Mother’s Day Gifts For Every Stage of Motherhood

Motherhood is a life-long commitment. From the moment a mom gives birth, she’s responsible — at least in some capacity — for another human. That’s a big feat to celebrate! From new moms to empty nesters, we’ve prepared a range of gift ideas for all the beautiful stages of motherhood.

Mom with a Newborn

As a new mom, Mother’s Day is an exciting, first-time experience. But with a crying baby in tow, she’s tired. What she really wants — and she may be the first to tell you — is food and sleep.

Prepare Food:  Not having to prepare food for a week is equivalent to mommy heaven. Make up soup in freezable containers. We recommend protein-packed ones, like black bean or quinoa minestrone. Mom can defrost these throughout the week, and check that extra thing off her to-do list. If cooking isn’t really your cup of tea, consider a subscription for meal delivery that takes some of the pressure off the family grocery-list maker, or better yet send her some Starbucks coffee or tea from FTD to get her going!

Let Her Sleep: Offer to babysit for a few hours one afternoon. Mom can take a much-needed nap and you can bond with the tiny one.

Mother with Toddlers

Toddlers are a fun age. Their personalities are developing in full force but they’re still little enough to be dependent on mom for everything from cutting up their food to tying their shoes. They’re full of chatter and always ready to play. But when life becomes a whirlwind (as is typical with toddlers), she’ll appreciate a day off once in a while.

Treat Her to a Day Spa: Create an at-home spa day for mom. Include a gift basket full of Apothecary East sweet-pea-scented bath essentials. Stack up fresh, fluffy towels, light a candle on the tub’s edge and hang a personalized “Do Not Disturb” doorhanger on the knob in lieu of a traditional greeting card. Then leave her alone.

Mom of Teenagers

Life with teenagers is a constant balance. Though the age is fun, keeping tabs on growing teens can drive a mom crazy! Treat her to a girls’ afternoon — with or without teenager daughters.

With: Go to a tea house for cucumber sandwiches and piping hot oolong and darjeeling. Or put on your own tea party at home. Try some new blends and get out those dainty teacups in the China cabinet.

Without: Invite mom’s closest friends over for a Sunday brunch. Set the table with pretty dishes and linens and make up a special cocktail for them to enjoy. Don’t forget the centerpiece. We suggest: colorful tulips or this purple medley. Today's top FTD Flowers coupon code: Up To 50% Off Select Items

Mom with the Empty Nest

She still has the energy to keep up with the kids, but they’ve flown the coup. They’re off to college or have families of their own already. Though kids are no longer dependent on mom to be the carpool caravan or the soccer snack supplier, remind her you still need her with jewelry or a bouquet of flowers.

Gift Jewelry: You can’t go wrong with the classic look of sterling silver. Check out this infinity necklace or a simple pair of freshwater pearl stud earrings.

Display Sunflowers: “You are my sunshine!” Tell her with a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers. They’ll look so cheerful on the kitchen counter. And they go perfectly with a “just called to say I love you” phone call.

Give Grandma a Traditional Arrangement: Who better to recognize on Mother’s Day than your parents’ mothers? But what do you buy the women who have everything? Try an arrangement for her entryway, like this beautiful, spring-inspired arrangement. This way, every time she walks in the front door, she’ll be reminded of you and how much she’s appreciated.

Mom to the Fur Babies

Even if there are no human kids in the picture, fur babies are just as much our children. Treat the pet mom to a hands-free running leash for pup. Or a new couch pillow to snuggle with kitty. Be creative. Think of something both pet and mom can enjoy together.

Plan Your Garden with These Tips from Better Homes and Gardens

Spring is the time to spruce up your backyard and start new plantings in the garden. Here are two great-looking plans for your yard this year. Use the whole plan as shown or pick you favorite section for even a little pop of color this season.

Woodland Shade Garden Plan

This collection of plants is perfect for under trees and other shady spots in your landscaping.

Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD! Click here

Plant List

1. A. 
3 Black Mondograss (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’): Zones 6–10
   B. 1
 Variegated Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’): Zones 3–8
   C. 1 
Lily (Lilium hybrids): Zones 3–9
Astilbe × Arendsii ‘Fanal’: Zones 4–8
   D. 6
 Hosta ‘Frances Williams’: Zones 3–8
   E. 1 
Siebold Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans): Zones 3–10
   F. 1
 Hosta ‘Halcyon’: Zones 3–10
   G. 1 
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia pennsylvanica): Zones 2–9
   H. 5 
Impatiens Walleriana: Annual

Low-Water Sunny Garden Plan

Count on this no-fuss garden to stay looking good through summer’s dry spells.

Plant List

1. 4 Crested Iris (Iris cristata): Zones 4–10
   3 Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): Annual
   C. 3 Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: Zones 3–10
   D. 2 Feather Reedgrass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’): Zones 5–9
   E. 1 Variegated Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’): Zones 2–9 
   F. 3 New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae ‘Alma Pötschke’): Zones 4–8
   G. 1 Spurge (Euphorbia characias): Zones 7–11
   H. 1 Money Plant (Lunaria annua): Zones 5–9; biennial*
   I. 3 Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis): Zones 4–7
   J. 1 Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’): Zones 3–8 
   K. 2 Shrubby Dusty Miller (Brachyglottis compacta): Zones 8–11
   L. 3 Stonecrop (Sedum cauticola ‘Ruby Glow’): Zones 5–9
   M. 1 Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’): Zones 4–8
   N. 3 Michaelmas Daisy (Aster novae-belgii ‘Lassie’): Zones 4–8
   O. 1 Silver Carpet Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’): Zones 4–8

*A biennial grows only foliage the first year, flowers the second year, then dies after developing seeds.

Building Your Garden Bed

Before You Begin Your Garden Bed

Preparation is the key to creating a garden that will offer a lifetime of beauty. Before you head to the nursery, review all garden plan materials. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a suitable spot for this plan? The layout diagram shows the dimensions for the plan. In general, you can enlarge or reduce the size of the garden by adding or eliminating plants, although the character of the garden may change if you alter the size dramatically.
• Do I have the right growing conditions? Check the plant list to see if the plan will do best in sun, part shade, or full shade. Be sure the plants are suited to your USDA Zone. Tip: when the above plant listed says “zone”, this plant is a perennial and will grow year after year.
• Do I need to amend my soil? Most plants thrive in moist but well-drained soil. If you have soil with lots of sand or clay, amend it liberally with lots of organic matter, such as compost.
• Is my soil’s pH and fertility okay? If you’re unsure, inquire about testing at your county’s extension service office. Follow the recommendations that come with your test results if you need to correct the soil’s pH (how acidic or alkaline the soil is) or fertility.

Create the Bed

To lay out your bed, use a garden hose to mark the outline (tip: sprinkle flour along the hose for a temporary mark). Using a sharp spade, dig along the marked line to set the edge of your bed.

If the spot is currently covered by lawn, remove the sod using a straight-edged shovel or sod cutter. To make this easier, wet the area thoroughly, then use the shovel to cut the lawn into strips that are the width of the shovel and about 3 feet long. (Sharpen the edge of your shovel frequently with a file.) Use the shovel to pry up and roll back the strips of sod. Once the sod is removed, loosen the underlying soil with a shovel or a power tiller.

Regardless of how you prepare your bed, use this opportunity to mix in organic matter (such as compost, peat moss, or rotted manure) and loosen the soil at least 6 inches deep. Don’t mix in fertilizer unless your soil test shows a need; in general, excessive amounts of fertilizer will do more harm than good.

After your bed is prepared, water it thoroughly and wait a week. This will allow weed seeds to germinate. Pull these seedlings or dig them back into the soil. Or spray them with an herbicide. Follow the instructions on the packaging, including the time to wait after application before planting.

Planting

If you have all of your plants on hand, keep them in their pots and set them out on the planting bed. This will give you a preview of how the bed will look, and allow you to make adjustments before digging any holes.

When you are satisfied with the placement, plant your garden from largest to smallest container (usually trees first, then shrubs, perennials, and annuals).

Edging

Beds and borders are easier to maintain if they’re edged to keep surrounding grass or weeds from growing in. Choose plastic, metal, stone, or brick—whatever you prefer. If you have lawn around your bed, consider adding a 6- to 12 inch-wide swath of masonry or stone set even with the surrounding soil to act as a mowing strip.

Mulching

Mulch your garden after planting. Mulch conserves moisture, cools the soil, and protects against water runoff and erosion. Organic mulches such as shredded bark need to be topped off every couple of years as the mulch decays. Mulches such as crushed stone are more permanent, but they do not improve your soil over time.

Aftercare

The first season of growth is the most critical. Water thoroughly every other day for the first two weeks, then give your garden about an inch of water a week for the rest of the season. The following year, you can let nature take its course, supplementing dry periods with deep watering.

You also should be diligent about weeding your bed during the first year.

As the plants mature and fill in, there will be fewer opportunities for weeds to grow. A thick layer of mulch will also help keep weeds in check.

Mother’s Day Tip: Deliver Early and Watch Them Bloom

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we have a tip to ensure the perfect day for everyone: deliver your flowers early and Mom will watch them bloom! By delivering your flowers on Wednesday or Thursday, Mom’s flowers will be in perfect bloom by Mother’s Day.  Take a look at these flowers transforming every day!

Day One:

The first day the box arrives is so exciting.  Mom’s flowers will be in partial bud and bloom. The roses will be in slightly closed until they are hydrated by water.  The lilies will arrive in bud and slowly bloom throughout the week.

Day Two:

On day two, Mom’s flowers will be blooming beauties.  Flowers like lilies and daffodils will begin to open up one at a time while roses and tulips will look as though they are loosening up and expanding. FTD offers 10% OFF Sitewide. Automatically Applied!!! Using FTD coupons, Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF, you can save on bouquets of roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies, and even silk flowers. Check out Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF for your favorite products now

Day Three:

By day three, Mom will have a bounty of blooms with just a few buds to go! This is also a good day to check your water and plant food to ensure that the blooms are satisfied!

Day Four and Five:

By day four or five, your bouquet will be full and beautiful.  On Mother’s Day, Mom will enjoy her perfect day with her beautiful bouquet.

Check out some of our bestselling bouquets to get your mom this year.

Cook Up the Perfect Mother’s Day

One of the best gifts you can give a mother is time. Time to spend with her family or to pursue hobbies, and ideally — a little of both! Before having kids, cooking was a passion of mine. I used to wander the racks of Dean & Deluca and pick out specialty products to incorporate into complicated dinner presentations. Then, the kids arrived and cooking became an activity judged on my speed rather than flavor; the less fussy and messy, the better.

Every mother is unique — some crave the spa, others solo time reading or a hike in the woods. While I’ll admit I enjoy all of the above, this Mother’s Day I wanted to embrace the chance to savor time cooking with the kids. Instead of the daily chaos of trying to get food on the table each weeknight before a meltdown occurs, we took some sweet time to savor the experience and create delicious food… together.

With a Dean & Deluca gift box full of products to enhance, we set out with a few simple additional ingredients to prepare a Mediterranean feast everyone would love. We came up with easy recipes and combinations the whole family could enjoy making… and eating, too. Even the picky one. (wink!). Join FTD mailing list and get 10% OFF Next Purchase! Subscribe now! Click here 

First we chopped sundried tomatoes and, covered with a dash of dipping oil, paired with fresh bread for an appetizer. If there’s one thing these kids love, it’s bread with dipping oil! The gourmet oil adds to the flavor and we recreated our favorite restaurant version at home.

Heirloom tomatoes scream summer, so we made caprese flatbreads by stacking fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil on flatbread crackers. Easy to make and even easier to eat one too many of these delicious snacks!

We also customized the already-delicious marinara with a sprinkle of herbs as a dipping sauce for the bread, leaving the family with a difficult decision: dip in the sauce or the oil? Most of us took turns doing both.

Never one to let a great sauce to go waste, we simmered the rest of the marinara with browned ground beef to make a meat sauce. Swirled into penne with some peas, sautéed garlic and spinach, this dish is a favorite around here. You could also add pesto to the penne instead; that’s another crowd-pleasing trick of mine.

Since it was a lazy Sunday, we had time to set the table with more than just plates and silverware. We added in somebeautiful flowers in my favorite shade of coral, which made the entire table pop with color and freshness. The tins of herbs were on hand to customize our dipping oil or add a sprinkle to the pasta.

Simple ingredients. Family. Happy, busy hands. Time together.

Some people may think wanting to cook on Mother’s Day is unusual, but for me it is truly a perfect way to spend the day — especially with little hands to help out. Now, please pass the bread… and that delicious dipping oil, too!

Mother’s Day Gifts: Not Just For Your Mom

Around every great mom is a cluster of strong, supportive women who watch her back. Celebrate Mother’s Day with the other women in your life besides your own mom.

Think of the grandma, aunt, and mother-in-law in your life on whom you still depend for wisdom and family traditions. Think of your busy sister, your crazy friend with the newborn, the coworker who just adopted or the neighbor who watches the kids when you have to run out. Show your appreciation for these moms and spread the spirit of the day beyond just your biological mom.

Grandma

If there’s anyone more important than your mom on Mother’s Day, it’s your grandma. She spoiled you as a child, sympathized with you as a teen and hosted countless family gatherings and holiday meals. This year, say thanks for all her yummy comfort food with a beautiful glazed casserole dish, personalized with the message “Grandma’s Secret Recipes.” Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD! Get Ftd flowers coupon 50% off for saving now!

Aunt

Remember that time you wanted to run away from home, but instead you ended up at Aunt Betty’s house eating cookies and watching movies past your bedtime? For all the times she babysat, comforted and advised you, she deserves a gift, too. Celebrate her sweet and important role in your life with a box of assorted Godiva chocolates.

Mother-in-Law

You might clash sometimes, but like it or not, your mother-in-law is the reason for the love in your life. Honor her with heartfelt appreciation by making a video of your husband and kids sharing favorite memories and saying thank you. Share the video by email or, if you live nearby, host a brunch for the whole family and show the video after the meal. For something special just from you, send her home with a flowering fuchsia plant.

Sister

The days of braiding each other’s hair might be over now that she has her own baby to play with, but you can still show her your appreciation for always being your confidant, friend, and willing guinea pig for homemade egg-yolk hair conditioners. In honor of your many at-home spa days as teenagers, give her a much-needed break from the kiddos with a relaxing mimosa spa gift basket.

Friend

Who says Mother’s Day is only for family? Your friends are often your best source for practical, non-judgemental parenting advice. Give your best friend the kind of Mother’s Day present she needs — genuine affirmation. Send her agerbera daisy bouquet and a thoughtful card that lists all the ways she is a good mother. Be as specific as possible: say thanks for the birthday party inspiration, mention a time that she kept her cool during a stressful situation and note how well her potty-training advice worked for your own kids.

Coworker

Make a new mom in your office feel supported in her new job as a mother by sending her a Peanuts-themed baby welcome basket from her favorite cubicle companions. The cheerful yellow color is gender-neutral (in case you didn’t get that memo), and the basket includes indispensable baby items like a pacifier and cotton Onesies. The whimsical Beanie Babies will keep baby entertained with the Peanut’s theme song while mom unwinds from a long day.

Neighbor

Ever noticed the single mom juggling grocery bags and strollers in the apartment across from yours? Show her some solidarity by sending her a gourmet fruit and sweets gift basket. The chocolate sea salt caramelized cashews will give her a elegant break from the usual animal crackers. Bonus points if you include a note offering to babysit for a few hours so she can take an evening for herself.

St. Patrick’s Day Edition and Ftd Promo Code

In this, our third edition of “A Lawyer Learns Flowers”, Michael Skaff, FTD’s Design Expert took the day’s theme of St. Patrick’s Day to another level – as most people based in Chicago do. 

If you’d like to read up on our blog post history, please click here for our first post and then here for our Valentine’s Day edition.

As you may know, FTD is headquartered just outside of Chicago and to say that Chicago is famous for its extraordinary celebration of St. Patrick’s Day would be putting it lightly.  For more than fifty years, the city has been dying the Chicago River green, a tradition started by accident.   The city’s bars open early in the morning to accommodate hoards of people dressed up and participating in bar crawls, parades and festivals for families happen throughout the city.  There is no dull moment in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day – and, neither was there today at FTD, in Michael’s latest lesson for the lawyer on flowers.

I walked into our studio today expecting to see three or four floral products, prepared to make a bouquet.  But, there was a large floral sculpting sheet formed in the shape of shamrock with Aspidistra leaves surrounding part of it.  I wasn’t sure if this was a subtle way of Michael testing what I had learned already in the form of something that quite literally shouted “Good Luck!”

Next to the shamrock were about five different types of flowers laid out before me.  There were shears, there was wire, there were many green flowers – and about 30 minutes to my next meeting.

Michael immediately handed me the wire and taught me to cut one inch pieces that were bent into a shape that could be inserted into the sides of the sculpting sheet in order to hold the leaves.  Low on time and high on efficiency (as we lawyers consistently are), I started asking questions of Michael quickly.

The “sculpting sheet” is a form that floral designers use to create unique shapes for event style pieces.  The sheet can be formed into almost anything and it allows the designer to place flowers into the sheet that will hold form.  Michael cautioned that me to use flowers that last a little longer to account for the lack of water once the flowers are placed – or, if you do need it to last longer, you could prepare water tubes that would be placed in the sculpting sheet.

Once we finished the leaves, we started placing the dianthus into one section of the shamrock.  A little field of greens.  We followed that up with the green carnations.  We cut them down to about three inches and packed them in tight, leaving no view of the sheet.  Michael reminded me to fluff the carnations since spreading out the leaves would fill the designated space better.  I smiled.

The orchids were next and a bit trickier for this trainee.  The orchids were not as dense as the previous two flowers and so, we had to start with a lower base layer, followed by a second taller later that we created by using placing the flowers on some wire that gave them height before inserting them into the sheet.  For each orchid, we spread the leaves a bit to give the flower a fuller feel and to, again, cover the sculpting sheet base.  Then, we moved on to the green roses.  I’ve actually never seen or noticed green roses before, but they were very pretty.  They are featured in this product on the FTD website here.

With that, we had finished the petals of the shamrock, but we were not done.

Michael had chosen a very fitting “Bells of Ireland” to finish the stem – a fitting choice for our holiday theme.  Michael cut the long stalk right above each flower and we could easily push the thicker round stem into the sheet.  Voila!  A beautiful shamrock!

But something was missing.  Sitting back, as designers do, to look at the finished product, I could see that Michael wasn’t yet satisfied.  I looked over to our Paralegal / Photographer, Carrie, and shrugged, thinking that it all looked pretty good to me – and looked back in time to see Michael rush off to the refrigerator.  He reappeared with one final touch – an Ornamental Kale Flower – and rushed by me to place it in the center of the piece.  Like a painter who can’t stop with the final touches, so was Michael with this lovely flower shamrock.

This turned out to be a perfect and unique centerpiece for your St. Patrick’s Day party – or my party, now that I’m throwing one simply so I have a place to show off this masterpiece.

Some information on the more unique flowers used in this piece are below:

Miniature Cymbidium Orchids

Colors:  A wide range of colors

Locations:  New Zealand and Holland

Duration:  Long lasting cut flower

Other Information:  Popular forms have about 10-12 blooms per stem

“Bells of Ireland” (Moluccella Laevis)

Colors:  Yellow-green

Locations:  Native to Turkey, Syria and Caucasus

Duration:  Long lasting plant

Other Information: Considered a lucky symbol and, although commonly thought to be from Ireland – are not!  These plants can grow to 2’-3’!

Ornamental or Flowering Kale (Brassica Oleracea)

Colors:  Whites to pinks, purples to reds

Locations:  Native to western coastal Europe

Duration:  A plant that can be grown indoors

Other Information:  These are great for winter since they can survive in low temperatures.

To shop the FTD collection for your St. Patrick’s Day, please visit here. FTD offers 10% OFF Sitewide. Automatically Applied. Click here

Trending Now: Floral Patterns at FTD.com

As your flower experts, we know one or two things about the world of floral.  As the spring is quickly approaching and our fashion choices are no longer completely dictated by the weather, here at FTD we are so excited to see that floral is the new black. 

Here are some of our beautiful arrangement that have served as inspiration for some floral patterns of our own.

Bold and Beautiful

Using the contrast of deep purples and bright whites, this floral pattern is sure to get anyone’s attention.  Each arrangement is distinct yet shows how the difference in colors and flower types give it a little something extra.

Less is More

A softer touch than the pattern above; this floral pattern and the two arrangements are toned down with the focus on lavender instead of bright colors.  The soft colors bring a feeling that less really is more.

Mix and Match

Similar to mixing complimentary floral patterns, our floral designers excel at bringing unexpected yet beautiful floral pairings together.

Burst of Color

Bright floral brings a feeling of warmth and sunshine.  These arrangements showcase that burst of sunshine in the floral pattern.  You know that summer is not far behind.

Timeless Beauty

Flowers and floral patterns are innately feminine. These arrangements bring a timeless sort of beauty that only shades of pinks and oranges can.

We’d love to see your floral pattern inspiration.  Share yours with the hashtag #ftdfloral on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Shop all of these beautiful arrangements here and find more floral inspiration!

FTD.com is your one-stop shopping destination offering flowers for special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries. FTD is certainly a perfect choice for you. Using FTD coupons, Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF, you can save on bouquets of roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies, and even silk flowers. Check out Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF for your favorite products now! http://www.ftd.com/