Journaling things galore at East City Books! Photo by María Helena Carey
Mother’s Day in DC is, well, it’s lit, you guys. Roses, peonies, and azaleas are in bloom, and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s House and Garden tour perfectly capitalizes on this majesty on that one Hallmark Holiday whose meaning no one can ever truly grasp. Have you gotten your tickets to the CHRS’s tour, by the by? No? Here’s a link: http://chrs.org/house-and-garden-tour/house-garden-tour-tickets/.
So, Mother Nature and CHRS do a fine job of celebrating moms, but what about you? I’ve compiled a local guide to address the gift-giving needs for your favorite mom, but please remember, if you run out of time or money, craft her a voucher that says, “Good for one morning sleeping in without having to tackle really simple stuff,” and you’ll be golden.
I am serious. Please, give us some sleep. And okay, presents. Presents never hurt. Here are a few ideas.
For the Crafty Mom
Whether a mom’s idea of DIY involves stickers, duct tape, or a full-scale renovation and a vision board that is the envy of all of Pinterest, she can find most of the supplies for her latest apartment therapy project at our neighborhood hub, Frager’s. Now fully consolidated at 1317-1323 E St. SE – and soon to be a part of the ACE Hardware family– Frager’s has powertools and the traditional weekend-warrior arsenal. You can also plan, paint, plant, circular-saw, or spray-paint your way to your next project courtesy of our beloved hardware store.
If a mom’s idea of heaven is a few hours spent coloring or something a little more low-key, East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, is the place for you. The two-story bookstore has established its reputation as a solid place for new book releases (hello, Harry Potter party!), great speakers, and a haven of books and witty presents. It’s also a great place for crafty moms, with beautiful, rare papers commingling with coloring books and journals for every possible taste. Maybe you can even get Mom started on Bullet Journaling (#BuJo), a list-making system that, apart from being a newish fad, could mean that you may be giving the gift of organization. BuJo has a complex set of rules that you can find at the official website (http://bulletjournal.com). I asked East City owner Laurie Gillman whether she’d kept one, and she mentioned that “you can make up your own rules and still have it all in one place.” You can get skinny journals to keep in your pocket, or larger ones made with upcycled books, and pair them with great pens and pencils and erasers and all manner of writing utensils.
P.S.: Don’t forget to get a card. East City has some great ones, such as the Role Models card. Spoiler alert: one of them is Beyonce.
Summery dresses at Boutique on the Hill. You may need a shawl, though. Dorian has you covered, but they are not pictured here. Photo by María Helena Carey
For the Clotheshorse Mom
If you’ve never been to Boutique on the Hill, 225 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, you need to stop by and say hello to owner Dorian Bean-Lipscombe. Apart from having an array of beautiful clothes that she curates with a great eye for trends, she also has fun housewares that you don’t see often. Cake platters with shiny crystals? Check. Geometric wine racks to beautifully display your libations? Check. Placeholders in the shape of apples that make perfect teacher-appreciation-week presents? Check!
The store is lined with gorgeous shawls in every color of the rainbow so Mom can keep warm in the air-conditioned blast of the brunch place, as well as a whole wall dedicated to jewelry – from delicate golden ropes to bold statement pieces. Boutique on the Hill has something for every taste.
For the Barefoot Mom
Some moms just need to be barefoot. We don’t judge, we indulge. And what better way to indulge than with a gorgeous rug from Woven History, 315 Seventh St. SE? The only thing better than a handmade, vibrantly colored rug that feels great underfoot is knowing that your purchase supports Tibetan and Afghan refugees. You may now drop the mic.
For the Fit Mom
We are so lucky to have a wide array of fitness studios to delight moms into yoga, biking, Pilates, and so much more. If you have a mom with an ongoing running routine, give her a bib to the Capitol Hill Classic, which you can do by visiting www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=37800. You can register up to the week of the Classic (which falls on the weekend after Mother’s Day). The race, which has been held continuously since 1980, is not just a test of fitness but a joyful reminder of how different aspects of the community nourish each other. Proceeds benefit the Capitol Hill Cluster Schools.
You can also get Mom a subscription to Capital Bikeshare. Our regional bike-rental program, the first in North America, allows the mom in your life to travel all over DC and areas of Maryland and Virginia while getting exercise and wind in her hair. You can find more details about Capital Bikeshare and its plans by visiting https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/pricing.
If a mom needs an outfit to go with her activities, you can always hit Summit to Soul, 727 Eighth St. SE, or browse their Instagram, @SummitToSoul, filled with awesome outfit ideas. And you can shop there directly.
For the Foodie Mom
When a local business makes its way to an Australian tourist map of Washington, DC, it’s safe to say it’s hit cult status. Yes, Hill’s Kitchen is such a business. Owner Leah Daniels has slowly built a kitchen store that dreams are made of. This is where you are sure to find your foodie mom’s perfect gift. From a wide array of spices and perfectly packaged chocolates, to the Staub Dutch oven that will make her boeuf bourguignon really pop, Hill’s Kitchen has a present you need. Stop by 713 D St. SE, across from Eastern Market Metro, and tell them I said hi.
For the Pet Mom
While there may be arguments as to whether someone who has only pets is a mom, a pet mom deserves a present. She deserves one for doing 5 a.m. walkies or for cleaning up the 10th hairball of the day, thank you very much. If there is such a mom in your life, give her peace of mind. Saving Grace Pet Care offers dog-walking and pet-sitting, as well as a dedicated team of caregivers who ensure your furry babies are doing well in a service area that extends all over Capitol Hill and into Brookland. You can reach Saving Grace at www.savinggracepets.comor call 202-544-9247.
Happy Mother’s Day, moms and mom-like surrogates everywhere!
This post originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of the Hill Rag.