Outfitted: Mother’s Day gift guide

Living in the mountains means Mother’s Day often arrives with the last snowmelt and the first wildflowers. It’s a time when moms are planting gardens, juggling snow tires, wrangling muddy kids, or maybe — just maybe — sneaking in a quiet moment with a cup of tea and the sunrise. Whether she’s lounging, digging, hiking, or hauling, these eight picks celebrate her strength, style, and spirit in a blend of beauty, function, and comfort.
Aura Walden 15″ Frame
The 15″ Aura Walden Frame displays crisp, vibrant photos that update remotely — no tech struggle required. My sister and I recently got our parents one of these for their 50th anniversary, and it’s been a hit ever since. We can easily upload photos via the app at any time to their frame, and it’s fun for them to surprisingly see new photos of a grandkid winning a swimming medal or their mountainy daughter summiting a 14er. Its classy frame and mat blend seamlessly with most decor and is a beautiful way to display memories new and old. Available in two frame colors. $299, AuraFrames.com.
Barebones Ultimate Garden Tool Set
Heavy-duty and beautifully crafted, this set includes a spade, fork, and cultivator with walnut handles and stainless steel heads. It also comes with the weather- and water-resistant paraffin-waxed canvas Harvesting & Gathering Bag. Ever since I was a kid, I would find my mom wandering our woods during this time of year foraging for morel mushrooms. She’d gather them in the turned up hem of her T-shirt and come in the house to dump her harvest in the sink with dirt and muck flying everywhere. This bag with a watertight removable liner is sure to make the process a little more convenient and refined, and will certainly be in use from spring mushrooms to summer tomatoes to her autumn apple harvest. $265, BarebonesLiving.com.
Lake Pajamas Pima Robe in Boxwood Blockprint
After a day of splitting kindling, wrangling dogs, or shuttling kids to lacrosse, mom deserves luxury. This robe is made of buttery-soft Pima cotton and is the ultimate “mountain lodge meets spa day” indulgence. Featuring long sleeves, a sewn-in belt, and side pockets, the subtle hand-block print adds a vintage charm. I’ve had a couple of Lake PJ sets, and can attest that their smooth and silky 100% Peruvian Pima cotton is cozy and cooling at the same time, meaning it’ll be a hit with any kind of sleeper. $134, LakePajamas.com.
Bogs Sauvie II Slip-On Clogs
When spring snow turns to slush and mud season is in full swing, these are the shoes she’ll reach for every day. Waterproof, insulated, and easy to slip on, the Sauvie II has become a staple for my mom — she’s currently on her third or fourth pair. In addition to being 100 percent waterproof, they are constructed with Bogs’ Rebound Cushioning technology and Bloom Algae footbeds, which make them a workhorse while still being comfortable. Other features include a slip-resistant outsole and odor-fighting, as well as moisture-wicking, technology. $90, BogsFootwear.com.
Dovetail DX Bootcut CORDURA® Denim
Built for hard work but flattering enough for a post-work cider, these pants are for the mom who doesn’t stop moving. The CORDURA® fabric — made from the award winning Artistic Milliners in Pakistan — is tough but stretchy, and the bootcut fits over work boots easily. Meticulously designed by women working on a fourth-generation ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, these jeans include features such as articulated knees and a double belt loop, as well as a “shot pocket” made to fit vet med tools or folding knives. Available in sizes 000-24 with five inseam options. $109, DovetailWorkwear.com.
Stio Women’s Glide Power Stretch Half-Zip
Whether she’s chasing powder out-of-bounds or running the dog before work, this half-zip delivers. Soft, stretchy, and breathable, it’s ideal as a mid-layer or light spring pullover. Its fleecy interior makes it cozy while providing moisture-wicking and shape retention. The smooth outer finish makes it layer smoothly underneath outer layers, and the flattering seam lines maintain a clean and classic silhouette. I’ve had an older version of this top for years and I still reach for it on a regular basis. Available in multiple colors. $139, Stio.com.
Hobo Seneca Shoulder Bag
Sometimes mom wants to class things up a little beyond her everyday go-bag. Enter the Seneca, from one of my all-time favorite bag makers, Hobo. Made of buttery leather with just enough slouch and structure, it’s roomy enough for a water bottle, gloves, and notebook, but stylish enough for date night. Its brushed antique brass hardware and sandlewood lining make this bag a timeless piece that will be in any mom’s rotation for years to come. Available in multiple colors. $298, HoboBags.com.
Taos Plim Soul Sneakers
These are not your average cute sneakers. With arch support, a memory foam footbed, and a little extra height, they’re made for long days on her feet. Silvadur treatment is also included for lasting protection against odor, staining, and deterioration. I got a pair of these for my mom last Christmas and she wears them everywhere with continuous compliments rolling in. They come in fun colors and have a clean, casual look that fits just as well in town as it does on a gravel road. $110, TaosFootwear.com.
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
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