Look at your Mom. She’s living proof that giving is better than receiving. That’s why this Mother’s Day, we urge you to “pay it forward” by getting her something she’ll not only love, but something that will benefit those in need. After all, what gift could be greater than the satisfaction she’ll receive knowing her efforts to raise you into a caring, considerate person have paid off? Here are our top five altruistic finds:
1. KitchenAid stand mixer, $349.95
The “mother” of all bakeware, this special edition stand mixer is the ideal instrument for ladies who like to have fun with flour. This sweet staple is a necessary addition to her collection of goodie-making utensils (and if you don’t believe us, the proof will be in the pudding). To generate a donation to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, just register the product at www.cookforthecure.com and KitchenAid will donate up to $50 per unit.
Williams-Sonoma, 100 Bloor Street West, 416-962-9455
2. The Body Shop’s Japanese cherry blossom shower and soften set, $10.50
Help Mom take a load off with a bubble bath and some body lotion. For the most luxurious, ethically-sourced options, The Body Shop is where it’s at. The Japanese cherry blossom shower and soften set, with its light floral fragrance and decadent texture (not tested on animals and free of carcinogenic ingredients) is a great pick. To top it all off, from now until Sunday, receive 30 per cent off all Mother’s Day pre-wrapped gifts — or your entire purchase — when you buy a $5 gift container. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation.
The Body Shop, Yorkdale Mall, 416-782-2948
3. A charitable bouquet from Fund Flowers, $45
The sweet scent of flowers never smelled so good! Toronto’s only charity florist, Fund Flowers, has a beautiful bouquet of three yellow Gerbera daisies complete with a vase and a balloon. It’s sure to brighten up her day (and her living room). Ten per cent of your total sale goes to a charity of your choice and all remaining profits (yes, all of them) go to organizations that make a difference in the community.
www.fundflowers.com
4. “Songs for Japan,” $9.99
A benefit album that is sure to inspire and uplift, music-loving mummies will dig this disc. Featuring classic ditties like John Lennon’s remastered “Imagine” to more contemporary favorites like Lady GaGa’s remixed “Born This Way,” all proceeds benefit the Red Cross in Japan. And if you want to go a step further, ditch the plastic and subsequent future e-waste by buying the album on iTunes and uploading it onto Mom’s iPod.
Chapters, Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge Street, 416-591-3622
5. Salvaged wood serving platter, $39.99
Planet and people-friendly, your mother will adore the salvaged wood serving platter from Grassroots Environmental Products. This one-of-a-kind item is made here in Canada with non-toxic ingredients from 100 per cent salvaged urban forestry. Ideal for trendy moms with an appreciation of beauty in its rawest form.
Grassroots Environmental Products, 408 Bloor Street West, 416-944-1993
