Coronado Mother's Day Gift Guide: From a Local

The Coronado Mother's Day Gift Guide (From a Local)

If you just remembered that Mother's Day is only a few days away, I've got you covered. Here's what I'm actually recommending this year — all local, and she'll love every one of them.

Start with flowers from Root 75. Kristy does the most beautiful loose, garden-style arrangements that look like you pulled them from someone's backyard in the best possible way. Order in advance — she will sell out.  Click here to place your order.

Book a family photo session. This is the one gift that no one loves doing and everyone is grateful to have done. I have three local photographers I trust completely: A Cardillo Photo, Golden Flutter, and Ash Wiley. I've worked with all three and cannot recommend them enough. Check out their websites to get a feel for their vibe and pick the one that feels most like your family.

Commission something from Matt DeGree Fine Art. Matt is a retired F-18 pilot, avid surfer, and fellow Village Elementary parent. He creates hand-painted works of art that are genuinely the kind of thing that stays in families for generations. It could be a photo of a beloved pet, of the family, or of her favorite spot on the island. I promise she will love this. You can reach him on facebook, instagram, or by email at: mattdegree7@gmail.com.

A card from Seaside Papery. I know it sounds small, but the right card matters. Their selection is actually curated and it'll take you five minutes. Just do it.

Coffee and a tasty from Tartine. Get there early, grab her favorite treat and whatever she drinks, and bring it back before she gets out of bed. It's the perfect start to any day, especially Mother's Day.

Sunset picnic on the beach. This one's practically free and it's the best thing on the list. Grab a blanket, some sandwiches from Central Deli, a bottle of her favoeite drink, and just go. The kids can run through the dunes while you watch the light bounce off the water and listen to the waves. Just make sure the birds stay away from the sandwiches!

A few pro tips from real moms:

Do not ask her to plan anything. Do not ask her what she wants. Just take initiative and do it. The planning is the gift as much as anything else — when someone else handles all of it, that's when it actually feels like a day off.

That's the whole guide. Local, thoughtful, and nothing you have to ship.