With the landscape blossoming and waterfalls flowing, spring is a special time to celebrate a mother in your life. To find a gift that feels as unique as the mom you want to thank, we have a list of gift ideas to make your shopping easier. Downtown Ithaca, Trumansburg and the surrounding area have many charming shops and markets with handmade and eco-friendly gifts. If you are looking for experiential gift ideas, Ithaca’s theatres and spas will not disappoint.
Book- and Nature-lovers Unite
Wrap up a thoughtfully selected book for mom or let her choose her own adventure with a gift card from one of Ithaca’s independent bookstores. Buffalo Street Books has a wide selection of offerings including trail guides, cookbooks, and quirky gifts. In addition to beautifully displayed books ready to browse, Odyssey Bookstore offers gift subscriptions, and they will mail your recipient books.
If your mom would love an Ithaca-focused selection, both stores have a wide selection of local authors. Look for Emma Frisch’s latest book “Seasonal Family Almanac: Recipes, Rituals and Crafts to Embrace the Magic of the Year” which includes a variety of cultural perspectives along with contributions from many Ithaca-area mothers and creators.
Compliment your literary present with a day in nature…just for mom or together. Book a tour such as a foraging hike, paddling on Cayuga Lake, or even fishing. Most lake-based activities reopen in May and are available through September.
Local Food & Wine Gifts
For the ultimate guided food and wine excursion, browse tour options from Experience! Finger Lakes, and you are sure to learn something and sample some of the best wines in the Finger Lakes.
You can’t go wrong with brunch. If plant-based and locally sourced is top of mind for mom, or she’s more interested in seafood and sparkling wine, Ithaca’s dining options won’t disappoint.
If your family’s style is more breakfast in bed, then plan ahead and purchase a fair-trade blend from one of Ithaca’s coffee roasters to make that morning’s brew extra thoughtful.
Finger Lakes Spa Treatment
August Moon Spa at LaTourelle offers in-house-made scrubs, made with local maple or Riesling, that will elevate any massage and make mom feel especially pampered.
For other wellness experiences, consider an add-on aromatherapy or custom blend oil treatments at Rasa Spa.
Theatre Experiences in Ithaca
If your mom is curious about art experiences or live music, surprise her with tickets to a show. You’ll appreciate the ease Ithaca’s theatre scene with top talent in easy to navigate venues.
The State Theatre is one of the best live music venues in upstate New York. Try the Kitchen Theatre or Hangar Theatre for musicals, discussion-worthy plays, or the occasional comedy performance.