CBS Pittsburgh » Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Best Mother’s Day Gifts In Pittsburgh

cbsexaminer — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:08 +0000

Mother’s Day is right around the corner with just under week to go until mothers everywhere will be inundated with enough candles and scented body lotions to stock their own Bath and Body Works store. Instead of giving her the usual bouquet and cliché Hallmark card, think outside the box and venture to one of these five unique boutiques. Whether your mom is the queen of crafts, a fitness fanatic, Martha Stewart in the making, or in desperate need of some fashion TLC, shop these stores and you’ll be sure to find the perfect present to make this Mother’s Day extra special.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

For The Crafty Mom
WildCard
4209 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 224-2651
www.wildcardpgh.comHours: Mon to Wed – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thurs – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri and Sat – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Settled in the heart of Lawrenceville is WildCard, described by owner Rebecca Morris as a “year-round craft fair” that will drive craft-crazy mothers wild. But don’t be fooled; WildCard is not your typical craft store. With hundreds of cards and stationary, bags and wallets, vintage buttons and jewelry, and t-shirts and craft supplies, more than two-thirds of which are designed by local artists and crafters, consider this hipster boutique has far more than your average Hallmark. The best part? The majority of items are priced at under $50, making this your one-stop shop for etsy-esque items that pack a Pittsburgh punch.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

For the Running Mom
Fleet Feet Sports
1751 North Highland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
(412) 851-9100
www.fleetfeetpittsburgh.comHours: Mon to Fri – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether your mom has been complaining about needing to get in shape or she’s a diehard workout junkie, Fleet Feet Sports has you covered for essential and practical fitness gifts. Shop the wide selection of athletic apparel, shoes, socks, and insoles, accessories and gadgets, and even energy and recovery products, all of which come with the store’s FIT guarantee. If you’re not quite sure exactly what she needs, pick up a gift card. They’re available in denominations ranging from $25 to $200.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

For the Sweet Tooth Mom
Mon Aimee Chocolat
2101 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 395-0022
www.monaimeechocolat.comHours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat – 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Have a mother who could use a little indulgence? If so, look no further than Mon Aimee Chocolate, a unique sweet shop sure to please even the most discerning sweet tooth. From gourmet, imported chocolates from Asia, South America, and even Australia to domestic vintage confections, you’re certain to dins the perfect gift for your chocolate lover. Sure, some items are a bit pricier than the sweets you might find at Walgreen’s or Giant Eagle, but these chocolates are worth every penny.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

For the Fashionable Mom
hip’tique
5817 Ellsworth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 361-5817
www.hiptiquepa.comHours: Tues to Sat – 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Affordable and high fashion usually don’t go hand-in-hand, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at at hip’tique. Owner Leah Pistella describes this unique boutique as “Pittsburgh’s best kept secret,” bringing “the metropolitan and funky vibe” of New York and Los Angeles to Pittsburgh. Fashion forward mamas will go gaga over the handpicked jewelry, clothing and accessories by established and up-and-coming designers like Tracy Reese, Tulle and Rebecca Taylor. Want mom to feel like a true celebrity? Book her a private shopping session with a personal stylist.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

For the Foodie Mom
In The Kitchen
1725 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 261-5513
www.shopinthekitchen.comHours: Mon to Fri – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If your mother can give Rachael Ray a run for her money, she’ll love the one-of-a-kind selection of kitchen products available at In The Kitchen, an independent cookware store serving Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities. In The Kitchen specializes in everything but the kitchen sink, from bake ware to textiles. Having a hard time choosing the perfect gift? You can’t go wrong with In The Kitchen’s gift certificates.

Related: Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Filed under: Best of, Mother's Day, Shopping & Style Tagged: Accessories, Bargains, boutiques, Candy Stores, Clothing, Deals, Fashion, Fitness, Fleet Feet Sports, Gift Guide, Gifts, Happy Mother's Day, Hiptique, In The Kitchen, Jessica Wasik, Mom, Mon Aimee Chocolat, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Gift Guide, Mothers, Shopping & Style, Shops, Trends, Wildcard, Women's Clothing

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

RyanWarrenCBS — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:12:50 +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)

Filed under: Shopping & Style Tagged: Adrienne Smith, Amazon, Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary, Bialetti, Custom Family Tree Art, Etsy, Family Tree, Gift Guide, Kate Spade, McClure's Pickles, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Gift Guide, Red Envelope, The Spoon Sisters, Uncommon Goods, Williams-Sonoma

Cool Gadgets For Moms

RyanWarrenCBS — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:02:34 +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)

Filed under: Mother's Day, Shopping & Style Tagged: Audio-Technica, Bracketron, Coby, eMatic, Finis, Gadgets, Gift Guide, Gifts, Grace Digital, Headphones, Marshal M. Rosenthal, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Gift Guide, PlanOn, Treehouse Labs, Withings