Karl Lohnes: This year, give your mom something personal and practical

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Moms can be practical, but everyone knows to never give her a vacuum cleaner or iron as a gift.

Giving a useful or practical gift is fine, but you need to know your mom. Don’t just run out and buy a vacuum because the one you have is on its last days. Think about what your mom enjoys, and buy a practical gift that helps her indulge in some way.

I’ve chosen some useful, practical gifts that benefit mom (and, if you’re lucky, the whole family) and add style around the house. And don’t forget the card — whether store-bought or homemade. The gift your No. 1 lady will appreciate most are heartfelt words of love and appreciation.

Bed

One thing that moms never seem to get enough of is a good night’s sleep. While chocolate and flowers will put a smile on her face, a better night’s sleep will re-energize her and contribute to her well-being.

The scent of lavender has long been used to relieve anxiety and induce a calming, soothing effect. A lavender pillow from Dormez-vous can help her leave the stress of the day behind and drift off to sleep faster.

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The pillow is made of memory foam infused with real lavender oil; its aerated sides increase air flow, which will help her stay cool, reducing the tossing and turning that comes when  a person uncomfortably overheated. Breakfast in bed on her special day will pamper her even more, but the pillow will keep mom rested long after Mother’s Day.

Bath

Often, the only alone time for many a mom (especially when the kids are young) is a long bath or steam shower. Instead of another bottle of perfume, why not bring a practical and beautiful touch to the bathroom to make her one indulgence even better?

The limited edition Senso Collection ($12 to $69) from Maison Berger Paris features gorgeous glass diffusers, candles and catalytic lamps in soft colours with gold accents. Scents like Musk Flowers bring heady spring floral notes home. Hit the dimmer switch, add soft music, and mom is all set for some serenity now.

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Kitchen

When it comes to giving mom a kitchen or cleaning appliance, I have one rule: make sure she wants it and will benefit from it — it’s not about you! With the trend to smaller kitchens (does anyone ever have enough cupboard space?) and healthier lifestyles, why not opt for a multi-functional kitchen machine that she can use in different ways every day?

The Juicer Mixer Grinder from Hamilton Beach offers three commercial-grade stainless steel jugs for various uses that each fit into one high-powered motor base. The base has 13 programmable settings to make fresh fruit or vegetable juices, grind spices and nuts, or mix healthy smoothies and silky soups. If you’re lucky, mom might just share a few of her personal favourites with you!

Outdoors

Many of my mom friends say: “Mom time is wine time!” Meaning time for her to get together with friends to catch up with each other’s news and share some laughs (with or without wine). The Purple Ombre tote from Marshalls is the perfect afternoon getaway tote that lets Mom bring beverages and snacks while keeping them cool in style. Add a small picnic blanket, a sun visor and a bottle of her favourite beverage, and she’ll be set to head out for an afternoon with her besties.

Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram @Karl Lohnes.