I’ve always been a big believer in giving experiences over things. In fact, Mother’s Day has become one of my favorite family traditions because we’ve traded our childhood brunch outings for an annual girls’ weekend filled with new places to explore, great meals and time together.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a thoughtful gift, particularly when it’s made by a Vermont business.
I’m fortunate to have my mom living nearby, and I love finding gifts that feel personal rather than something grabbed off a department store shelf at the last minute. Sometimes that’s a beautiful piece of pottery she’ll use for years. Other times, it’s a skincare product she wouldn’t splurge on herself or a bouquet of locally grown flowers.
And Vermont has some pretty fantastic makers to choose from.
From handblown glass and artisan jewelry to farm-grown flowers and hands-on workshops, here are some of my favorite Vermont Mother’s Day gift ideas for a range of budgets.
A Handblown Vase or Glassware From Simon Pearce
If you’re looking for a gift that Mom will use and appreciate for years, Simon Pearce is always one of my first recommendations.
The Quechee-based company is known for its beautiful handblown glassware, from everyday drinking glasses to elegant vases, serving bowls and decorative pieces.
I love the idea of gifting one of Simon Pearce’s classic glass vases filled with fresh flowers. It’s a beautiful combination, and once the flowers are gone, she has a piece she’ll continue using.
And if you’re close enough to visit the flagship store in Quechee, make an afternoon of it. You can watch the glassblowers at work, browse the showroom and enjoy lunch overlooking the Ottauquechee River and the falls.
It’s a wonderful experience to share with Mom, particularly if she appreciates craftsmanship.
Gift Idea: A handblown vase, serving bowl or set of glasses from Simon Pearce Local favorite: Simon Pearce. Use code ERIN at checkout to save!
A Flower CSA From a Vermont Flower Farm
Fresh flowers are one of my favorite gifts to give, particularly in spring when we’re all ready for a little color after a long Vermont winter.
But rather than ordering one bouquet for Mother’s Day, why not give Mom flowers throughout the growing season?
A flower CSA works similarly to a vegetable CSA. You purchase a seasonal share from a local flower farm, and Mom receives fresh bouquets throughout the summer.
I love this idea because it supports a Vermont grower and gives her something to look forward to for weeks or even months.
Many flower farms offer spring tulip shares, summer bouquets or a combination of both. Some allow pickup at the farm, while others arrange delivery or collection at local businesses.
I’d look for a flower farm near where your mom lives so picking up her bouquets is convenient.
Gift Idea: A seasonal flower share from a local Vermont flower farm. Check pickup locations, number of bouquets and subscription dates before purchasing.
A Pottery Wheel Workshop at Farmhouse Pottery
I’ve been a longtime fan of Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock. Their handmade stoneware is beautiful, functional and made to be used rather than saved for special occasions.
A serving bowl, pitcher or set of mugs would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift.
But if you really want to do something memorable, book a pottery wheel workshop together.
Farmhouse Pottery has offered private wheel-throwing experiences where you can learn from one of their potters, try your hand at creating a piece and have your finished work fired and shipped to you afterward.
I love that you get to see how much skill goes into making something that looks so effortless on a store shelf.
And I suspect there would be plenty of laughter involved if my mom and I attempted to throw pottery together.
The studio is located in Woodstock, so you could pair the workshop with lunch, shopping or an afternoon at the Woodstock Inn’s spa.
Gift Idea: A handmade stoneware piece or a pottery workshop at Farmhouse Pottery Local favorite: Farmhouse Pottery.
Jewelry From Elli Parr
Jewelry can be a very personal gift, and Vermont-based Elli Parr is one of the brands I’d consider for Mother’s Day.
The company creates colorful, modern jewelry, with designs that are easy to dress up or wear every day.
I love jewelry that adds a little personality to an outfit without feeling overly formal, and Elli Parr has plenty of pieces that fit that description.
From earrings and necklaces to bracelets, there are options for different styles and budgets.
I’d choose something that reflects Mom’s personality rather than automatically reaching for traditional Mother’s Day jewelry.
And if you’re not sure what she’d like, a gift card gives her the fun of choosing her own piece.
Gift Idea: Earrings, a necklace or a bracelet from Elli Parr.
Vermont Skincare From Tata Harper, Ursa Major or Lillian Sophia
Skincare is one area where I’m happy to spend a little more, particularly during Vermont’s long winters when the cold air and indoor heat can be rough on your skin.
Fortunately, Vermont has several skincare brands that make wonderful gifts.
Tata Harper Skincare, based in Bridport, creates luxury skincare products with an emphasis on botanical ingredients. The packaging is beautiful, and the products feel like a splurge. I love the idea of giving Mom a moisturizer, facial treatment or one of the brand’s curated skincare sets.
Ursa Major, founded in Stowe, takes a more straightforward approach to skincare, with plant-based formulas and simple packaging. Its face washes, moisturizers and body-care products are good options for someone who appreciates an uncomplicated routine.
Lillian Sophia is another Vermont skincare brand to explore, particularly if Mom enjoys artisan beauty products.
I tend to prefer gifting skincare products that don’t require knowing someone’s exact skin concerns. A nourishing body cream, cleanser or gift set is often a safer choice than an intensive treatment.
Gift Idea: A Vermont skincare gift set, moisturizer or body-care collection.
A Baking Class at King Arthur Baking
For the mom who loves to bake, I’d skip another cookbook and give her a baking class at King Arthur Baking in Norwich.
The company’s Baking School offers hands-on classes covering everything from bread and pastries to cakes and other baked goods.
Classes are available for different experience levels, so Mom doesn’t need to be an expert baker to participate.
I love the idea of taking a class together, learning a new technique and then enjoying whatever you’ve made.
And while you’re there, browse the retail store for baking tools, specialty ingredients and a few treats to bring home.
If you have time, stop at the café for lunch or coffee.
Gift Idea: A King Arthur Baking School Local favorite: King Arthur Baking Company class or gift certificate.
A Spa Day at the Woodstock Inn or Topnotch Resort
I can’t think of many moms who wouldn’t appreciate a massage or a little time to themselves.
For a full spa experience, two of my favorite Vermont options are the Spa at the Woodstock Inn and Topnotch Resort in Stowe.
The Woodstock Inn’s spa has beautiful treatment rooms, relaxation areas and an outdoor hot tub. I’d happily spend an entire afternoon there, particularly if I could follow it with lunch and a little shopping in Woodstock Village.
Topnotch offers massages, facials and additional spa amenities, making it another good option for a Mother’s Day outing.
You could book treatments together or give Mom a gift certificate so she can choose a date that works for her.
Gift Idea: A massage, facial or spa gift certificate.
A Few More Vermont Mother’s Day Gifts I Love
There are plenty of smaller gifts that would make Mom feel appreciated without requiring a big budget.
A beautiful throw or cozy pajamas from Vermont Flannel Local favorite: Vermont Flannel would be wonderful for someone who loves spending time at home.
Lake Champlain Chocolates Local favorite: Lake Champlain Chocolates makes excellent truffles and chocolate assortments, which are easy to pair with flowers or another gift.
If your mom enjoys gardening, consider a gift certificate to a local nursery or garden center. I love Claussen’s in Colchester for flowering plants and garden supplies.
And if she enjoys cooking, put together a Vermont food basket with Jasper Hill Farm cheese, Castleton Crackers, local jam, maple syrup and a few other favorites.
I’d be pretty happy receiving that myself.
What to Know Before You Shop
Order early. Mother’s Day falls during a busy period for florists, makers and gift shops. Handmade products and seasonal flower shares can sell out.
Check where products are made. Some Vermont-founded brands manufacture products outside the state or source components elsewhere. If buying something physically made in Vermont is important to you, check the product details.
Book experiences in advance. Pottery workshops, baking classes and spa appointments may have limited availability, particularly around Mother’s Day weekend.
Consider pickup and shipping. Flower CSAs generally require local pickup, while pottery and other handmade gifts may need additional time for production and shipping.
Give Mom a little choice. If you’re unsure about her preferred skincare, jewelry or workshop date, a gift certificate can be just as thoughtful as choosing the item yourself.
My Favorite Mother’s Day Gift? Time Together
As much as I love finding a beautiful Vermont-made gift, the Mother’s Day tradition I look forward to most doesn’t involve wrapping anything.
Every year, we plan a girls’ weekend away, filled with new experiences, restaurants we’ve been wanting to try and plenty of time together.
It’s become one of my favorite traditions with my mom, and I love having an excuse to explore somewhere new while celebrating her.
So if you’re shopping for Mother’s Day, I’d encourage you to think beyond the usual gifts. Buy something made by a Vermont artisan, support a local flower farm or book an experience you can enjoy together.
And if you’re still not sure what to give her, ask what she’d like to do. You might end up planning a weekend you’ll both remember for years.
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Simon Pearce (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
Simon Pearce is my go-to Vermont-made gift. Use code ERIN online or in store to save on your order. Keep an eye…
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Directions to Farmhouse Pottery (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Woodstock, VT
Try the private Wheel Workshop to sit at the pottery wheel and make your own piece of stoneware.
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Directions to King Arthur Baking Company (opens in a new tab)
Bakery · Norwich, VT
A particularly good winter date: bake something together, then enjoy the results.
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Directions to Vermont Flannel (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Ferrisburgh, VT
Vermont Flannel's products make stellar gifts. Check out their storefronts in Ferrisburgh, Burlington, Cambridge and Manchester. Highly recommend a blanket and flannel…
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Directions to Lake Champlain Chocolates (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
Try the frozen hot chocolate instead of hot chocolate on a warm day.
Talk with locals
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