). The (2) Convertible Vertical Backpack ($245) is a stylish backpack that’s so on-trend you’d never guess it was made from upcycled roller blind material.

If sustainability makes her feel warm and fuzzy, KAATERSKILL MARKET in Catskill offers a curated array of home and beauty goods to satisfy her eco-conscious heart. Select a (3) hand blown glass vase ($90) made by Beacon artist Pierre Bowring of Bowglass Works to fill with fresh-cut flowers, or give soothing (4) Aromatherapy Bath Bombs ($12) created by a certified aromatherapist and reiki master at Fox Farm Apiary in Hannacroix, NY.

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Unless mom truly loves her Yankee jars, skip the corporate candles and give something handmade that adds a  touch of beauty and color as functional decor. The SOLSTAD HOUSE in Beacon is a general store that’s chock-full of unique gift ideas, but we love this (5) hand-poured soy candle with pressed flowers ($45), and these Catskills-made (6) beeswax tapers ($28).

You can bet that an outdoor store at the foot of the Shawangunks hiking trails is going to have top-quality gear and expert advice. If your mom’s into hiking or has always wanted to try, head to ROCK AND SNOW in New Paltz to get her set up for an adventure. Among other items, you can snag (7) women’s hiking poles ($109.95) to help traverse rocky trails or waterways, a (8) local trail guide ($13.95), and a (9) lightweight backpack ($65) for carrying maps, first aid and provisions.

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You can’t walk down Warren Street in Hudson without tripping over unique shops with gifts for the home and CLOVE & CREEK  is one of them. With a wide assortment of offerings from clothes to cocktail mixes, we found an ideal combo for homebody moms who love to settle in with a good book. The (10) Mary Oliver Collection ($65) includes four books by the esteemed poet and novelist, which she can curl up on the couch with beneath a (11) lightweight blanket by Hillery Sproatt ($185); multiple designs are available.

Also in Hudson, FACE Stockholm is a go-to spot for high-quality and small-batch beauty products. If mom likes to get all dolled up, go with the (12) Goddess Kit, a sampler that includes eyeshadow, lip pencils, gloss, a brush and a compact in a sleek bag ($134). Or, for skin care aficionados, opt for the (13) Fruit and Flower Face Oil ($52), a lightweight, all-purpose facial oil with black currant, chamomile, rosemary, and other natural ingredients.

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Whether mom loves a vibrant bouquet or always has her eye on another houseplant, HOPS PETUNIA  in Kingston offers fresh arrangements and potted greenery to fit her personality and aesthetic. On the flip side, if she’s the type who prefers to get her hands in the soil, you can purchase these (14) Niwaki pruning shears ($87) and coinciding plant tools designed to withstand years of use while adding a splash of color.

We all need a home spa night and BOSCO’S MERCANTILE  in Saugerties has that idea covered. Let mom pamper herself with (15) small-batch lavender bath salts ($20) by Alibi NYC, before slipping into (16) luxe pajamas by Lime Tree Designs ($88). This 100% cotton set is designed in Nottinghamshire, UK and printed in Jaipur, India using traditional hand-block techniques.

On the other hand, sometimes we’ve got to get out of the house, and JOLIE AESTHETICS & WELLNESS —with locations in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck — is a top option for a spa day. Opt for a gift certificate and let her choose from rejuvenating services like (17) massage therapy or facial treatments, or those cosmetic procedures she’s always wanted to try, like laser hair and skin treatments.

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There’s a KARINA DRESS for any occasion, and a style to flatter any body. That’s part of the reason why this Kingston-based clothier has seen steadfast popularity. The no-fuss materials accentuate the positives and offer a feminine flow with fun and colorful prints. Let mom feel like she’s on vacation, or help her get ready for one, with the (18) Resort Collection ($118 and up), featuring patterns like blue waves, red florals, and more.

She sings in the car. She sings in the shower. She might even sing on stage. If mom instilled a love of music in you, now’s the chance to repay her. Records are not only easier to find than ever lately, but record labels are releasing unique versions of classic albums, with colorful vinyl, collectible inserts, and bonus tracks. Hook mom up with a new (19) record player ($99.99) and grab a few albums; whether she’s into Tom Petty, Tom Jones, or Tom Delonge, you can find it all at DARKSIDE RECORDS.

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If your special lady resists cookie-cutter design, she’ll love these unique pieces by Catskill-based artist CHRISTIN RIPLEY. Using Turkish Ebru marbling technique, her designs turn traditional pillow forms into playful works and functional decor. Mom might enjoy the (20) KLISMOS pillow ($282) offering back support in bed or on the couch, or the (21) OGEE travel and neck pillow ($65) for her next trip abroad.

Maybe you have fond memories of watching mom craft away, or maybe she’s always wanted the chance to flex her creative muscles more. If that’s the case, sign her up for a (22) dried-flower workshop at WITCH HAZEL in Beacon (and maybe join in, too). Attend with a group during one of their popular public flower-arranging classes ($45) or register for a private lesson.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the fabulous moms that enrich our lives and make the world a better place!