Last minute but amazing gifts that moms will LOVE
kyung jung
Just in a week, it is Mother's Day. I love May because it is the time to appreciate and celebrate the most special person in your life. Both my mom and Luke's mom living far far away- one in Seoul, Korea and the other in Vancouver, Canada, I am used to send gifts at least a week or two ahead of the day. Sometimes (in fact, quite often ^^) I would miss the deadline to ship to get it delivered on time and have to work with their local florist or shops around their homes to make their special days. Gift giving is the finest way of thinking of someone you really appreciate in my opinion. How do you choose a gift for someone special? and how would you present it? Every year, we all try hard to come up with something different that will bring a big smile on the person's face - sometimes, it takes too long so we miss the deadline, right? If you already picked out something, I admire you... but if you wanted it to be so special and still thinking, I have seven fresh ideas for you to consider. Because as you know, I have been working with moms for years and I have tried these gifts and they work! Be the hero of her special day - even if it is not for this mother's day, she will LOVE to receive these beautiful and useful and just for herself kind of special gift. The best part is there is still time to put your action together! I picked out the best boutiques with exceptional customer service that can deliver within 48 hours. These are all from NYC or in DC! * images below are captured from each business website.
BRUNCH at Ladurée, Georgetown
How pretty and delicious would it be to have a delight brunch at an exceptional place with its own decorative ambiance in the Ladurée style. I know many of my clients LOVE this place in Paris and New York, but did you know that its Georgetown flag shop including its lovely boutique, tea salon, and restaurant on May 2nd - LAST WEEK!!! I can not even imagine how sweet and pretty it is to have a glass of champagne with fresh baked chocolate croissant there. I am pretty sure it will be crowded during Mother's day by the fans who waited long time its grand open - but if you are looking for something beautiful, delicious, and totally Parisian for your loving mom and wife, pick up a box of macarons (& maybe add a bottle of strawberry jam) from Ladurée and present her with a bouquet of few light pink Peonies. She will be so thrilled guaranteed!!!!
Address: 3060 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 737-0492 | Web: https://www.laduree.com/en_int/
Diptyque fragrance
OMG - Diptyque is one of my favorite shops to visit when I go to NYC. Just trying out all different kinds of fragrances makes me feel like I am in heaven. My favorite one is Tubéreuse room candle. It is so beautifully mixed with heady flower smells. In fact, it is what we lit during your meeting at the studio that you loved. If you are adventurous, you can try three mini candle set custom select from their 34 choices of room fragrances. Or you can go with Doson perfume for daily personal flower dose. Diptyque boutique is in NYC and their shipping is one day to MD, DC, or VA - so you are not too late to place the order on line to receive it on time! If you like, you may visit bluemercury store in Bethesda or Neiman or Barneys to pick out limited selections. You will not go wrong - as every mom I know (I know lots of moms~~!!) loved it! I usually order my candles from Madison Ave, NYC boutique because they have all collections and everything will be delivered in a day or two with no shipping or tax ^^
Web: http://www.diptyqueparis.com/
Phone: (212) 879-3330 (Madison Ave, NYC boutique)
LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT
OK.. Do I even need to say any word for this jewel of chocolate world? No one in the world would say no to this gift of heaven that lets you discover the marvelous luxury creation of La Maison du Chocolat. Again, all US boutiques are in Manhattan, NY so you can call them and order assortment of its iconic gift box of ganaches, pralines, and almond paste, in mild and dark chocolates. Its iconic gift box of 29 pieces or 41 pieces with a well written card will show how much you care about her. It is by far my favorite kind of indulgences that everyone loves. Order online or call to place your order by Wednesday to receive it the next day. Make sure to keep it in the cool place to make sure the freshness! And oh, if you are running really late, William Sonoma carries few limited selection that you may be able to pick up! Hurry though...^^
Web: http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.us/en_us
Phone: (718) 361-9161
Nespresso boutique
Coffee is my number one and everyday treat - like many of my clients. Because I am a portrait photographer, I get to visit my clients' home all the time and learned cool people drink cool drinks! HA~ When we take a break during the photo session, I am often offered a nice cup of cappuccino or a shot of espresso and it is so~~~ good. I know many of you who are reading already have NESPRESSO machine at home! But I wanted to include it in my list because they have an amazing offer going on right now. 30% off of all machines, so if you like to give her her own prettiest cup of coffee everyday in her office, you may want to order Vertuoplus White - it is so pretty and compact and quiet and does an amazing job! And have you tried Hazelino?? Oh I fell in love with it. So smooth and balanced and has a perfect hazelnut infusion... She will smile every time she drinks her afternoon coffee. You can order it on line or call 800-562-1465 24/7 or visit their boutiques near. The delivery takes ONE day - super! They just opened a new location in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, too!
Web: https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/home
Phone: (800) 562-1465 (24/7 customer service)
BAOBAO origami bags and clutches
Whenever I wear this bag, I get tons of compliments from everyone around me - it is definitely a conversational piece! BAOBAO bags are designed by Issey Miyake and made in Japan. Because there is no boutique in the US yet, you will likely be the first one to have this gem among your group of friends! You can order these amazing accessories that will compliment any outfit you may wear, light weight, durable, beautiful, and so functional from their website. My favorite items are LUCENT CLUTCH, and LUCENT BASIC TOTE (I love them all, but if I had to choose, these two are the best!)
I am not sure how quickly they will deliver if you order from on line shop at this point. But if you really want to surprise her with one of BAOBAO, you may order from Museum Of Modern Art MOMA store in NYC that will ship it for one day. They have few limited selections available on line.
Web: https://www.shopbaobaoisseymiyake.com/
Phone: (212) 226-5514
AESOP Skincare
AESOP is an Australian skin care brand loved by so many women in the world. I first fell in love with their handsoap at my friend's place from Melbourne. How lovely and nice it was on my rough and dry hands. Parsley Seed Anity-Oxidant Serum is another one of my favorites among many others. The 3.4 fl oz last quite long and is only $73! Their mother's day special is free shipping on order of $50 or more until May 9th. If you want to go safer, you can definitely do Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and Cream set OMG - who would not love this wonderful (very useful) gift? Plus they JUST opened the DC boutique in Georgetown where you can visit and pick up the gift any day this week. The new shop was designed by Jeremy Deller that shows local heritage of the neighborhood. Amazing boutique shops opened just in time for Mother's day! LOVE!~
Web: http://www.aesop.com/usa/
Address: 3275 North M Street NW
Phone: (202) 333-7444
YELLOWHALE Portrait Experience
Last but not least, moms LOVE their children and family portraits. At Yellowhale Portrait Studio, we create unforgettable memories that will be cherished for generations to come. Yellowhale Portrait Experience is unique and personal experience as every portrait session is custom designed from initial consultation to plan sessions to create wall galleries and deliver & install your portraits arts, every step of the way is throughly taken care of so that you can enjoy more. To celebrate this Mother's Day, we have created a limited edition PORTRAIT CERTIFICATE valued at $1000 for just $500. You can redeem $1000 towards your family portrait sessions for the the month of JULY and AUGUST 2017. Five certificates are available and you can CALL 202.870.6773 or EMAIL info@yellowhale.com to order. Here is the detail. Offer ends on May 13th 2017, orders placed by 5/10 will ship out on 5/11 by UPS, orders placed 5/11~5/13 must be picked up at the studio.