We’re back again, Boston.

💐💗 Mother’s Day shopping usually goes one of two ways: you panic-buy something generic, or you spend hours overthinking it and end up with something … generic. This year, let’s skip that.

🛍️ The Paper Store is stocked to the brim with curated items that actually feel thoughtful — the kind of gifts that say "I know you" instead of "I forgot until yesterday” (it happens).  And if you happen to see something you like while you're there? We won't tell. 

👀 What’s on tap for mom:

  • Self-care that doesn't feel like an obligation

  • Cozy essentials for doing absolutely nothing

  • The handcrafted bag everyone's talking about

Up first…

THE BAG BOSTON CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT

Strawflower everything.

Photos: The Paper Store. Illustration: Claire Nicholas

♥︎ Strawflower tote bags. You’ve definitely seen these around — farmer’s markets, coffee runs, beach days. They come in two styles: Heritage and Cloud. Heritage bags are hand block-printed in Jaipur using carved wooden stamps, so each one has slight variations. Cloud bags are hand-quilted, giving them that soft, puffy feel and a more polished, elevated look.

♥︎ Strawflower duffle bags. From weekend trips with friends to gym sessions to overnight stays, this duffle can handle all of mom’s favorite activities and items. Same hand-printed craftsmanship as the totes, just bigger. Gift one of these and make packing feel less like a chore.

♥︎ Strawflower Cosmetic Pouch. Cosmetic bags either work or they don't, and this one works. Hand-printed, quilted, fits everything without turning into a black hole. Plus, with every one being slightly different, it feels extra personal.

SELF-CARE SHE’LL ACTUALLY USE

A day at the (home) spa

Photos: The Paper Store. Illustration: Claire Nicholas

♥︎ Tree Hut body scrub. The difference between a regular shower and one that feels like self-care? Approximately $12 and a good body scrub. Tree Hut turns the most boring part of your routine into something you actually look forward to. Moms deserve this (and you probably do too). 

♥︎ Alight candles. Not all candles are made equally. Some smell like generic vanilla from the drugstore, and some actually make your space feel expensive. Alight falls into the second category — this is a candle that gets lit immediately, not forgotten.

♥︎ Marin lip treatments. Marin makes lip balm that actually works and doesn't taste like medicine (or worse). Marin keeps lips hydrated without waxy film, and the packaging is pretty  enough that you’ll want to hold onto it (instead of losing it to the bottom of one of your many totes).

THE PERMISSION TO DO NOTHING

Cozy without trying

Photos: The Paper Store. Illustration: Claire Nicholas

♥︎ Barefoot Dreams throws. Some blankets are for multitasking. This one's for doing one thing: nothing. And feeling good about it. Barefoot Dreams makes the kind of throw that turns the couch into a destination. Perfect for moms who never take a break (you know the ones).

♥︎ Mia & Tess pajamas and slippers. There's sleepwear, and then there's sleepwear you could technically answer the door in. Mia & Tess makes the latter — soft, comfortable, and incredibly cute. The slippers will make you want to shuffle around in them all day. You should. 

♥︎ Favorite Daughter loungewear. The holy grail: clothes that work for doing absolutely nothing and running errands. Comfortable enough for a full couch day, put-together enough that you won't scare the neighbors. It's permission to relax. Not that we need it.

QUICK QUESTION!

🤔 What’s your Mother’s Day approach this year?

ONE LAST THING

Enter the Mom Wants Me-Time giveaway

💗 Click here and enter to win a Mom Wants Me-Time giveaway! Three winners, announced on May 10, will receive a $500 hotel gift card and a Strawflower duffle packed with spa essentials. Imagine mom’s face on Mother’s Day when she realizes the pampering has only just begun.

— Written by Claire Nicholas (The editorial team was not involved in the creation of this B-Side Extra Edition

💐 Thanks for reading! Mother's Day shopping: officially less stressful (and if you walk out with an extra tote bag, we get it).

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, The Paper Store, for sponsoring this extra B-Side send and making it easier to find gifts that won’t end up in the “stuff” drawer.

💃 Keep up with us @BostonBSide on IG, TikTok, and Twitter. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected] or [email protected].

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