By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 06, 2020 at 4:05 PM

Mother's Day, as you are probably well aware, is Sunday, which means you might be in the "now or never" phase of finding a way to make the day special, despite this year's limitations.

If you have lost or are estranged from your mom, we get that, too. Consider celebrating a mom in your life who you think is doing a particularly kick-ass job at butt-wiping and all the other motherly duties required by the job.

And never underestimate a text, call or drive-by with a sign wishing her a wonderful day. Sincere words and actions, especially this year, go a long way.

However, if you would like to take it a step further, and throw some cash behind your appreciation for mum, here are a few local places that have items you can safely retrieve in time for Sunday.

The gift of photography: Local photographer Stephanie Bartz is offering a Mother's Day special. Book a photo session with mom and get $50 off. Photos can be taken socially distanced (now) or in the future. Perfect for pet moms, too. For more info go here.

The gift of good hair days: Contact mom's hair salon / stylist and prepay for her next visit. Not only practical and thoughtful, but supportive of local business and promises fresher looks and feels in the future. 

The gift of booze: Great Lakes Distillery has a Mother's Day cocktail kit featuring the fixings for the Wisconsin version of a Kir Royale. Kit includes a 750 ml bottle of Good Land Cranberry Liqueur, bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and a logo highball glass suitable for cocktails or makeshift flower vase. Get it here.

The gift of crystals: Milwaukee artist Lilo Allen has a special Mother's Day package featuring a full-color book "Crystals for Mom" and a curated crystal set in gift packaging. Check it out along with lots of other crystal jewelry here.

The gift of jewelry: The Bronzeville Collective artists have oodles of wearable items mom will love to show off and they offer no-contact pickup this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop around here

The gift of creative experiences: Splash Studio is offering live events for moms and the people who love them. But you have to act quickly on these painting/wine/cheese kits and order by Friday, May 8. Peruse all of the events here.

The gift of a little bit of everything: Camp Bar, Cranky Al's, Belle Fiori, Ltd. and Paperwhites teamed up to create this Mother’s Day Kit featuring "To-Gosas," MOM donuts, flowers and a greeting card in a reusable tote. Get one here.

The Waxwing also has a wide selection of gifts for mom, most of which are local and handmade. Order online and then pick-up through Saturday. Free delivery daily within five miles of the East Side shop, including on Mother’s Day.

The gift of film: Buy yourself and your mom a membership to Milwaukee Film and you're giving her a two-fer: the gift of entertainment and the gift of spending time with you in the future.

The gift of food: Have a meal delivered to her or grab tasty take-out from any of these fab restaurants with Mother's Day Specials.

The gift of games: Local biz Boardgame Barrister is offering curbside pick-up of their entire stock of board games, puzzles and more. Check it out here.

The gift of pottery/usable art: Beth Eaton, Bay View-based ceramicist, has all sorts of cute handmade items for mom from planters to mugs and she has no-contact pick up available. Find it here.

The gift of staying healthy: It's already a weird Mom's Day, so might as well make it weirder – but also practical and thoughtful – by getting mom a mask handmade by a local artist that portrays her personality. Go here for OnMilwaukee's mask guide.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.