Whether you’re honoring Mom, teachers, or the accomplished graduates in your life, we’re in a prime celebration season. And, with summer peeking around the corner, it’s also time to prepare for those long-awaited beach days and outdoor gatherings. This list of Birmingham FINDS has you covered for all your upcoming occasions and celebrations!
FOR MOM
Bamboo beauties
Refresh Mom’s dining experience with new plates. Adding just the right touch of sophistication to every meal, these plates can be mixed and matched to include a variety of pretty florals, or perfectly matched to all feature the same. Best of all, Mom will love serving meals that remind her of how much she’s loved. Pick some up for $20 each at The Mercantile by Miller.
Lobe love
Delightfully elegant and undeniably charming, these ‘Swan’ earrings are the epitome of refined elegance and simplicity. Crafted with care and attention to detail, the soft, muted hues lend a touch of timeless elegance, while the lightweight construction ensures comfort. Pick up a pair in Mom’s favorite color for $68 at Susan Gordon Pottery.
Fizzy indulgence
Handcrafted in Mississippi, this bath bomb comes in soothing scents with nourishing ingredients. Perfect for those moments when Mom needs a little self-care, this is a thoughtful gift that also does good, as the company provides meaningful work for vulnerable citizens within its community. Check out the different scents — each available for $12 — at Wrapsody.
Vase appeal
This Bernadette handmade vase offers a sleek, minimalist design and eye-catching silhouette. Standing out as a work of art in its own right, this makes a memorable gift for Mother’s Day — whether showcased solo or filled with vibrant blooms. It’s available for $448 at Lé Weekend — the only retailer to carry Bernadette homeware in the United States.
Dough delight
Mom not in town to celebrate the big day in person? Send her the best of Birmingham’s breakfast scene with this gift box from Biscuit Love. The biscuits are shipped frozen, so they can be baked whenever she’s ready — perhaps even during your next visit — and it even comes with a tea towel! The set is available to ship for $109.95 from Gold Belly.
Sweet skincare
Give Mom a gift that smoothes fine lines and promotes brighter skin with this SkinCeuticals set. The kit contains three best-selling products, all of which improve skin tone with vitamin C, provide antioxidant protection, and support the skin’s moisture barrier with ceramides and essential lipids. Pick up a kit for $391 at Dermatology & Laser of Alabama.
Flame fun
If you can’t take Mom on a tropical getaway, bring the scent of paradise to her with this Mykonos Muse candle. The scent is hand-poured in small batches and sweetly captures the essence of Mykonos with its notes of almond, rhubarb, wild fig, and tonka beans. Made in the U.S., the candle also comes in a cute vessel she won’t mind keeping on display. It’s available for $80 at Design Supply.
FOR TEACHERS
Perfect planter
Celebrate your favorite teacher with this planter. The playful yet meaningful vessel not only serves as a daily reminder of gratitude, but it also doubles as a versatile desk accessory. Whether used as a charming pencil cup or to nurture her favorite plant, it adds a touch of warmth and inspiration to any classroom or workspace. Pick one up for $14.99 at Paper Source.
Artistic accents
Capture the playful spirit of the classroom with these pencil-shaped earrings. In fun pastel colors and just the right amount of whimsy, the earrings are sure to put a smile on a teacher’s face. They’re currently on sale for $17.50 (reg. $36) at The Cottage Basket.
Hair flair
With a hectic school day, teachers will appreciate this pretty-yet-practical gift. The acrylic two-inch clip keeps hair in place all day and well through those after-school events. It’s available for $23 at Monkee’s of Mountain Brook.
Sip & smile
Keep your favorite teacher caffeinated and hydrated in style with this colorful tumbler. The stainless steel insulation keeps their favorite drink hot or cold for hours and is even dishwasher safe. It’s available for $36 at Clover + Bee.
FOR THE GRAD
Wrist bliss
Celebrate the grad’s milestone achievement in style with this ‘Be the Light’ stamped cuff. The hand stamped bracelet shares a message of encouragement as they embark on their next adventure — and the timeless design makes it easy to wear for years to come. It’s available for $44 at Holland & Birch.
Packing pretty
When grads step into a world beyond academia, it usually includes some once-in-a-lifetime travels — and this custom tote is an ideal companion. Its durable canvas construction, spacious interior, and zippered closure make it the go-to for carrying practically anything needed while exploring new destinations. It’s available for $62.95 at Swoozie’s.
A canvas treasure
Capture the essence of adventure and wanderlust for the grad who dreams of exploring the world. With its vibrant colors and colorful composition, this artwork serves as a reminder that the world is theirs to discover — whether they hang it in their apartment, home, or office. It’s available for $195 at Dorm Decor.
Soapy splendor
Gift your grad the ultimate pampering experience courtesy of the ‘All The Best’ gift set. Packed with four best sellers — ‘Honey I Washed The Kids’ soap, ‘Rub Rub Rub’ shower scrub, ‘The Olive Branch’ shower gel, and ‘Dream Cream’ body cream — it’s the perfect way to help them unwind after years of hard work. It’s available for $44 at Lush in The Summit.
Beauty box
Celebrate with the ultimate gift of organization and style: the Performance Beauty Case by WELLinsulated. The bag is so much more than a chic accessory — it’s a pretty but practical solution for keeping skincare and makeup essentials safe on all those celebratory post-grad adventures. Pick one up for $115 at bluemercury.
Picture perfect
Give the gift of nostalgia and help your grad preserve memories to last a lifetime with the Life is a Journey photo album. In addition to a coffee table-worthy cover, the album features pages of quality black photo paper for attaching pictures, stickers, and personal notes. It’s available for $64 at a’mano.
SPRING FASHION
Blushing beauty
Whether your spring agenda includes attending a wedding, cocktail party, brunch with friends, or date night, this charming pink dress offers a flattering silhouette. Plus, its midi length adds a touch of sophistication while its floral accents keep it fun and playful. Pair it with sandals for a casual daytime look, or dress it up with your favorite heels. It’s available for $275 at Tulipano.
Purse perfection
Elevate your spring wardrobe with the Cueba mini bag. Its intricate beadwork and earthy tones create a chic and sophisticated accessory for any springtime outfit or occasion. Handmade in the Philippines, the bag also offers space and sturdy construction without compromising style. It’s available for $298 at ExVoto Vintage.
Stud stunners
These stud earrings were practically made for spring. Their lotus shape is a symbol of new beginnings, rebirth, and infinite potential, and the delicate design is accented with turquoise, a stone that represents health, intuition, and self-expression. Pick up a pair for $70 at Manhattan South.
Sole mates
Strolling through spring is chic and comfortable with these Dolce Vita sandals. A little bit earthy and traditional with the raffia and double buckle design, the sandals are also made for comfort so they can be worn all day long. Plus, the 1.5-inch platform also helps give a little extra height. Pick up a pair for $139.99 at the Pants Store.
Happy May, Birmingham!
**********
To stay in the know on the best of the South, follow us on Instagram!
