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.

Yearly co heart necklacePin
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!

Southern FINDS MAY: Mom colorful block braceletPin
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.

Blue sundress from RhodesPin
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.

Multicolored striped belt from e. AllenPin
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.

Southerns FINDS May: Lined straw satchelPin
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.

White Pima Cotton PJ Set Petite PlumePin
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.

Southern FINDS May: Family charm necklace from Judith BrightPin
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.

Temo Chocolate Atlanta Mother's Day BoxPin
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.

Southern FINDS May: Walker's Feed Co sea salt and sugar rimmersPin
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.

Hester & Cook paper placematsPin
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.

Southern FINDS May: Candle-making kitPin
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.

Little Seed Farm expectant mother gift setPin
“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!

Jollie mat and strapPin
Mat, $92, at Jollie | Image: Jollie
Southern FINDS May: Jollie mat and strapPin
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 book from House Plant CollectivePin
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.

Southern FINDS May: Monogrammed bath towel from Dorm DecorPin
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 from Genuinely G DesignsPin
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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Zoe Yarborough
About the Author
Zoe Yarborough

Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.