Graduations, Mother’s Day and other spring celebrations pepper our filling-up-quickly calendars as we flip them to May. From chic accessories to personalized curios, this list has something special for every occasion this month — and all from local Southern makers, brands and retailers. Here are some of our favorite May FINDS that we’ve found throughout the South.
STYLISH MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS
Gold heart necklace
Give Mom your heart this Mother’s Day with this dainty yet elegant puffed heart necklace from Yearly Co. The 14K gold heart pendant hangs delicately from either a 16- or 18-inch gold cable chain. Find it for $60 Yearly Co. here.
Gold heart necklace, $60, at Yearly Co. | Image: Yearly Co.
Mom tile bracelet
These colorful, buildable bracelets are all the rage right now, and they’re the perfect accessory for spring and summer. Grab this adorable bracelet for any mom in your life for $20 at Confettees — and don’t forget to peruse all the jewelry to add to your own collection, too!
Buildable Mom bracelet, $20, at Confettees | Image: Confettees
Sundress
Get mom beach-, lake-, or pool-ready in this long-tiered tassel dress made from luxuriously soft hand-block printed cotton. The long tassels at the neck and a ruffle-tiered hem add the cutest flowing movement and detail. Find this for $215 at Rhodes.
Sundress, $215, at Rhodes | Image: Rhodes
Multicolored wrap belt
Sometimes all it takes to put a little extra pizazz in your outfit is the addition of a fun belt. Add this double-sided bow-tie wrap belt around your waist to cinch a simple black dress, or let your adventurous side come out and mix and match it with a floral-patterned blouse. Find it for $112 from e. Allen.
Bow-tie wrap belt, $112, from e. Allen | Image: e. Allen
Straw satchel
What better addition to a colorful spring outfit than a pastel-hued straw bag!? The perfect catch-all size and fully lined, this gift is sure to be a hit. We want every color! Find your favorite for $48 at Swoon.
Straw satchels, $48 each, at Swoon | Image: Swoon
Pajama set
This breathable, 100% Peruvian Pima cotton set is at the tip-top of the luxurious loungewear pecking order and the perfect gift for Mom (or you). These buttery-smooth jersey knit pajamas drape beautifully and continue to soften with each washing. Curl up in this set for $118 at Petite Plume.
Pajama set, $118, at Petite Plume | Image: Petite Plume
Family charm necklace
Show Mom some love with a piece of jewelry she can wear every day. This customizable family charm necklace comes in 14 karat-filled, rose gold-filled or sterling silver, and you can add up to five birthstones and initial charms to represent family members! The price varies depending on how many add-ons you choose, and you can find it starting at $68 at Judith Bright.
Family charm necklace, $68-$138, from Judith Bright | Image: Judith Bright
INDULGENT WAYS TO CELEBRATE MOM
Chocolate box
What better way to show Mom some love than with this gorgeous box of 16 assorted artisan truffles from Atlanta chocolate maker, Temo Foods!? You’ll get four pieces each of the four different flavors: mango and passion fruit crunch white chocolate; peanut butter cream milk chocolate; toasted hazelnut and Nutella Caramelo dark chocolate; and caramelized Georgia pecan crunch milk chocolate. Yum! Find yours for $45 at Temo Foods.
Box of 16 chocolates, $45, from Temo Foods | Image: Temo Foods
RELATED: 9 Southern Chocolate Makers We Love
Salt and sugar margarita rimmers
Cocktails are more fun with a tasty rim of salt or sugar, and these specialty rimmers from Walker Feed Co. are the perfect addition to your celebratory beverage of choice. If you’re looking to kick it up a notch, the “Hot Sea Salt” rimmer is a blend of sea salt and Nashville hot chicken seasoning — just the right amount of spice to offset a refreshing drink. You can find them for $6 each at Walker Feed Co.
Salt and sugar cocktail rimmers, $6 each, from Walker Feed Co. | Image: Walker Feed Co.
Paper placemats
These die-cut placemats are designed for outdoor celebrations and parties of all kinds! They’re easy for molding to whatever vision you have for the occasion. Find them in a set of 12 for $29 at Hester & Cook.
Paper placemats, $29 for a set of 12, at Hester & Cook | Image: Hester & Cook
Candle-making kit
Even if Mom isn’t super crafty, this DIY candle-making kit offers a fun, therapeutic project she can enjoy creating and using. The kit comes with 70 matches and everything you need to pour two candles, including your choice of orange, lemon or cedar essential oil. Find the kit for $42 at Tenn Prairie.
Candle-making kit, $42, from Tenn Prairie | Image: Tenn Prairie
Expectant mother gift set
On Mother’s Day, we can’t leave out the moms-to-be! This gift set is the perfect way to honor new and soon-to-be moms. With everything from body butter to elasticity serum, this gift set is filled with some much-needed ways to pamper. Find it for $40.99 from Little Seed Farm.
“Expecting Mama” gift set, $40.99, from Little Seed Farm | Image: Little Seed Farm
CLEVER GIFT IDEAS FOR GRADS AND TEACHERS
Mat and strap
This new Texas-based brand Jollie recently launched the coolest collection of eco-friendly movement mats and straps that give back to pediatric cancer. Perfect for anyone trying to stay healthy at home or on the go, we truly can’t choose just one pattern. Find your mat for $92 and add a $20 monogrammed strap for a personalized touch!
Mat, $92, at Jollie | Image: Jollie
Add a personalized strap for $20! | Image: Jollie
For the hopeful green thumb
There are many proven benefits to filling our spaces with plants. Encourage those starting a new chapter in their life (or running a classroom filled with new students) to bring a little joy with them for soothing support and a fun hobby. Urban Jungle explores the world of indoor plants and includes tips and tricks on how to design your space. Add a houseplant for a thoughtful gift combo! Pick up a copy for $35 from House Plant Collective.
Urban Jungle, $35, from House Plant Collective | Image: House Plant Collective
RELATED: 5 Houseplants You Can’t Kill
Monogrammed bath towel
Dorm Decor has the perfect customizable graduation gift! These incredibly soft personalized towels are the perfect blend of bamboo and cotton, and they last much longer than your standard towel. Choose between seven monogram options and 22 thread colors. Order your custom bath towels for $47 each at Dorm Decor.
Monogrammed bath towel, $47, from Dorm Decor | Image: Dorm Decor
Custom notecard set
Tell your teacher thank you after a long, productive school year. Simply fill out the name you want on the apple when placing your order, and you’ll receive an emailed proof before the cards are printed. Each set includes a box of 25 cards and envelopes. Find the perfect set (there are some fabulous other styles!) for $50 at Genuinely, G Designs.
Custom notecard set, $50, at Genuinely, G Designs | Image: Genuinely, G Designs
Have a safe and healthy May full of Southern FINDS and fun celebrations!
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