Best Mother's Day Gifts In South Bay
Loves Cupcakes
85 E San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 998-2253
www.lovescupcakes.com
Price: Loves Signature Gift Package $7
Hours: Tues to Thurs - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri to Sat - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Get your Mother's Day gift-giving off to a great start by presenting your mom with a mouth-watering cupcake. Loves doesn't make just any ordinary cupcake- these are top-notch, fluffy rich cupcakes, not unlike a perfect wedding cake wrapped up in one tiny little mouth-sized bite. This is a moderately priced establishment with 16 daily flavors to choose from, including sugar-free options. They also make cupcake truffles in several flavors. You can request that your order be "gifted" and they will add a ribbon, signature label and gift box to your order for $7. Having a party? They can deliver your order with advanced notice. And don't be fooled by the name, you can get a whole cake here, too.
Thanh 39 Unique Gift Center
3027 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95111
(408) 629-0353
www.thanh39.com
Price: Range form $5 to $50 per item; engraving included
Hours: Mon to Tues, Thurs to Sat - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reasonably priced with a huge gift selection, the second generation owner of Thanh 39 does his own calligraphy, wood carving and hand-painted work specified by the buyer. They also do engraving with a computerized engraving machine so one has both options, depending on the personality of the gift recipient. Some mothers may prefer a handcarved piece versus the machine engraving that many places offer. Several options for Mother's Day gifts include a wooden jewelry box, the engrave-able crystal lined pill box with daily slots for medication and wood or pewter frames with a custom design that you choose.
Rosies & Posies Florist
1581 West Campbell Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 378-4046
www.rosiesandposies.com
Price: $45 to $150; depending on arrangement
Hours: Mon to Fri - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You will be impressed with Rosies & Posies' high quality flowers and same day delivery service. This florist uniquely caters to your requests, making each bouquet individually to your specifications. The florists understand the meaning of "special" and cater to offering the best flowers, the best arrangements and the best deals. Check the website before stopping in to make your order for a 10 percent discount. Spring brings with it more tulips, daisies, roses, begonias and African violet- try them in a basket arrangement this spring.
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San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 271-6840
www.sanjosemuseumofart.org
Price: Membership cost starts at $50.
Hours: Tues to Sun - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special Hours: Third Thursday of each month - Open late until 8 p.m.
Watch the art connoisseur just dying to come out of your mother blossom with this Mother's Day gift that gives year-round. An annual membership to South Bay's contemporary museum can cost as little as $50 for mom, and includes one free ticket for a friend. The sheer number of programs here is enough to keep anyone busy. The museum has 1,400 pieces of artwork permanently stationed in its normal collection, along with a couple exhibits showing from other areas at any given time. This is perfect for the art enthusiast who has yet to get her hands completely wet in the art world. A series called Lunchtime Lectures, comedy nights in the evenings and exhibition opening parties are all free for members to attend. This Mother's Day gift will be appreciated year-round and definitely keep your mom busy.
Eddie's Quilting Bee / Dawn's House of Sewing
480 S. Mathilda Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 830-9505
www.eddiesquiltingbee.com
Price: Quilting classes - $25 to $75; Sewing classes - $10 to $45
Hours: Mon to Fri - 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This second generation family-owned and operated business can be a mecca for the avid quilter or sewing goddess. For the crafty types, it is always a great adventure to learn a new craft with other like-minded artisans. This two-story location offers a wide selection of fabric, sewing materials and sewing machines. It's also one of the only places in the South Bay to offer a choice of several classes to suit any fanciful mom looking to fine-tune her craft. One can keep it simple with a gift card, or carefully select fabrics and purchase a class or two to complement your mother's hobbies for the perfect Mother's Day gift.
Manresa
320 Village Lane / N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-4330
www.manresarestaurant.com
Price: averages about $175 - $200 per person
Hours: Wed to Sat - 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun - 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For the advanced foodie, this food haven treats your mother to exquisite fine dining at a Spanish-style restaurant. This spot plates up the most delicious gourmet dishes, meriting several awards from the Bay Area for its food and atmosphere. This Mother's Day gift will please any palette; enjoy your meal as more of a food tasting experience, than a quick eat. Manresa has an outdoor patio that is heated and a formal waiting staff that attends to your every request. Be sure to make reservations and leave about 10 minutes early for parking on this Mother's Day.
Azuca
11 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 395-1680
www.azucastore.com
Price: Starts at $10 and up
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Azuca offers up gifts of an eclectic, kitschy feel with more than just a few styles of jewelry. The shop also boasts some of the best local artwork for sell. This place is perfect for the crafty type who doesn't have time to create her own masterpieces, but nevertheless loves having the stuff in her home on display. Mother's Day gift shopping will be a breeze, as this local shop covers gifts for every personality type with their selection of jewerly, local artwork and various handmade knick knacks and adornments.
Mel Ball is the founder of AskASalon.com, utilizing her background of 10 years in the beauty industry to promote, market, mentor, and build business for small salons and spas across the country. She links up quality salon or spa talented folks with businesses that need them, and supports the growth of all those in the service industry through her virtual knowledge networking site and real-world events. She resides in San Francisco. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
