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If you're feeling a little stir-crazy spending all this time at home, guess what? So is your mom. The increased Facetime calls, requests for Netflix recommendations, and unsolicited dog pictures are a sign that she's got some extra time on her hands—so this year, give her the gift of a fun way to spend it. You might not be able to be with her in person this Mother's Day, but you can send her something that lets her know you love her and helps her learn a new skill at the same time.
For the mom looking for her next baking project
Is your mom, like mine, absolutely burning through flour during quarantine with all her baking endeavors? These sets will help her choose the next recipe she'll tackle—even if that means making her own Mother’s Day dessert. The jelly roll kit, which includes a pliable silicone baking sheet and precise decorating pen, will help her master any rolled cake; the pie kit from Rose Levy Beranbaum (we love her baking advice at Epicurious) is a master class in rolling and cutting dough for the perfect lattice.
Layers of chocolate, frills of coconut, tangy lemon-glazed and rhubarb-studded: You’ve hit the cake mother lode.
For the mom who wants to up her cocktail game
Whether she's getting into mixology or just wants to level-up her gin and tonics, a bar-related gift is a good way to keep Mom busy. Opt for an elegant full set of tools to inspire her to get creative with her home bar, or a liquor infusion kit (complete with three unique flavor blends) to add some variety to her spirits collection.
For the mom with an eye for interior design
If your mom is the type to rearrange the furniture in isolation, give the gift of good design aesthetics with one of these kits: bouquet-arranging will help add a bit of brightness and life to any room, while candle-making makes for good vibes and even better aromas.
She’s got looks and charm—now she just needs a mid-morning meal.
For the mom who can take the heat
Test how spicy your mom is willing to go with these at-home condiment kits. The DIY hot sauce set includes bottles and labels for showing off her creations (the cayenne, ancho, curry, and chili spice packs mean lots of choices and variety is available), while the kimchi set also offers a crash course in fermentation.
For the mom who's feeling crafty
If you've got an artistic mom, give her a project that will let her flex those muscles. With a shibori kit, she can learn the craft of Japanese-style indigo tie-dye and dress up a plain apron or set of kitchen towels. With a pattern and yarn (in any color you choose) from Wool & The Gang, she can make the perfect farmers market tote to flaunt at her weekly shopping trips. And if cuteness matters to her more than function, a super adorable embroidery project might be just the ticket.
For the mom who's kicked her plastic habit
She recycles, composts, and has a silicone lid collection to cut back on aluminum foil usage. Next on Mom's sustainability checklist is likely single-use plastic; beeswax wrap is the gold standard plastic wrap substitute, and this kit lets you make your own, with your choice of fabric design.
For the mom who's getting into home brewing
These beginner kits can get Mom bottling her own own beer or kombucha in no time. Both include everything she'll need to get started, including a glass brewing jar and SCOBY for the kombucha, and malt extract and hops for the IPA (or milk stout, or hefewizen, or honey ale—her choice!).
For the mom who likes to puzzle
Add to her collection with these food-themed puzzles. I love the wedge of blue cheese and slice of papaya, but if your mom is missing going out to eat at restaurants right now, opt for the bowl of tonkatsu ramen or fully-loaded Chicago-style hot dog.
For the mom who wants to try something new
If your mom is adventurous in the kitchen, now's the time to tackle something new. Pasta from scratch, canning and preserving, DIY sushi, and fondue all require some specialized tools, so set her up for success with the proper equipment. If you're lucky, you'll be able to reap the benefits of her new skill—once you can eat together in person again.
