Just because there’s a global pandemic going on doesn’t mean you can’t plan a terrific Hill Country Mother’s Day. We can help!
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With an eye to celebrating a proper Hill Country Mother’s Day, we dug into our reporter’s notebooks, social media feeds and story archives to pull up a few options that might be just the inspiration you need to find the perfect, last-minute gift.
For a mother who likes to read
Angie Cross of Fredericksburg wrote The Butterfly Knight* a few years back, but the story takes on more currency now as so many of us – mothers, fathers and children alike – discover how dramatically life can reshape us.
The book is an inspiring true story of a mother’s journey to protect her son, born with a rare disease, from pain and suffering. Along the way she remembers the lessons she learned as a child from some of the most fragile beings on earth…the butterflies in her father’s entomology lab. They were the ones who taught her that labels don’t define a person, that true courage is not what it seems, and that the only way to earn your wings is to experience vulnerability and hardship.
Cross also shares the realization that, in order to truly help her son, she will need to do the unfathomable: remove her own armor.
The Butterfly Knight is filled with a message of hope for those who feel they must don their armor day after day for the ones they love, and for the ones they love who want the opportunity to prove the strength they need for their journey is already inside them.
For more book recommendations, rooted in the Hill County, see our online shop.
For a mother who loves art
Long a fan of The Briscoe Museum of Western Art’s well-curated gift shop in San Antonio, we were thrilled to learn that they’re offering membership specials for mom that include complimentary curbside pickup..
Customized package names and contents include:
- “Lone Ranger”: Allow mom to escape to the museum on her own with an individual membership, along with a branded tote bag and Votivo travel candle from the Briscoe’s Museum Store, $65.
- “The Whole Posse”: Family membership includes museum admission for two adults and all children/grandchildren under 18, as well as a branded tote bag and a Votivo full-sized candle, $95.
- “Roam on the Range”: A museum supporter membership that features expanded membership benefits including admission reciprocity at member museums across the country, as well as a tote bag, a Votivo full-sized candle, and a stationary set, $140.
All membership options include unlimited admission to the Briscoe and its events, as well as invitations to private members-only events. Full membership benefits are detailed online. Memberships are instrumental support that help the Briscoe continue to share the art, history and culture of the American West and are tax deductible.
For a mother who likes to be indulged
We’ve been watching Instagram closely, keeping an eye out for enterprising businesses to make Mom’s big day a little brighter with curbside goodies.
Keeping in mind that you’ll want to order early for best selection and ideal pickup times, some options in Boerne that caught our eye include:
- The Dienger Trading Co.’s divine holiday menu will give Mom the break she needs without having to leave the house.
- Peggy’s on the Green, too, is serving up food and wine.
- The Christmas Shoppe is offering preserved roses to rival any fresh flower.
- Bending Branch Winery has a number of options available in their online shop, many of which can be shipped out of state. Plus, they’re offering a tasty Mother’s Day Brunch Curbside Special.
Over the years here at The Texas Wildflower, we’ve compiled a few gift and gift shop guides featuring local, handmade items.
For the most part, these good folks will ship or drop off goodies. But many of them will also sell gift certificates, too. (Never hurts to ask!)
Among our favorite places to look for top-flight pampering items not just for moms but dads and grads, too:
- The Carmel Soap Company makes wonderful soaps, personal care and bath goodies.
- All 4 Yogis handcrafts beautiful aromatherapy candles in eco-friendly containers.
- In the Weeds offers wonderful personal care items along with delightfully scented candles.
- James Avery may be a “big brand” but it’s also Kerrville-based and ships widely, making for a great option for far-flung mums, grans and aunties.
For a mother with a case of wanderlust
If you’ve got a small hotel or B&B in the area that Mom really loves, why not give them a ring to see if you can purchase a gift certificate? Or reach out to an organization like a local chamber of commerce or the Llano B&B Alliance to help you identify some options.
Or, if you’re uncertain where to go, consider purchasing an AirBNB gift card. Granted, that’s a big company but, if Mom plays her cards right, she can see that the money goes to a local host.
And honestly, once this pandemic is over, that’s going to be great for everyone, traveler and host alike.
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