If I ever want to feel flooded by gratitude, joy, and humility, all I have to think about is Mother’s Day. And when I say “think about Mother’s Day,” I really mean considering all of the women who serve as mother figures for me (from my mom to my grandmothers to the elderly mentors at my parish to friends of my parents the parents of my friends) and all of the little people to whom I have the privilege of being a mother of sorts (including my children, their friends, neighborhood kids, and my godchildren).

Simply put, I am the person I am because of who all of these individuals are to me. My mom raised me and set the foundation for my life, and my children have helped me reach my highest vocation. Different women have inspired, encouraged, and nourished me along the way, and different children have summoned forth from me various gifts, callings, and moments of growth. For all of them, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Mother’s Day is coming right up (May 9th this year) and while I am certainly looking forward to celebrating my motherhood (I’ll take that breakfast in bed, please), I also relish the opportunity to honor the moms in my life. Here are some ideas of Catholic Mother’s Day gifts I’m sharing with the moms I love:

Marian Jewelry

The ability to identify with Mary, the Mother of God, has deepened my spirituality, enhanced my understanding of my role as a mother, and made me a better Catholic mom (a gift I cherish). I love wearing something that reminds me of my connection to Mary and all of the lessons that Mary has to teach me about motherhood; throughout the day, when my necklace becomes twisted and I pause to readjust it, or when I catch a glimpse of my earrings in the mirror, or when I idly twist the ring on my finger, I am nudged to pray.

It’s in these moments that I whisper words of gratitude to God for the opportunity to raise His children, and prayers of petition to Mary for her guidance, her wisdom, and her intervention. Knowing how much my Marian jewelry means to me, I am quick to include these pieces as Catholic Mother’s Day gifts for friends and family. Some of my current favorites include this Blessed Mother of Pearl Bracelet, this Blessed Virgin Mary Necklace, and this Lady of Lourdes Ring.

A Beautiful Journal

There’s a line from a T.S. Eliot poem that I’ve always loved: “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” In response, I say, “well, Mr. Eliot, I have measured out my life in post-it notes.” It is just me, or is that a mom thing? A note on the refrigerator with grocery items needed, a note scrunched up in the bottom of my purse reminding me of my children’s next dentist appointments, a note stuffed in my pocket reminding me of a vacation idea to run by my husband.

A journal, like any of our beautiful fabric journals, is the antidote to the post-it note proliferation that threatens to overtake my home. But, if a place to corral various lists isn’t the gift the Catholic moms in your life need, this beautiful notebook can be used in many other ways. Document special “mom moments,” jot down prayers, or reflect on the happenings of the day—whatever appeals to you!

A Scented Candle

When in doubt, I like to give Catholic moms gifts that work well in their space—and candles are a perfect choice! They smell lovely, add warmth and light to a home, and the flickering flame reminds us of Christ’s light, ever-present in our hearts. Giving a saint candle to a mom is a simple way to add a touch of luxury and sensory delight to her everyday routine, and what mom doesn’t deserve some delight?

A New Book

One of our primary roles as mothers is to make our homes a haven for our families. There are hundreds of ways to do this, from providing nourishing meals to offering our listening ears to cultivating traditions in day-to-day life and at the high points of our liturgical and civic calendars. Let’s be real, though. Sometimes it’s hard to get everyone dressed in clean clothes before the school bus is honking at the door. Sometimes, frozen pizza is the best I can do for dinner. Sometimes, I feel like I barely have enough time to give everyone in my family a quick hug, let alone be available as a patient, calming, and listening presence.

And you know what? That’s okay! We’re all doing our best and so long as our best is earnest, honest, and loving, it is enough for God and for our families. I do think, though, that we can accept where and who we are while also striving to become better, and books like Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday and Theology of Home II: The Spiritual Art of Homemaking help guide me in my efforts to create a loving, inspiring Catholic home. Written by three wives and mothers, these books make perfect Catholic Mother’s Day gifts. You can even buy them as a set!

A Blessed Mother Mary Statue

Mary is the Queen of Mothers, and this little statue draws immediate attention to that fact with its portrayal of Our Lady gathering little children into her arms. Hand-sculpted in Poland and standing at about six inches in height, this piece of art can be a reminder to new and experienced Catholic moms that motherhood is a sacred calling, and that we have a heavenly mother to whom we can turn in our times of trouble.

Give a Gift that Comes from the Heart

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and love for the women in your life who have nurtured you, and a beautiful gift is a tangible way to say thank you. I hope that these beautiful Catholic Mother’s Day gifts fill you with joyful gratitude, as you show your love and appreciation to the ones you hold dear. Happy Mother’s Day, friends!