9 Small Businesses for the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same thing.”

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Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I have been thinking about it more and more this year; perhaps because I am with my kids 24/7. I have also been thinking a lot about local businesses and the stressors and heart aches that can come from owning your own business, especially during a time like this.

COVID-19 has thrown us all for a loop. But for me, what I have started to get out of this time at home and away from the world, is how important it really is to support one another. I am reminded of this fact again and again, every single time I open up my Facebook feed. We have really come to a place where we can spend our time building each other up (you know the whole, ‘united we stand’) or a place where we choose to tear each other down (‘divided we fall’). It just boggles my mind how many choose the latter.

I choose to be united.

And I am going to start by crafting a list, and organizing a handful of links and descriptions, to my favorite local businesses. Businesses that, conveniently, I think would be just perfect for Mother’s Day.

Shopping from these businesses not only provides you with some really unique and quality gifts, but they in turn get to receive your vital support during a time when they could really use it.

PLUS, most of them will ship to you!! So even if you aren’t local, you can still find something magical; support an important, small business; and have a way to receive the product!

9 Local Businesses With Perfect Gift Options for Mother’s Day

BrookeTrout Designs

One of BrookeTrout Designs’ beautiful wrap bracelets.

I love BrookeTrout Designs. It was just recently that I had been eyeing some of their leather wrap bracelets, and I finally couldn’t take it any longer, so I made one mine. Talk about bringing me happiness!

BrookeTrout Designs creates beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry, and they are more than willing to size or customize for you. There are two elements that make this business so great – their customer service, and their unique quality-built pieces. Brooke has been making jewelry for 30 years, so she is well-versed at what goes into making a quality piece.

This local business makes all things jewelry, but some really special pieces that their inventory consists of, are:

  • Morse code necklaces
  • triple wrap leather bracelets
  • DIY jewelry kits for kids and adults
  • lava rock bracelets (that you can put essential oils on if you choose)

On top of the leather wrap bracelet that I have for myself, I also have a lava rock bracelet for my 9-year-old. She wears it often and typically with lavender essential oil on it. Brooke was incredible to work with when she created this bracelet for her – she actually had to rework it for size, and allowed me to choose the middle stones that she was going to include to dress the bracelet up. It is a favorite piece of my daughter’s, which makes it a favorite piece of mine.

How to contact them:
Local stores that carry her products: Willie Wags, Clothes Encounter, and Sacred Core.
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeTrout-Designs-218963794860390 *She will ship to you!*

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
There is so much that you can do with these quality pieces. However, a Morse code necklace with a small saying or name, would be a forever cherished item. Or, ask Brooke about creating a matching set, with earrings, bracelet, and/or necklace. Customizing it with a favorite color would make it even better!

RyCo Handmade

My girls and I in our beautiful and warm RyCo Homemade winter hats.

To be able to feature RyCo Handmade, makes me ecstatic! I love their products so much!!

RyCo is a company that is single-handedly run by a stay-at-home mom who is the most incredible crocheter that I have ever seen. There is really no end to the list of items that she can create:

  • sweaters
  • pillow cases
  • hats and ear coverings
  • dish and face scrubbies
  • children’s capes
  • headbands

… I could seriously just keep listing items until I ran out of space.

I first encountered this business when I was scrolling through Facebook about 2 years ago. I watched and watched the items that she created and promised myself that if I saw her at a craft fair, I would purchase something for my daughters and I. FINALLY, last fall, I ran into her, and true to my promise, I bought the girls and I matching winter hats.

The quality from RyCo is amazing, the patterns are all different, and she is willing to customize anything that is possible. Everyone needs something from this local establishment!

How to contact them:
Local(ish) stores that carry their products: Copper Salon, The Not So Empty Nest, School House Antique Mall, Main Street Floral and Design, Main Street Style & Gifts.
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/RyCoHandmade
Etsy site: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RyCoHandmade?

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
Oh boy – to narrow it down to a few ideas is hard. One option is to nab some of her dish and face scrubbies, and put those along with a gift card, so that mom can pick her own custom crocheted project. Or, I love their Messy Bun hats (or beanies)! They are perfect for someone who wants some hair sticking out of their hat, or even for someone who has too much hair to fit in a hat.

Eureka Farms

The incredibly beautiful outside of Eureka Farms.

Eureka Farms is a family owned farm that is located in Palmyra. They have the most spectacular maple syrup setup, and my family and I had the opportunity to visit a little while back during Maple Sunday.

Maine-made maple syrup is a MUST, but on top of that commodity, they offer so many additional things:

  • honey
  • peanut butter – it comes in regular, honey, and chocolate (I am dying over here.)
  • beekeeping needs
  • cotton candy
  • jams
  • whoopie pies
  • beans
  • products from other local businesses

The list goes on.

The other piece that I love about this farm is their commitment to community. Currently they are doing a community bottle drive where you can drop your bottles off right at their location, and all of the proceeds go directly to Palmyra Food Pantry. Talk about a local business giving back – this makes my heart so happy!

How to contact them:
Local address: 220 Shy Road in Palmyra.
Website address: http://www.eurekafarmsmaine.com *They will ship to you!*
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/EurekaFarms/
Telephone number: 1-207-944-2186

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
Eureka Farm’s products would make the cutest Mother’s Day basket! Grab a few of their jams, peanut butters, maple syrups, candies, and honeys – place them all in a basket with a ribbon, and it becomes the prettiest Maine product basket ever! It would also be perfect for anyone on your list who lives out of state and could benefit from a “real Maine” experience.

B.E. Creative

A small look at what B.E. Creative can do – a custom refinished piece, and sweet ‘home’ pillows.

B.E. Creative is a local business that demonstrates no limits to what they can do. Beth, the creative mastermind behind it all, has amazing stylistic skills that allow her to create incredible pieces. You can find an array of products from this business:

  • seasonal and non-seasonal signs for your home
  • customized t-shirts
  • customized pillows
  • customized bags
  • customized hand towels

What else can you think of that can be customized?

Crafting custom orders is only one element that makes up B.E. Creative. The other piece that makes this business unique, is their adept abilities at refinishing furniture. Not only do they sell refinished furniture at times, but they also take in customer’s pieces and refinish them per the owner’s request.

B.E. Creatives is so versatile in their abilities and they offer such incredible support when it comes to customization, that you just can’t go wrong.

How to contact them:
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/beth.edwards2019
Telephone number: 1-207-561-0333

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
Every mom wants something custom-made that represents her kids – or, even just her as a person! Beth can do both of those things! Or, if an even bigger gift is on your mind, schedule a time to have Beth refinish a favorite dresser or book shelf or console table. I promise it will become a custom piece that will be cherished forever.

The Berry Good Elixir Company

The Berry Good Elixir Company logo.

What better gift is there, than the gift of health?? If you have not been introduced to The Berry Good Elixir Company, than you are missing out. This company is run by a certified natural health consultant and herbalist who is real, honest, and insanely talented in her knowledge.

And just like their label says, they specialize in custom:

  • tinctures
  • tonics
  • teas
  • elixirs

My favorite product of theirs is their Elderberry syrup, however their product line is extensive. I know that as a mom, Elderberry is a staple in our home and it makes me feel like I am doing all that I can to assist my children’s immune systems, when Elderberry is onboard.

This company is more than willing to answer any and all of your questions, and they can help guide you to what will assist you best, if you have specific needs. And if you don’t, they have a multitude of quality-developed and extensively researched products, that can be used to support general health. After all, a healthy mom will make everyone in the house healthier and happier!

How to contact them:
Local stores that carry their products: Tiller & Rye, G&M Family Market, plus a few pharmacies.
Website address: https://berrygoodlife.co/? *They will ship to you!*
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/firstdonoharm1221
Telephone number: 1-207-217-8274

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
There is no way to go wrong with any choice here, but I love the idea of their organic tea blends! I am sure that mom could use some Sweet Dreams tea, or Stress Away tea. But what if you have someone who isn’t a tea drinker? Then think about their Stress & Mood Enhancer, or Fire Tonic, which aids in cognitive, cardio, and immune functioning.

The Briar Patch

You KNOW that I could not create a list for Mother’s Day and exclude a local bookstore. I just couldn’t do it!!

And we love The Briar Patch!

When they talk about quaint little bookstores that are filled to the brim, they are talking about this local treasure. This lovely store has, or has the ability to get, anything that you could possibly need in a literary world:

  • nonfiction texts so she can learn more about her favorite topics
  • new fiction that she can relate to within her own life
  • unique cookbooks
  • historical fiction or fantasy that will whisk her off to a different world

But what really makes this store special, is the sense of community and togetherness they exude. Books really are at the heart of the community and that is no exception for The Briar Patch. They organize community events that sometimes shut down streets, and carries in tons of local vendors. They do read alouds and story times, Where’s Waldo searches, and they bring in some of our most favorite authors. They are a true staple in our community.

How to contact them:
Local address: 27 Central Street in Bangor. *Currently offering curbside pick up and Bangor delivery!*
Website address: https://bookshop.org/shop/briarpatchbooks? *They will ship to you!*
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/BriarPatchBooks
Telephone number: 1-207-941-0255

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
How special would it be to get a book that represents both mom and child, with an inscription inside? Or, a book that can be read by mom TO the child? If that doesn’t sound like something she would love, picking out a unique book with a special bookmark that she can curl up with for some quiet time or even in the bath, would win every element of her heart! At least, I know it would, mine!

Orono Brewing Company

Here is a little more of an adult option! The Orono Brewing Company is an intimate company that has only been open since 2014, however they use their years and years of dedicated home-brew experience, to influence what they create.

Their list of products range from:

  • beer options: IPAs, an imperial stout, a saison, and a kettle sour
  • food (only at their Orono location)
  • clothing
  • hats
  • phone cases

And their merchandise list continues ..

I have noticed that downtown and college businesses can’t seem to be anything but close and supportive of one another. But one of the things that I really love about Orono Brewing Company, is that they never hesitate to partner with or shout-out to other local businesses. That speaks volumes to me and my desire to support them!

How to contact them:
Local address: 61 Margin Street in Orono and 26 State Street in Bangor. They are also distributed throughout Maine, NH & NY.
Website address: https://oronobrewing.com/?
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/oronobrewing
Telephone number: 1-207-866-1272

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
They have so much for merchandise! It would be adorable to roll up a t-shirt, matching socks, a phone case and a gift card, and tie it all with a ribbon. And that’s if she doesn’t want the beer!! If she does, well then, opt for one of their many IPAs or if she is like me, their Imperial Stout.

Peej’s Pallets

My custom-made bedside table from Peej’s Pallets.

Peej’s Pallets makes the greatest rustic furniture, at affordable prices. They are so well-versed at wood crafting, and highly personable, that they will tackle almost any custom job asked for. However, they do have some staple items that they are known for:

  • entertainment centers
  • side tables
  • dog kennels
  • kitchen tables
  • coffee tables

Peej is great to converse with on any ideas that you might have, both on and off the above list.

We purchased some bedroom side tables from Peej’s Pallets about a year or so ago, and we were able to talk about height, colors, and style with him. It made the finished product even better, and us the customer, even happier, knowing that we had a hand in the customization of our furniture.

How to contact them:
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/peejbreton23
Telephone number: 1-207-631-9384

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
While you wouldn’t have time to place a custom order and get it for Mother’s Day at this point, you could always get a gift card for her to use later. Or, you could certainly place an order now, and wrap up a picture of the product for her to open on her special day.

The Not So Empty Nest

My ‘Home’ sign that hangs right by my front door from The Not So Empty Nest.

When trying not to buy from big box stores, but still wanting the perfect gift for someone, The Not So Empty Nest is the perfect storefront to visit. They have SO many solutions to unique gift giving:

  • glass pieces
  • up-cycled furniture
  • unique cribbage boards
  • Maine-themed items
  • home signs
  • succulents

It is impossible to name it all.

I have a few pieces from The Not So Empty Nest, but my problem when I go in there, is that I want it ALL! Especially now that they have moved storefronts and they have more room to display new items. The Not So Empty Nest features gifts from local artists, and they also offer really great classes so that you can learn while building your own product.

How to contact them:
Local address: 1209 Broadway, Judson Height Center in Bangor
Website address: https://www.thenotsoemptynest.me/?
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/notsoemptynest
Telephone number: 1-207-307-7703

Thoughts on their products for Mother’s Day:
There are so, so many item options at The Not So Empty Nest, that it is impossible to go wrong. The owner is also wonderful and I know that she would be more than willing to help you choose something just perfect. Or, another option would be a gift card to let mom pick out the perfect item, or even to use towards one of the unique classes that they offer.

I have listed these businesses and products for Mother’s Day, however there is no time and no limit to when you can support these incredible companies.

There is also nothing that says you have to buy an item from these local businesses for Mother’s Day, for just your mom. Sisters, grandmothers, aunts, special friends, and wives all love gifts on Mother’s Day, as well!

After all, aren’t all the women in your lives worth it?