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Dear Readers,
YouTube recently showed me a Saturday Night Live sketch I hadn’t seen since it aired in December 2020. In “Christmas Morning”, a family opens gifts under the tree. The dad, kids, and even the dog show off a bevy of thoughtful presents — mostly chosen and wrapped by Mom, played by an increasingly downtrodden Kristen Wiig, who has once again been given a robe. The sketch ends with a voiceover: “Your mom does everything for your family. This year, get her more than one present.”
I’m not here to encourage overconsumption, but I do believe in thoughtful gift giving. When the sketch first aired, many women found it deeply relatable, and some say they show it to their families every year. I hope it has nudged people to be more intentional. Still, from what I hear from friends who are moms, holiday planning, organizing, and gifting often falls to them — sometimes even on Mother’s Day.
If you’re a mother, I hope you feel genuinely cared for this May 10th, and that you find a meaningful way to connect with the mothers and maternal figures in your life, however that looks for you. I also think that if you want something, you should just go ahead and get it for yourself.
Below you’ll find affordable items designed to make your days better, either by putting some pep in your step each morning or by helping you wind down at night. You won’t even need to drop any hints. Use code EARTHDAY10 now through April 30 and save 10% sitewide.
Happy Mother’s Day,
– Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor
Quick Shop: facial massage • skincare • shower steamers • dry brushes • candle care |
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An Easy Upgrade to Your Routine
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A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, a gua sha is a facial massage tool designed to ease tension and stimulate circulation. Small gua shas made from semi-precious stones have surged in popularity, but they have drawbacks. I’ve accidentally dropped and broken two jade gua shas in the last five years (in my defense: small, shiny rocks are slippery). Stones are also porous and can’t be fully sanitized. UpCircle’s stainless steel gua sha solves both of these problems. And, as with any gua sha, just a couple of minutes of daily use can reduce puffiness and give your skin a boost. ($20) |
| Soothe and Smooth Your Skin |
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Excellent, Refillable Skincare
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Activist Skincare offers a small, effective product line. The Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel makes my face feel amazingly soft, while the Active Hydration Vitamin C+ Antioxidant Serum helps brighten my skin. The moisturizing Precious Oils Active Infusion goes on just right when applied with UpCircle’s stainless steel gua sha. ($28+) |
| Simplify Your Routine |
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An Effortless Home Spa Experience
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No Tox Life’s Eucalyptus Steam is just the thing on mornings when you’re having a tough time getting started. Put one in the shower, and it will release energizing eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils into the steam. I usually get two or three showers out of each disc. ($16+) |
| Steam Up the Shower |
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Another Invigorating Wake-Up Call
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Dry brushing is one of those habits that sounds more intense than it is. A few light strokes before showering gently exfoliates the skin. In the short term, it’s a great, caffeine-free way to ease yourself into a new day. Over time, it will leave your skin noticeably smoother and can reduce ingrown hairs. ($21.50+) |
| Start Dry Brushing |
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A Candle Lover’s Toolkit
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I once read an interview with Sir Elton John, who said that he ends each day by carefully snuffing all the candles he’s lit throughout his manor. What a routine! Snuffing creates a satisfying little hiss and can help extend a candle’s life, as does trimming the wicks. If you burn candles often, you’ll love this chic set from Bluecorn, which makes my favorite beeswax candles. ($34) |
| Make Your Candles Last |
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Still in search of Mother’s Day gifting inspiration? Check out the article I wrote last year on gift ideas for moms of all kinds. Not all of them involve an online checkout. Some of my favorite freebies: |
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Consider her least favorite chores around the house. Pick one and do it for the month of May.
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Take the kids out for the day so that she can sleep in and have the house to herself.
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Ask if there’s anything she’d like to do on Mother’s Day. Do that!
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Want to get in touch? I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about your favorite sustainable products and anything else that’s on your mind — email marketplace@bluedotliving.com. I’ll see you again Monday after next.
– Elizabeth Weinstein |
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Elizabeth Weinstein, Bluedot’s Marketplace Editor, lives in Manhattan with her husband; papillon Finley; and cats SanDeE* and Modell. When she’s not asking the folks at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom to try on their most sustainable sneakers in a size 9½, she can be found at the Union Square Greenmarket or gardening on her rooftop terrace. |
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Our audience is informed, intentional, and tuned in to sustainable living. Reach our 300,000 readers by advertising here, or contact adsales@bluedotliving.com to reserve your space. |
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