Say It's Their Birthday

Maybe it's just me, but I know a lot of people born in May. Why the tons of Tauruses? No idea. 

So if there's a birthday, a cake is required. And even if you can't bake from scratch to save your life, you can open a boxed mix and produce a reasonable facsimile of a homemade cake. Especially if you use this cake pan. It very clearly spells out, in no uncertain terms, the reason for your domestic labor. You just can't buy a cake that looks like this! Plus, it spares you the even more difficult task of trying to write in cursive with icing (something best left to the professionals on "Ace of Cakes"). And a fancy homemade cake, in this age of the easy and storebought, is indeed a great gift.

Order this Happy Birthday pan at www.spoonsisters.com. And don't worry: the thing's non-stick, just so you won't present the birthday honoree with "appy irthda."

Their Own Small Country

Every child would like their own small country. But some, little control freaks that they are, actually NEED their own fiefdom. 

This personalized map by Kidlandia (shown at right is "Amiland") at least gives them some hope. Just go onto the website, fill out a quick form, and Kidlandia will create and print the perfect personalized map for little Conor or Ava or Lola (Lolandia???). It's a pretty cool way to decorate a room for a child who already thinks the world revolves around them. I suggest hanging a real map of the US or the world next to it, just so the kid can get a grip on reality.

It may even be possible to convince the geographic wizards at Kidlandia to fashion your child's very own continent. Check it out at www.kidlandia.com. And map your kid's personality in living color.

All Ears for Mother's Day

Ok, so this is the LAST Mother's Day post, because after today it will be far too late to order anything for your mom and she will be soooo disappointed in you and you'll live with guilt forever and ever, the end.

But I just had to mention this so cute coffee/tea cup. It's so fanciful (and yet practical) with its little ears instead of handles. Just like you're all ears for whatever your mom has to say, right? Plus, this cup is part of Moma's new Brazil line (all the products hail from this South American nation), which means that no one else will have it yet. Scarce and cute is always a good thing. You could even throw in a pound of superior coffee or a box of premium tea, just to gild the lily.

Order this witty cup and saucer at www.momastore.org. And then say goodbye to Mother's Day 'til next year.

Give Your Momma Some Obama

Before this post goes any further, let me just say that if your mother voted for McCain, you can stop reading now because it's probably a waste of your time. However, many of us have mothers (whether we agree with them or not; I'm trying to be fair here) who developed "consciousness" in the 1970's, worked for equal rights, fought for civil rights, and were downright elated (and relieved) when Obama won last November. This Mother's Day gift is for them.

This super cool, very loud and official Obama plate is quality commemorative Obama merchandise. It's a collector's item. It's something your liberal mom can either serve cheese off of or hang prominently on her kitchen wall. It's true political art that'll last way longer than the average flowers. All in all, a swell gift for a certain type of mother.

Locate this fine china at www.thefutureperfect.com. And make a political statement (and celebration) this Mother's Day.

Yoga Momma

Maybe you have a funky momma. You know: she came of age in the 60's, maybe thought about going to Woodstock, forced you to eat raw peanuts and carob when all the other kids had Twinkies in their lunches. Fine, you didn't get your sugar share. But you have a cool mom who happens to (apropos of her generation) practice yoga. 

Here's a great Mother's Day present a yoga momma will really appreciate. This very funky, super lightweight yoga bag is made of recycled commodity bags from Cambodia. It's even made by actual Cambodians, so ordering it is a worthy and helpful act. And it looks very cool. Plus, it does exactly what it's supposed to do, which is carry your yoga momma's mat from home to studio and back. Sometimes there's genius in simplicity.

Order this bag through www.uncommongoods.com. Because even if your well-meaning mother carries the weight of the baby-boomer world on her back, she shouldn't have to haul her yoga mat without help.

Enchanted April in May

This isn't a movie review blog, so normally I wouldn't mention a movie as a gift. But this movie is so perfect as a Mother's Day gift. Plus, it's just been released on DVD. 

The movie is Enchanted April. This lovely, mannered British production is actually a romantic, slightly feminist fairytale (an almost impossible combo). Plot synopsis: a group of romantically dissatisfied Englishwomen, some married, some not, rent a fabulous castle in Italy for an early spring vacation. The dissatisfying men eventually invade their stonewalled solitude, but it all works out in a most delightful way. The dialogue is never contrived, the characters are sharply drawn, and Brit beauty Polly Walker plays the most gorgeous flapper suffering from ennui. It's just a wonderful watch.

Order Enchanted April on DVD at www.amazon.com. Even though it's May, it's never too late to celebrate love.

It's What She Wants

Money money money. In one form or another, it's practically all people talk about these days. And I'm sure you have a friend who's extremely preoccupied with her lack of filthy lucre.

That's why you should order her this tote bag, immediately. This extremely arty bag sweetly, colorfully, and succinctly delivers her main message, up front. That way, you don't have to discuss the subject anymore (since it's already been established) and you can get on with talking about more important things (what those are is up to the two of you. Like I know anything about your relationship?). Plus, tote bags are so "in" now, for carrying veggies from the local farmer's market to carrying your overpriced groceries from the regular market (after one shopping session at Whole Foods, this tote's message is really in its element).

Pick up this financially savvy tote bag at www.newmuseumstore.org. Because it's not just what she wants, it's what she needs.