Local Help for Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts

There’s still plenty of time to find something special for Mom, even if it has to be squeezed in on Saturday between kids’ sporting events.

In downtown Chatham, TM Ward has been “selling up a storm,” says manager Cindy Gill. “We have lots of pre-wrapped baskets and gifts so people can come in and pick up something very easily,” she said.

For example, the Breakfast in Bed Please basket has pancake mix, syrup and a variety of coffee and tea. The new line of Michel Design Works offers beautiful trays, soaps and notecards. TM Ward also now carries Cassidy handpainted towels featuring spring flowers and berry designs. The shop also can whip up a custom basket and offers free gift-wrapping.

Next door, Bliss Clothing and Accessories has a large selection of jewelry ranging from $16.50-$36.50. “We stock up because it’s a perfect gift,” says owner Loriann Medico. She says the chunky cocktail rings are fun and there are also plenty of bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

There are also special Mother’s Day gifts like a scented candle presented in a silk box with a little pot of flowers packaged nicely with a little pink bow on top. Colorful scarves and handmade reversible fabric headbands are other ideas.

D.J. Crater offers a selection of lifestyle apparel and accessories for women. The shop has a nice selection of pretty beach totes and beach hats. There is a large selection of jewelry ranging from $16 to $15. “We have lots of purses and cute tops,” says Seaneen Carton, a sales associate, who adds, “something can be found for everyone and we offer complimentary gift wrapping.”

In the Chatham Mall, Cachet Gifts has a large selection of Vera Bradley bags and accessories as well as pretty ceramic trays and other assorted home goods.

For special flower arrangements, Sunnywoods Florist (downtown Chatham) has a variety of fresh flowers from all over the world with 10 different colors of roses including lavender. There are also fresh peonies, hydrangeas and gerberas. Sunnywoods is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Fresh flowers, indoor and outdoor plants can all be wrapped and decorated with different accessories like butterflies.

Jardinière in the Chatham Hickory Square Shopping Center also has a variety of fresh flowers including peonies, viburnum and hydrangeas. The shop is open until 5 p.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday) and also will have pre-made arrangements ranging from $35 to $50.

On Mother’s Day, there are several spots open for brunch, lunch or dinner. Café Beethoven is serving its regular brunch and lunch menu featuring waffles with fresh berries, fresh fruit and a breakfast sandwich with cheese and Canadian bacon.

Sally Lunns Tea Shop (9 Roosevelt Avenue) has a special Mothers’ Day Menu and High Tea for $35.50 with seatings at 10:30, 12:30 and 3:30 (reservations required: 973-635-2007). The menu includes a large selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts featuring items such as a deep-dish baked French toast with fresh fruit, salad, sausage and bacon. There is also Welsh rarebit toast with bacon and a seafood casserole topped with a cheesy crumble.

Also on Roosevelt, Restaurant Serenade is open from noon to 6 p.m. with a special Mother’s Day pre-fixed menu for $69 per person. Guests can choose from three courses from a variety of menu selections.

Thai Passion also has a special Mother’s Day menu with extended restaurant hours, opening at noon. D’Oro is also opening earlier at 1 p.m. and is serving the regular menu. Gregorio’s is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For those planning a stay-at-home meal, Gabriella’s has homemade ice-cream cakes for a special Mother’s Day dessert ranging from $14.95 to $44.95 that can be picked up on Saturday.