Graduations, Mother’s Day, and other spring celebrations pepper our calendars as we flip them to May. From chic accessories to party-ready curios, this list has something special for every occasion this month — 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
Linen blouse
This perfectly hued rusty blush top is made from 100% lightweight linen with a relaxed silhouette to keep you cool on the hottest of days. We love the gathering at the shoulders, balloon sleeves, and natural buttons down the front. The best part? It’s one size, so no gifting guesswork is involved. Shop this at Daughters for $168.
Dress
J.Marie always releases a classic line of frock tops and flowy dresses in time for spring. The soft, poly/silk blend is lined and light enough for summer’s impending temperatures. We love the ruffle straps and pockets. Shop this for $162 at J.Marie.
Bag
Handmade by talented women artisans in Bali and sustainably sourced with care, this 100% rattan and leather handbag is the perfect size that’s not too big for a night out and not too small to take to a game, beach, or pool. It even comes with a protective linen dust bag. Shop this for $173 at Swoon.
Earrings
These hand-illustrated and painted earrings are made of laser-cut recycled acrylic and hand-poured, plant-based resin. And they will go with everything! This pair is $45 from Kentucky designer khromo+philia.
Bathing suit
Moms (and all of us, to be honest) are always searching for a new, full-coverage bathing suit that will last for years. This Charleston brand offers a reversible style with two fabulous floral prints! It also has removable padding for extra support, a flattering low back, and adjustable tie straps! Shop this two-for-one cutie at Citrine for $180.
Bandana
Gift Mom the perfect finishing touch with a bandana necklace from Mignonne Gavigan’s gorgeous line. This seashell motif is ideal for the summer months ahead as the best lightweight accessory for travel. Find the design for $375 at Mignonne Gavigan.
FOR THE HOME
Horse print
Atlanta tastemaker Kevin Francis has a new line of fabulous fine art prints that come in all kinds of sizes and frames. This black and white horse is excellent for Derby month, but there are lots more to check out, too! The 14-by-16-inch print in the gold frame is $176, but the unframed options start at just $18. Add this to Mom’s gallery wall, or let her pick one for herself at Kevin Francis Design.
Fossil planter
North Carolina pottery darling Haand has a new collection inspired by natural fossilized stromatolites, one of Earth’s earliest known life forms. The cloud-shaped planters are similarly organic and full of life. At a foot long and 5.5 inches wide, this long, narrow planter is perfect for a kitchen island, wide window sill, or side table. It’s the ideal shape to grow fresh herbs or show off a row of succulents. Shop this in five great colors for $150 at Haand.
Console table
Dallas-based interior designer Caitlin Wilson and Atlanta interiors brand Mainly Baskets Home have teamed up to launch The Monaco Collection: 14 pieces of furniture that encapsulate Caitlin’s love for scalloped edges, whimsical details, and Mediterranean travels. This two-tiered statement console table is great for a hallway, living area, or dining room, and it’s available in over 10 color finishes for $1,764 at Mainly Baskets Home.
Candle holder
This is the perfect mid-century modern holder for your colorful tapered candles! The handmade concrete piece comes in nine colors. Shop this for $18 at Made by Kippen.
Wood bowl
We are smitten with The Riley/Land Collection’s stunning hand-carved wood bowls. Made primarily from locally sourced and already-fallen wood found on the maker’s family farm in Tennessee, each piece has the potential for a second life. Once the wood is aged and dried, the tree’s natural beauty is revealed through the intricate grain. This calabash-style Sassafras bowl is 3.75 inches tall and 9.5 inches wide. Shop it (and lots more) at The Riley/Land Collection for $222.
Placemats
We’re loving the dark blue and natural seagrass pattern of these square placemats. They’ll add a dash of whimsy and unmissable art deco style to any tablescape. Shop them for $40 each at Rhodes.
KITCHEN & ENTERTAINING
Party sprinkles
Atlanta-based artisan dry goods company Beautiful Briny Sea, and Natasha Feldman, L.A.-based culinary personality, chef, and host of the CW cooking show “Nosh with Tash,” have launched limited edition sprinkles to celebrate the release of her book The Dinner Party Project: A No-Stress Guide to Food with Friends. This whimsical blend will bring the party to your cakes, cookies, cocktails, canapés, mocktails, milkshakes, and more. Get a jar (plus a few for gifts) for $15 at Beautiful Briny Sea.
Garden & Gun compilation vinyl
Whether it’s a party for two, four, or 12, G&G’s first limited-edition album is an eclectic mix of the best of what’s new, from pop ballads to gospel songs. Whether you’re a vinyl newbie or an avid collector, this is one for the collection. It’s pressed by Citizen Vinyl in Asheville and curated by G&G’s contributing music editor Matt Hendrickson in partnership with Explore Asheville. Shop it at G&G’s Fieldshop for $29.98.
Wiggly tea towel
Memphis artist Grace Porter is known for her delightful squiggles. We love this organic cotton tea towel for its eye-catching contrasting beige and back design and generous 27-by-27-inch size! It’s a perfect hostess gift or addition to the oven handle, and you can get it in the converse color scheme, too! Shop these hand-painted towels for $28 each at Grace Porter Art.
SELF CARE, BATH & LAUNDRY
Southern-made laundry soap
Elevate your laundry experience with this Tennessee soap maker’s formula that has Oxi-clean and Borax to deep-clean your clothing. The eco-friendly packaging means bye-bye plastic, liquid laundry detergent jugs. Pick your favorite fragrance and let the machine do the rest! Shop this 64-load package for $30 at The Soap Factory.
Neck wrap
Julia and Wayne, the duo behind North Carolina-based Whispering Willow, have created a line of eco-friendly, soothing, and super high-quality bath, kitchen, and laundry products. This neck wrap gives you (or your grad!) a dash of aromatherapy while easing tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and back. To use warm, spritz it with water and heat it in the microwave. Or stick it in the freezer for the cold version! It’s $38 at Whispering Willow, and you can add the eye pillow ($20) for the perfect gift.
Body scrub
It’s time to rid our winter skin of flakes and dullness and welcome some sun and hydration! This activated charcoal scrub exfoliates, moisturizes, and detoxes skin in just one step. Scrubs also improve circulation, deliver essential minerals, gently remove environmental toxins from the skin’s surface, and assist in clearing acne on the body. Find this at Little Seed Farm for $21.99.
May your month be full of Southern FINDS and delightful celebrations!
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