10 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Moms Who Love Gardening

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 11th this year, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to show some appreciation to the moms and mother figures in your life. As a mom myself—and someone who spends a good amount of time in the garden—I thought I’d share a list of gift ideas that are both useful and thoughtful for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors with their plants.

These are all items I either already use and love or have on my own wish list. If the mom you’re shopping for lights up at the sight of fresh soil, seedlings, or just a quiet hour with her plants, there’s something here she’ll genuinely appreciate.

Quick note: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It doesn’t affect the price on your end, but it helps support what I do—so thank you.

1. Garden Gloves 

A solid pair of women's garden gloves is a must. Look for ones that are durable but still flexible enough to handle delicate tasks like transplanting or pruning. I really love the Digz brand because they stand up so well, and last for years compared to less expensive brands. It's a great little investment in my opinion. 

2. Garden Bench/Kneeler 

These are a lifesaver for the knees and back. It’s a nice bonus when one flips from a kneeler to a seat, especially for longer gardening sessions. I have this one and it has been very valuable when I am potting up plants, or pulling weeds in a garden bed. Being able to push yourself up from your knees without pain or struggling is priceless! 

3. Container with Trellis 

Ideal for anyone short on space, or just looking to grow vertically. These work well for tomatoes, cucumbers, or climbing flowers. It's like having a portable raised bed that you can keep on a patio or small backyard. 

4. Storage Bench 

Practical and neat. A place to sit and a place to stash gardening tools, gloves, or bags of soil all in one spot. We have an older version than what is pictured, but it has held up to all types of weatherconditions over the years. It stays dry inside the bench, so you won't have to worry about your hand tools rusting or your soil getting soggy.  

5. A Wide-Brim Hat 

Sun protection is important, especially for those long mornings spent outside. A breathable, comfortable hat makes a big difference. I bought this hat last month, and it was not only super affordable (under $10!) it really makes a huge difference on the extra hot and sunny days. I wear glasses so this hat gives me the right amount of protection from sun glare. It looks super cute on, and I love that my ponytail fits and sticks out perfectly. 

6. Plant markers/tags

We bought these pretty copper plant labels, and they give such a nice look to our container plants! These were a little more pricey at $20, but I still love them. We will see how well they hold up compated to the basic plastic ones. 

7. Decorative Solar Lights or Statues 

These add a nice touch to the yard or garden path and are especially pretty at dusk. A small detail that makes the space feel more complete. I grabbed this adorable crocodile statue as an impusle but at TJ Maxx, and have no regrets! The eyes light up at night, and it's an adorable addition and greeter at the entrance of our garden. We also got these solar ground lights that look so pretty at night! 

8. Lightweight Hose

If she’s still dragging around a heavy, tangled hose, it’s time for an upgrade. A lightweight version makes daily watering so much easier. Once I got this lightweight hose, I don't see myself ever going back to the heavy rubber kind. This is a cinch to wrap up and pull to where you need to use it. 

9. Seed Starter Pack 

Great for starting a garden early indoors or planning ahead for the next season. Also just a nice way to try growing something new. We love the Survival Garden brand. We have had great success with germination, and have even been able to save seeds from a few crops from last year that we were able to plant this year. It's like getting free plants! 

10. Houseplant Puzzle 

For quieter moments indoors. This one’s a thoughtful, low-key gift for plant lovers who like a little downtime between garden tasks. I actually have this puzzle on my wishlist! Isn't it pretty?

Whether you’re celebrating your own mom, a close friend, or even picking something out for yourself (no judgment here), I hope this list gives you a few helpful ideas. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there—whatever kind of garden you’re tending, inside or out.

Turning Your Living Space into a Kid-Centric Haven for Play and Chill

The Importance of Dedicated Spaces for Childhood Development

Designing spaces specifically for kids can do more than just keep toys organized—it supports their personal growth. When children have areas tailored to their needs, it can boost their imagination and help them explore their interests. For example, creating a corner where they can freely express themselves with art supplies or showcase their creations creates a sense of pride and individuality.

Personal spaces also teach independence and emotional regulation. By designing zones where they feel safe and in control, children learn to manage their emotions and nurture their creative instincts in a fun, stress-free environment.

Balancing Energy Zones and Calm Corners

Children thrive with a balance between energetic play and restful downtime. Structuring your home into zones helps provide this balance.

For lively activities, set up play areas with interactive toys, building blocks, or pretend-play accessories. These setups encourage movement and creativity in an exciting way.

Equally important are quiet zones for relaxation. Soft lighting, a dedicated bookshelf, and cozy furnishings can create a space where children unwind. Consider incorporating cozy seating options like a kids indoor hammock or bean bags for moments of quiet play. These pieces are perfect for blending comfort with style while creating pockets of tranquility within a busy home.

Safety and Practicality in Small-Scale Design

When designing children’s spaces, safety should take priority. Address common hazards like sharp furniture edges by adding protective padding. Secure heavy items like bookshelves to walls to prevent tipping, especially in play areas. Opt for non-toxic materials when choosing paints, fabrics, or play supplies.

Practicality is equally important. Kids grow fast, and their interests evolve over time. Choose furniture and layouts that can adapt, like modular shelving or adjustable desks, ensuring the same space works as they transition from toddlers to teens.

Budget-Friendly Upgrades to Spark Imagination

Transforming a living space doesn’t have to break the bank. Small, inexpensive updates can make a big difference.

• DIY Ideas: Try homemade projects like themed wall art using stencils or creating gallery-style displays for their art.

• Colorful Touches: Swap in bold curtains or add removable wall decals to refresh the room.

• Repurposed Decor: Repurpose old items, like turning empty storage bins into playful organizers with labels or chalkboard paint.

These modest upgrades can inspire children while giving their space a fresh, personalized feel.

Balancing Tech and Tactile Play

Technology can add value to kids’ spaces, but it’s essential to pair it with hands-on activities. Tablets or gaming consoles can coexist with craft tables, toy blocks, or puzzles.

Open-ended toys—like building kits, art supplies, or dress-up sets—engage creativity and curiosity without reliance on screens. Prioritize fostering interactions and problem-solving skills that leave children excited to explore the world around them.

Personalization: Making the Space Uniquely Theirs

Involving children in the design process makes their space truly their own. Let them choose colors or patterns for walls and decor. You could hang their art as part of the room’s decorations or turn their favorite stuffed animals into playful fixtures.

Ownership of a space promotes confidence and responsibility. Kids are more likely to respect and take care of areas they helped design, creating positive habits that can last a lifetime.

From Mundane to Magical: Long-Term Benefits of Thoughtful Design

A carefully planned kid-centric space supports childhood growth in meaningful ways. Beyond providing a place to play and relax, such environments build lasting memories tied to learning, comfort, and creativity.

By designing spaces with care and imagination, families lay the foundation for lifelong curiosity, self-expression, and resilience—all while making the home a special retreat for their growing children.

Creating a Cozy Family Haven: How Your Windows Impact Home Comfort

The James family had been living with their 30-year-old windows for too long. Every winter, their living room felt like sitting in a refrigerator despite the heating running constantly. Their children complained about street noise during homework time, and the dark, dreary atmosphere made everyone feel less energetic. This common scenario plays out in homes across the country, where outdated windows silently undermine family comfort.

Windows do far more than provide views and ventilation. They regulate temperature, control noise, influence natural light levels, and contribute to your family's sense of security. When windows function properly, you hardly notice them. When they don't, they affect nearly every aspect of home life.

Let's explore how your windows contribute to creating a truly comfortable family environment, and what you can do to improve them.

Temperature Balance Throughout the Seasons

Windows directly influence how comfortable your home feels throughout the year. During winter months, inefficient windows allow warm air to escape and cold drafts to enter. In summer, they can turn rooms into greenhouses, trapping heat and making air conditioning work overtime.

The Department of Energy estimates that 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use is attributable to heat gain and loss through windows. This translates to hundreds of dollars in wasted energy costs annually for most families.

Temperature inconsistencies affect daily life in tangible ways:

• Cold spots near windows discourage use of certain areas in winter

• Overheated rooms in summer can disrupt sleep and family activities

• Constantly adjusting thermostats creates unpredictable comfort levels

• Energy bills spike during extreme weather months

Modern replacement windows address these issues through improved sealing, multiple glass panes, and insulating gas fills between panes. The difference is immediately noticeable - rooms maintain consistent temperatures, energy bills decrease, and family members can enjoy the entire home comfortably year-round.

Creating Peaceful Family Spaces

Outside noise infiltrating your home can disrupt the peaceful environment every family deserves. Traffic sounds, barking dogs, lawn equipment, and neighborhood activities can interfere with:

• Children trying to complete homework

• Family members attempting to sleep

• Quality conversation during meals

• Enjoyment of quiet activities like reading

Quality windows act as sound barriers between your family and the outside world. Double or triple-pane designs with proper sealing dramatically reduce noise transmission.

The Wilson family in a busy Richmond neighborhood experienced this transformation firsthand. After years of disrupted sleep from nearby traffic, they invested in window replacement Richmond VA homeowners frequently choose for noise reduction from Insta Window Quote. They reported that bedtime struggles with their children immediately improved once outside noises were minimized.

Modern windows use several technologies to reduce noise:

• Multiple panes of glass with varying thicknesses

• Laminated glass that dampens sound waves

• Gas-filled spaces between panes

• Precision sealing that eliminates gaps

Brightening Your Family's Day with Natural Light

Natural light profoundly impacts family health and happiness. Research shows that adequate daylight exposure:

• Improves mood and reduces depression

• Helps regulate healthy sleep patterns

• Increases vitamin D production

• Enhances focus and productivity

• Creates a more pleasant living environment

Your windows determine how much natural light enters your home and its quality. Outdated, small, or improperly placed windows can leave rooms feeling dark and cave-like, while clean, well-designed windows transform spaces with life-giving light.

Window Style	Light Characteristics	Best Room Applications
Picture	Maximum unobstructed light	Living areas, views
Casement	Good light with ventilation	Kitchens, bathrooms
Double-hung	Traditional light pattern	Bedrooms, studies
Bay/Bow	Multi-directional light	Dining rooms, reading nooks
Clerestory	High light without privacy concerns	Bathrooms, hallways

Modern window technologies allow for larger glass areas without compromising energy efficiency. Low-E glass coatings permit light to enter while blocking harmful UV rays and preventing heat transfer.

Safety and Security for Peace of Mind

Windows play a crucial role in family safety. They must be secure enough to prevent unwanted entry but easy to operate during emergencies.

Modern windows offer several safety features:

• Multi-point locking systems that engage at several locations

• Laminated or tempered glass that resists breaking

• Child-safety locks that prevent falls while allowing ventilation

• Easy-operation mechanisms for quick emergency exits

These features provide peace of mind, particularly for families with young children or elderly members. When selecting windows, balance security with ease of operation. Windows should be secure from outside entry but simple enough for all family members to operate in an emergency.

Practical Steps to Window Improvement

How can you tell if your windows need attention? Use this simple assessment checklist:

• Do you feel drafts near closed windows?

• Is there condensation between glass panes?

• Are frames rotting, warping, or showing damage?

• Do windows require force to open or close?

• Can you hear outside noise clearly through closed windows?

• Are your energy bills increasing without explanation?

If you answered yes to several questions, consider these improvement options:

1. Basic maintenance for minor issues:

• Replace weatherstripping and caulking

• Add window insulation film

• Install storm windows

• Repair minor frame damage

2. When replacement makes more sense:

• Windows are over 20 years old

• Frames show significant deterioration

• Operation is severely compromised

• Energy loss is substantial

When selecting new windows, prioritize:

• ENERGY STAR ratings appropriate for your climate

• Quality materials that match your home's architecture

• Proper installation by qualified professionals

• Warranty coverage for both products and installation

Windows: Your Gateway to Family Comfort

The windows in your home silently influence your family's comfort every day. They regulate temperature, control noise, provide natural light, and contribute to safety. While often overlooked, they deserve attention as critical components of a comfortable home environment.

Investing in quality windows pays dividends in energy savings, increased comfort, enhanced home value, and improved family well-being. Whether through maintenance of existing windows or installation of modern replacements, improving your windows creates a more comfortable haven for the people who matter most.

Take time to evaluate your windows and consider how improvements might enhance your family's comfort. Small changes can make a remarkable difference in creating the cozy, peaceful home environment every family deserves.

Discover the Ease of Family Travel: Why Shuttles Make a Difference

A Cheerful Start: Setting the Scene

Family road trips can be thrilling adventures. Spending hours together in the car creates opportunities to chat, laugh, and create memories. It's a chance to share experiences and bond in a unique way that vacations often provide.

But traveling as a family also has its challenges. Kids can get restless after sitting too long, traffic delays can throw off schedules, and crowded highways can make the trip more stressful for parents. Add concerns about car breakdowns or finding clean rest stops, and the fun can quickly fade.

This is where shuttle services can shine. They take the hassle out of long-distance trips, offering families a reliable way to travel. With professional drivers and comfortable accommodations, a shuttle makes the entire journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Keeping Everyone Together and Safe

One of the biggest benefits of shuttle travel is staying together as a family. Larger groups often need to take multiple cars, but with a shuttle, everyone can comfortably ride in one vehicle. This keeps the family united throughout the trip instead of splitting up for hours.

Professional drivers also add an extra layer of safety. They know how to handle various road conditions and focus entirely on the driving, allowing parents to sit back without stress. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for unfamiliar routes or challenging weather conditions.

Shuttles ease much of the strain on parents. There's no need to worry about coordinating caravans, navigating or dealing with long hours of focus on the road. Parents can relax, confident their family is in good hands.

Comfort and Convenience for Parents and Kids

Shuttle services prioritize passenger comfort, making them great for families. The seating options can cater to all ages, from spacious seats for adults to extra room for car seats and strollers. Everyone gets the space they need, so no one feels cramped or uncomfortable.

Many shuttles include added perks, such as air conditioning for hot days, large baggage compartments, and plenty of legroom. These details can make a big difference on long trips. With these features, parents and kids can enjoy the ride without distractions or discomfort.

Perhaps the best part is that parents don’t have to handle the driving. Instead of focusing on the destination, they can enjoy the moment, play games with their kids, or catch up on rest. Travel becomes less of a chore and more of an opportunity to connect.

Cost and Time Benefits that Add Up

Family road trips can get expensive. Gas costs, tolls, vehicle maintenance, and unexpected repairs all add up. Shuttles offer an alternative that could save money by packing all expenses into one predictable fare. And for families with bigger groups, this can lead to significant savings.

Time management is another area where shuttles help. Experienced drivers know how to keep trips running according to schedule, reducing the need for overnight stays in hotels. With smart planning, families can avoid unnecessary delays and stay on track for their planned activities.

Shuttles help balance costs and efficiency. By eliminating extra stops and unnecessary expenses, families are more likely to arrive on time to enjoy their vacation fully.

Planning the Route without the Headache

Shuttle companies handle the trip's logistics, sparing families the stress of figuring out directions or managing complicated routes. This is especially convenient when navigating unfamiliar roads or crowded highways. Families are free to enjoy the scenery without watching for signs or exits.

Predictable departure and arrival times make the experience even smoother. Families can plan their vacation knowing the timing of their shuttle service will remain consistent. For example, a shuttle from St George to Salt Lake ensures long-distance trips are both simple and dependable. With convenience like this, families can focus more on enjoying their travels.

Rethinking Family Bonding on the Road

When parents aren’t consumed with traffic and directions, the whole family benefits. Freed from distractions, families can have meaningful talks, play games, or simply listen to music together. Whether it’s storytelling, spot-the-landmark games, or enjoying a playlist everyone loves, these shared moments create lasting memories.

Small interactions during the journey often become the highlights of family trips. From a funny joke someone tells to a breathtaking view out the window, these moments stick with you. On a shuttle, road trips feel more like quality time instead of a chore.

Making the Most of Stopovers and Local Attractions

Shuttle rides make it easier to turn stopovers into fun experiences. Stopovers can become small family adventures, whether it’s a scenic viewpoint, a local café, or a park where kids can stretch their legs.

Families can plan these breaks to align with the shuttle’s route and schedule. Children can move around, and parents have time to take in the surroundings. By researching local attractions near the route, families can make every moment of the trip more memorable.

Charting New Family Adventures

Shuttle services bring ease and enjoyment back to family travel. They keep everyone together, prioritize safety, and make trips more comfortable and cost-effective. With professional drivers handling the logistics, parents can finally relax and focus on creating memories.

If you're planning a family trip, consider the convenience and peace of mind shuttles offer. Whether it’s for a long journey or a quick trip, relying on a service like a shuttle can turn road travel into something the whole family looks forward to.

Last-Minute Help to Create a Perfect Valentine’s Day

The big game is now in the history books, and Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. The best of planners made dinner reservations, ordered flowers, and purchased thoughtful gifts weeks or even months ago. But for many others, last-minute help is needed to create a unique Valentine’s Day memory on a budget. 

Start with a gift. If your Valentine likes beer more than wine, consider something from the Lowes Foods’ Beer Den. You can fill growlers with an assortment of Carolina beers that are not normally sold in grocery stores. Lowes Foods seeks out specialty beers from Carolina breweries, picks them up in its Beer Run Truck and brings them back to its local Beer Dens across the Carolinas. Add a gift card for a future Beer Den visit to create a much-appreciated gift.

Next up, food and drink. This is where Lowes Foods is the perfect source for last-minute help. This week, Lowes Foods is offering hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, Valentine’s Day themed mini cakes and even sushi in heart-shaped boxes. 

Need the whole meal? Lowes Foods has it covered with Sweetheart Meal Deals in the store’s meat department complete with steaks (choice of ribeye or New York strip), lobster tails, twice-baked potatoes, and fudge iced brownies—all for $29.99 for two people. Sweetheart Meal Deals will be available through February 18. 

Finally, the flowers. You might not think of a grocery store first, but  Lowes Foods has an extensive floral department that can create stunning arrangements that—well, frankly—don’t look like they came from a grocery store. Best of all, Lowes Foods will deliver. To make it even easier, go to lowesfoods.com, order flowers and perhaps some hand-dipped strawberries and a bottle of wine (where available) for a quick, easy gift that everyone will love.

Valetine’s Day is only days away, but there’s no reason to panic. Lowes Foods is here to help procrastinators, busy people, and those who simply like good food and drink, beautiful flowers and easy gift-giving.

About Lowes Foods, LLC

Founded in 1954, Lowes Foods employs nearly 9,000 people and operates more than 80 full-service supermarkets in the Carolinas. Locally owned and operated, Lowes Foods is truly a homegrown company committed to bringing community back to the table, by providing customers with the freshest and most innovative local products from local suppliers. The company maintains a strong focus on exceptional attention to our guests, with services like Lowes Foods-To-Go personal shopping and gas rewards discounts. To learn more, visit lowesfoods.com or follow Lowes Foods on Facebook or X. Lowes Foods, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alex Lee, Inc.