14 Hostess Gifts That Got Me Invited Back
I’m a widowed mother of three teens and preteens, and I rarely buy myself anything — in fact my kids often tell me this! I love to garden, read, paint, listen to music, walk in the woods, and bake. My second birthday without my husband is coming up, and I feel the absence of his love keenly. Please help me find a special gift to soothe my aching soul. — C.J
From gifting expert Samantha Schoech:
First, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am also the mother of teenagers and have been married for a long time, and I can only begin to imagine what you are going through. And though we all know material goods don’t bring lasting happiness, a little retail therapy can be a sort of self-care.
My first thought is to get yourself a good book subscription so you have something to look forward to in the mail each month. I also recommend these watercolor paints from Japan and possibly joining Wendy McNaughton’s Draw Together Grown Up’s Table, the friendliest, least stressful art “lessons” and community out there.
For music, perhaps splurge on some noise-cancelling headphones? I recently got a pair, and now I listen to audiobooks while I pull weeds or to music while I fold laundry, and I finally understand what all the headphone fuss is about.
Finally, because you deserve to feel and smell beautiful just for yourself, try this luxurious body oil with a light floral scent — it makes me feel fancy and pampered even if I’m just working from home in my sweats.
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