In Mama Bear Survival, I share a growing love for returning to traditional skills… working with your hands, choosing things that are made well, and creating a home that feels thoughtful and lived in.

I was recently asked to share some of my favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas on FOX 17, so I highlighted all  handcrafted gifts for mom from women-owned and small businesses. These are pieces are beautiful to gift or keep, and hopefully, can woven into your everyday life. I also have a super easy, DIY tallow balm recipe I share in Mama Bear Survival that would make a lovely gift, paired with the book!

So, if you’re looking for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts that go beyond the usual, here are a few ideas.

Don’t forget… order early! Handcrafted gifts take a little extra time (but they’re worth it!).

Quick Overview of Handcrafted Mother’s Day gifts from small brands:

• notPERFECTLINEN Aprons — https://notperfectlinen.com
• Juniper Grove Journals — https://junipergrovejournals.com
• Natan Jewelry — https://natanjewelry.com
• Dunridge Farm Beeswax Candles — https://www.dunridgefarm.com/s/shop
• Common Thread Studio Mother’s Day Classes — https://www.thecommonthreadstudio.com/

1.  notPERFECTLINEN Aprons (Handcrafted Linen Gifts for Mom)

It doesn’t matter if I’m chasing after kids, heading to church, or in the TV studio… chances are good, I’m wearing linen!

A few years ago, I started paying more attention to fast fashion and what we’re actually wearing day to day. The more I learned (with so many things these days), the more I started to change. One of the biggest shifts happened in my closet—slowly letting go of pieces made from synthetic materials and replacing them with classic, well-made linen pieces that I truly love.

Linen is one of those materials that just gets better with time. It’s breathable, durable, and softens the more you use it. It’s not meant to be perfect—it’s meant to be lived in.

I bought my first notPERFECTLINEN pieces a few years ago and have slowly added to my collection over time. I love that it’s a family-run brand, and every piece is made with such care. You can customize to your size and style (ruffles on everything, please), which makes it feel even more personal.

And there’s something really special about receiving a package knowing it was made just for you.

I especially love their aprons as a Mother’s Day gift. You don’t have to worry about sizing, and they’re both practical and beautiful. I actually reached out to them about including aprons for this segment, and they told me they didn’t have them in the newest collection… but they would add them! That’s the kind of connection you get when you’re supporting a true maker.

It might seem simple, but an beautifully made apron is a great gift! She can where it while cooking, doing crafts with the kids, working around the house… you know, linen to protect your linen!

2. Juniper Grove Journals (Custom Journals & Bags for Moms) 

Journaling is such a simple but impactful rhythm—especially in motherhood!

I share in Mama Bear Survival about keeping a journal for each of my kids and writing in them a few times a year. And let’s be real, lately it’s just around their birthdays (if i remember!). I’ve followed along with Juniper Grove Journals for years. It’s run by a sweet homeschool family doing life & business together.

Their traveler-style journal system is beautiful and so thoughtfully designed. You can customize everything; from the fabric or leather cover, interior pouches and the journals inside to make it fit your life.

I especially love the idea of having a “mother’s journal” right alongside my everyday planner and notes… a perfect spot to document memories, reflections and prayers.

I remember the owner, Micah, once sharing a story about her daughter heading off to college after being homeschooled all those years. Her daughter said, “Mom, we couldn’t have spent more time together.” That really touched me and has stuck with me! I shared that with her recently, and she said she needed to write it down in her own journal so she’d never forget it.

They’ve expanded so much over the years and now offer beautiful bags, pouches, Bible carriers. If you’re gifting this, I’d recommend a gift card. Half the joy is in choosing the fabrics, the combinations, the inserts—it’s such a thoughtful process. And since everything is custom made, it does take a couple of weeks… so pairing a gift card with a handwritten note would make this feel really special.

3. Natan Jewelry (Meaningful Jewelry That Gives Back)

You really can’t go wrong with jewelry for Mother’s Day… but this is one is extra special!

I’m always drawn to pieces I don’t have to think about taking on and off—and this is exactly that. Natan pieces are made to be lived in. You can swim, shower, sweat in it (which i literally have with a stacking bracelet for about 8 months now… and it still looks as beautiful as one day one!).

The owner, Chyna, is the kind of person you meet and instantly feel connected to. She’s such an encouragement to other moms in business and such a light for Christ in the way she runs her company, especially in how she gives back. 20% of Natan profits go to pregnancy centers across the country. So far, they’ve donated over $25,000! So when you’re buying a gift for a mom you love, you’re also supporting other moms and families… what a blessing!

I also love that many of their pieces include a small verse or message. It adds that extra layer of meaning—something personal you carry with you every day.

Their bracelets are perfect for stacking, and they come in sets that feel like a complete, ready-to-gift option… which always makes things easier this time of year.

It’s one of those gifts that’s simple, beautiful, and something she’ll actually wear every day.

4. Dunridge Farm (Beeswax Candles + DIY Kits)

There’s just something about lighting a beeswax candle… it instantly slows things down and creates such a peaceful atmosphere. Morning time, dinner, winding down at night—the smell, the sound. It makes everyday moments feel like a deserving ritual.

Dunridge Farm makes beautifully crafted beeswax candles from hives in Northern Michigan, which makes them feel even more special to share. Their Mother’s Day bundle is such a thoughtful gift—hand-dipped tapers, dual-sided glass holders, a candle snuffer, and even the option to include a handwritten note. It’s all in the details!

They also offer kits to roll your own beeswax candles, which is such a fun activity to do with your kids or a gift as an experience.

And they’re offering a special discount for readers—use code EMILY10 to save through July 29. Thanks, Dunridge!

5. Common Thread Studio (Mother’s Day Sewing Classes)

I really believe there’s nothing like learning a new skill together.

Last year, my mom and daughters joined me for the first-ever Women Hunt Mama Bear Field Camp I hosted, and we had the chance to learn and grow together in the outdoors. This year, I love the idea of creating together with our hands.

Common Thread Studio here in West Michigan offers beautiful, beginner-friendly sewing classes, and for Mother’s Day they’re hosting a special tea and sewing experience. You’ll make a simple drawstring pouch, enjoy tea, and spend time creating side by side.

The owner, Courtney Renkema, is such a calm, creative presence and brings so much joy into her classes. I was honored to include part of her story in Mama Bear Survival—how she built such a beautiful space for people to gather, learn, and create together.

Don’t forget…  because these gift ideas are truly handcrafted and often made to order, they do take a little more time.

Happy Mother’s Day!