-Written by guest blogger Anneliese Lawton

For those of us who have lost track of time due to #physicaldistancing, it may come as a shock that Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday May 10^th, folks). And this year, things look a wee bit different. While you may be separated from mom this year, you can still celebrate virtually and give a gift to show you care.

Many businesses and restaurants in Burlington have closed their doors to the public during this pandemic – but, they’re still offering tasty treats and unique gifts through delivery and curbside pick-up. Here is our list of thoughtful, practical gifts for Mother’s Day during these strange times.

Hair Essentials and Kits
Truth be told, when social distancing is over – many of us are going to emerge with some pretty wild hair. While you may attempt the quarantine cut (hair does grow back), stylists advise against box dye to cover those grays. However, even in quarantine – your local stylist has your back (or your hair):

For curbside pick-up and/or delivery you can shop many salons online. JeSpa and Styled Lounge are just a few of the salons that make it easy for you to bring their products home through online shopping.

If you’re looking for pamper kits and care packages for mom, those are available, too!
Styled Lounge is offering a home care package, including: Professional Home Teeth Whitening System for those chicklets, Design.Me’s Gloss.Me Hydrating Treatment Mask to smooth, strengthen & moisturize those locks, 4 Kawi Gold Collagen Eye Masks to cool, hydrate & brighten your peepers, and basic nail care tools & online resources to help you strengthen your natural nails. Waters Edge has prepared an at home pamper kit and Mother’s Day gift cards that include custom facial, signature manicure, signature pedicure. While Salon Wisp has put together root retouch and toner kits, gift cards, and Davines products. On Saturday May 9^th, they will be hosting a virtual event – if you purchase one of their self-care kits for $70 (over $70 worth of value inside) Salon Wisp will donate $20 per kit to the Lost Foundation. And there’s more! Blo Blow Dry Bar has hair essentials such as shampoo, hair treatments, masques, root cover, and make-up for sale. Amp Salon is offering hair care products and root touch-up kits, and Keora has 20% off treatment products including skin care.

Flowers
Flowers are always a welcome way to celebrate Mom, but now more than ever, flowers are a wonderful way to lift mom’s spirits and bring spring vibes into her home. Brant Florist has beautiful arrangements available for delivery, and Centro Garden has pots, planters, and everything for the great-out-doors available for curbside pick-up and delivery.

Support Local Makers
Your mom is unique and deserves a one-of-a-kind gift that reflects her true charm. Through local makers and Artisan shops, there are endless options to find that perfect gift. Handmade House has put together both a Mother’s Day survival kit, and Mother’s Day gift baskets. While Artisanville and The Little Pop Up Shoppe and Kay at Home have carefully crafted, artisanal products ranging from décor, clothing, food, and more. Everything is available by either curbside pick-up – or deliver straight to mom.

Bath & Body
This gift idea is perfect for the mom of toddlers – or even teens. At the end of a long day of balancing work, home, and family life – there’s nothing like sliding into a warm bath for a little pampering. Whether it’s bath salts, body scrubs, or essential oils, Soapy Penguin and Anise Modern Apothecary have everything you need to bring the spa home. Draw mom a bath, light her a candle, and give her the gift of peace (even if it’s just for five minutes).

Retail/Fashion/Jewellery
The heart of Burlington – our downtown core – is known for our extensive, unique, and specialty retail shops. There are so many wonderful options to find that perfect gift for mom at any of the following retailers:

A Different Drummer Books, Burlington’s book store for over 45-years, is a jewel in Burlington’s downtown. Known for their attention to customers and wonderful book selections, you’re certain to find the perfect read for mom.  A Different Drummer will bring you your reading material without delivery charge. All in-stock titles and any special orders are eligible. Please contact 905-639-0925 or diffdrum@mac.com with your requests.

From knick-knacks, cards, décor, to flowers and planters Centro Garden has it all. Shop online to find something special for mom available for no-contact pick-up or have it delivered in Burlington for a small fee $5-$10.

If you’re looking for face coverings/masks to keep Mom safe, our local designer Joseph Tassoni has a limited Mother’s Day combo featuring Metallic Rose, Hot Pink and Aubergine proudly made right here in Burlington. $5.00 from every purchase goes to Joseph Brant Hospital COVID-19 Response Plan.

Diamonds (and photos) are forever. In partnership with Coles and Village Studios, Harmony Fine Jewellers is offering the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. For $140 (a value of $230), your mom will receive an Orchard Serenity Planter, $75 photo session gift card, and $75 gift card to Harmony Jewellers.

For the chic and fashionable mamas, Joelle’s is offering contactless pick-up. Check out their Instagram page for current stock and styles (or maybe even let mom pick something out for herself).

And more from fashion! Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, home of beautiful formalwear, just launched their online shop! While Modella Ladies Wear is offering free shipping within Canada. You can also grab mom a beautiful Italian scarf from Ti Vesto Boutique (offering free shipping on minimum orders of $100).

For upscale consignment and absolutely unique finds, Posh Couture has it all. Visit their Instagram page for daily offerings – and be sure to snatch items up before it’s too late.

The same goes for Wish Boutique – offering local delivery available after 2pm. Call 905-634-1883 or DM via Instagram.

Does your mom dig DIY – or do you have it in you to be a maker? Pure Boutique has a beautiful assortment of chalk paint and supplies, DIY kits, gift items such as jewellery and décor – AND special Mother’s Day mystery boxes!

Wellness
Start the day the healthy way! Along with breakfast in bed – mama deserves some feel-good fuel. Village Square Juicery has an assortment of Vitamins and Protein Supplements, Fitness Equipment and Accessories, and yummy in the tummy Cold Pressed Juices. Free shipping on all orders over $99. Also, Bodhi Bar has partnered with 4 other female-led local businesses to create a very special Mother’s Day Bundle!

Restaurants, Treats & Sweets
Bring the restaurant experience home. Create a menu, dress-up, lay out the table linens and fancy china – and give mom the gift of a night off. Choose from mom’s favourite restaurant or try something new – there are endless takeout options available (and many restaurants will have Mother’s Day specials as well!) Don’t forget dessert! Many of our downtown shops are offering chocolates, ice cream, and more!