Mother's & Father's Day Gifts
Both being celebrated for over a hundred years, Mother's Day and Father's Day honors the family members who have helped shape us into who we are today.
With these celebrations, there can be a
pressure to get the gifts you give to your parents just right. Yet when it
comes to creative gift giving, often what resonates more over perfectly curated
luxury are the heartfelt, meaningful touches. This year, take inspiration while
shopping for presents from in town resources that offer welcoming new
experiences. Experience-based gifts add value through built-in time together,
offering a break from routine or a chance to try something that they wouldn't
splurge on themselves.
Plants as presents
give the recipient a way to connect with nature, as well as something to look
forward to day after day. Set a date to plan a visit together to pick up a new
floral or green friend at Pelican Greenhouse. They specialize in native
plants, collecting from native territories in the New Orleans eco-region. In
addition, they are well known for their old garden roses collection, which are
just the right touch for this time of year. Their supportive team can answer
questions and provide knowledge about best selections. Enjoy strolling through
City Park, where they are located and with all proceeds supporting the park. Be
sure to check the calendar for their opening dates or visit them at the
Crescent City Farmer's Market, as well.
With a sense of
whimsy and antique charm, the designs of Lady Delaney make for a gift
sure to invoke wonder. Having been inspired by her grandfather, who hand
crafted dollhouse accessories for her and her family growing up, her pieces are
an eclectic and welcome new take. Gifting options include DIY miniatures,
mystery kits, and a whole gamut of dollhouse accessories. In addition, her
vintage inspired flowergrams make for a perfect mailbox pick me up, with your
message transforming into a beautiful telegram and including dried florals by
Doris Ione. These offerings can make for a new hobby outlet or a welcome
addition to a treasured dollhouse collection.
The benefits of
yoga are robust for the mind and body, including its ability to rebalance the
nervous system, increase freedom of motion, and relieve pain. Your giftee,
however, may not carve out time for these essentials themselves. At Swan
River Yoga, their focus on alignment yoga allows for both mind and body
peace. Founded and owned by a New Orleans native, they are also true to the
city's roots with their studio space being housed at a former public library
that even includes a 1930s WPA mural. In addition to their yoga classes,
wellness offerings such as meditation classes and sound baths can also support
welcome relaxation.
Much more than a
tasty treat, tea invites a mindful pause and respite from life's busyness.
Offering up high-quality brews since 1929, you can find options to suit all
palettes at New Orleans Tea Company. Owner Jeanne Powers offers an
additional way to enhance this idea by setting aside time for a tea party all
together, which can come together with a few simple but elegant touches. It'll
create a lasting memory each time your parents reach for a new cup of tea.
Despite living so
close to the water, many living in New Orleans may not often have the chance to
get out and explore the waterways. Gift a paddle session with NOLA
Paddleboards and set out on an adventure, including routes through Bayou
St. John or Lake Pontchartrain, for exploration and laughs.
Offer kitchen
inspiration by purchasing a cooking class for your loved one. The New
Orleans School of Cooking has been open and serving up delights since 1980.
Housed in a renovated molasses warehouse, enjoy NOLA ambiance while learning
from cooking professionals. They offer several varieties of classes including
hands-on classes, demo classes where you can "watch, learn, and eat" and also a
happy hour mixology class.
With this being
dubbed "the year of the analog," we can also use this to inspire our gift
giving. For your host or hostess parent, add to their collection by crafting a
bundle of handwritten recipe cards. Papier Plume offers an array of
stationary and notecard designs to choose from, as well as journals if you want
to add a nice book to house their collection. Compliment this by setting a date
to cook together, adding another special memory of a shared meal.
Ignite your
parent's inner artist and let creative sparks fly by gifting them a class at New
Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking. They can explore a new medium with
classes including glassworks options, printmaking and book arts, metalsmithing
and sculpture, and ceramics. With their short courses and seasonal mini
workshops, these hands-on classes can accommodate all schedules for a fun
learning experience.
If you're feeling
stuck about present options, a surefire solution is to think of a theme and
build out a gift basket from it. With the season afoot for cookouts and seafood
boils, a basket for your favorite chef would be welcome. Include some new spice
blends, cash for the butcher or seafood counter, and a stop into Ladle and
the Whisk for any new gadgets.
Gifting concert or theater tickets gives your recipient not only something to look forward to but also a great event you can enjoy together. Thankfully, New Orleans has no lack of great live entertainment. This also works well for a museum lover by giving them a membership for the year or tickets to a special exhibit they'd be sure to love.
