Hope Wissel

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021

Mom, this one’s for you

The soccer game cheerers. The dinnertime heroes. The kissers of scraped knees and givers of the best advice. Moms are kind of magical – which is why on their special day, they deserve a celebration as amazing as they are. For someone who gives so much, Mother’s Day is the one day a year that’s all about mom. It’s a day to say thanks, to show our appreciation and to give something back.

If you’re having a tough time thinking of gift ideas, don’t worry! We’re kind of experts on moms, and we’ve put together some of our top Mother’s Day gifts for all the moms-to-be, mamas and grandmas in your life. Once you find that perfect present, make it even more special with personalization for a gift she’s sure to cherish for years to come. Come on, let’s get gifting!

Mother’s Day gifts for moms-to-be

For expecting moms with little ones on the way, gifts to get ready for baby will be much appreciated. Personally, we think a cute and functional diaper bag or organizing pouch is the way to go – we’re talking pockets galore and plenty of space for all those new-mom must-haves. When baby arrives, she’ll be so happy to have your thoughtful and useful gift! For an added touch, tuck some self-care spa essentials inside that she can use when she needs a moment to relax.

Gift Ideas

Our top picks for diaper bags go to the Everyday Essentials Tote and Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote. Pockets? Check. Plenty of room? Check. Cute prints that she’ll actually want to wear 24/7? Double check. And to up their organization even more, pair these bags with a Zipper Pouch or Size Up Expandable Pouch. Pouches are so handy for storing extra baby clothes, bibs, binkies and more.

Make it personal(ized)

For a thoughtful touch, personalize her bag or pouch with an embroidered Icon-ItTM, message or monogram. Add a sweet Fox or Elephant Duo Icon-ItTM, baby’s name or one of these cute phrases:

  • #momlife
  • Oh baby
  • Blessed
  • Baby on board
  • The adventure begins
  • Dear Mom, you’ve got this

Mother’s Day gifts from moms with young kids

Once the kids learn to walk, mom’s life is nonstop. Errands, sports practice, school activities, play dates – the calendar is always full, and organization. Is. Life. The perfect gift? A gift basket full of her favorite things that she can repurpose later for organization!

Gift Ideas

When it comes to gift baskets, there’s nothing more versatile than the Canvas Storage Caddy. This small storage bin is soft yet structured and has a top handle to make carrying it around the house or out and about a breeze. Plenty of pockets provide added organization, and the neutral canvas goes with any space – plus it looks great with all kinds of personalization! Fill it up with whatever mom loves – coffee supplies, baked goods, spa essentials. Here are some Mother’s Day gift basket ideas we love.

Make it personal(ized)

What do you think mom will use her new caddy for after she’s finished all the gift basket goodies? Use that to inspire your choice of personalization! Here are some ideas for icons and phrases.

  • For crafty moms – Craft Queen (with Art Supplies Icon-ItTM)
  • For board game storage – Play on! (Message personalization) 
  • For home organizing – Homebody (with Home Outline Raised Embroidery)
  • For first aid supplies – Get well soon (with Stethoscope Icon-ItTM)
  • For coffee supplies – I love you a latte (with Coffee Mug Icon-ITTM)

Mother’s Day gifts for moms with teens

By the times the kids are in high school, moms are multitasking pros. The diaper bag may have been retired long ago, but mom still needs a purse with plenty of room for when she’s running around. This Mother’s Day treat her to a tote that’s not only roomy enough for her lifestyle, but also stylish and organized to boot!

Gift Ideas

Looking for that perfect purse that checks all of the boxes? With these all-star options, you can’t go wrong! With its colorblocked details, secure zipper pockets and wipeable interior, the Step Up Tote is a functional bag that’s also cute as can be. For a classic and relaxed vibe, the crossbody Window Shopper Ltd. is a Customer favorite. And for moms who mean business, the Modern Tote in a fun pattern or pop of color is the perfect treat.

Make it personal(ized)

When it comes to purses, a classic monogram using mom’s initials is the way to go. Try these timeless and on-trend options.

  • Old World Monogram 
  • Border Initial 
  • Bracket 
  • Circle Monogram 
  • Diamond 
  • Dotted Line 
  • Inner Circle Initial 

Mother’s Day gifts for empty nesters

Once the kids have left the house and headed off to college or on new adventures, it’s time for parents to plan some adventures of their own! Mom will love these travel-themed gifts that she can use on her next big trip or weekend getaway. 

Gift Ideas

For a small but thoughtful gift perfect for packing, we love gifting mom a makeup bag or travel pouch. The Half-Moon Pouch is a stylish option that’s great for storing makeup, lip balm or hair accessories. For travel shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and other toiletries, go for the Glamour Case or the roomy Hanging Traveler Case, both of which have wipeable interiors!

Make it personal(ized)

Take the travel theme one step further with some adventure-inspired embroidery on your gift.

  • Adventure Kit
  • Ready, set, go!
  • Wander
  • Away We Go
  • Compass Icon-ItTM
  • Here’s to new horizons
  • Let’s get lost
  • Vacay all day

Mother’s Day gifts for grandmas

Don’t forget to say a big thank you to grandma this Mother’s Day. Of course, she’ll love anything the grandkids give her, but to make her day extra special, give her a gift that’s picture perfect.

Gift Ideas

Photo Key Fob personalized with a picture of the grandkids makes the sweetest little gift that grandma can clip onto her purse, wallet or keys. Or, put card-sized family photos inside the Half-Moon Card Wallet or Rubie Mini for her. She’ll love the beautiful accessories, but she’ll love the precious memories tucked inside them even more.

Make it personal(ized)

When personalizing the Rubie Mini, think about what word or phrase would brighten grandma’s day. Here are some ideas.

  • LOVE
  • HOPE
  • Spread kindness
  • Proverbs 31 (or another bible verse)
  • FAMILY
  • BELIEVE
  • Choose happiness

Here’s to you, mom

Whether you’re celebrating a stepmom, grandma, wife, friend or yourself this Mother’s Day, remember that when it comes to gifts, it’s the thought that counts. For even more great gift ideas for mamas, head over to our Mother’s Day shop. Happy gifting!

Need help???? Send me a message and I will be happy to help you select the perfect gift.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Hope Wissel

How To Pick the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

Over the years, I have always had a hard time finding the perfect gift for my mom.  She is kind, giving, hard-working and of course, she holds a special place in my heart.  What about you?  Do you struggle?  Since miles (okay about an hour’s drive) separate us, we don’t get to spend as much time together as we would like or have in the past.  So, the gift of time seems to be the best thing to give her on any given day.  On Mother’s Day, I want it to be special.  It’s so important on Mother’s Day to show our moms just how much we appreciate them. Take this short quiz to find great gift ideas for your mom to make her special day amazing!

How does your mom like to spend her weekends?

  1. Traveling and exploring new places
  2. Hiking, picnicking or at the beach
  3. Soccer games, trips to the grocery store and a million other errands – she’s always on the go!
  4. In the kitchen trying out new recipes
  5. Cozied up at home with a good book
  6. Shopping!

Describe her personality in one word.

  1. Adventurous
  2. Nature-lover
  3. Organized
  4. Loving
  5. Homebody
  6. Fashionista

What’s her dream vacation?

  1. Going somewhere new and exciting like Australia or Japan
  2. She’s just as happy exploring national parks as she is lounging on the beach
  3. A week at the spa to relax from her hectic life
  4. Paris, Spain or Italy – she’s not picky as long as it has amazing food!
  5. Visiting friends and family that she doesn’t get to see often
  6. Exploring all of the amazing boutiques in London or New York City

What’s your budget for her gift?

  1. Less than $30
  2. The mid-$30s sound good
  3. Let’s keep it under $40
  4. Right around $50
  5. Under $60
  6. Less than $90
Mostly 1s: Choose the perfect travel accessory or mix and match a few for the ultimate travel solution set! The Hanging Traveler Case, Fold-Up Family Organizer, Shine On Jewelry Case or Glamour Case won’t break your bank and will make organizing her overnight bag or suitcase easier for her next getaway.  My mom loves her Hanging Traveler Case so maybe it should be the Shine On Jewelry Case this year?
Mostly 2s….If your mom loves all things outdoors, the Sand N’ Shore Thermal Tote Bundle is the perfect companion for her next adventure. From picnics and hiking to the beach, this thermal’s Leak Lock® lining means she’ll always be ready with food, drinks and snacks to keep the whole crew going.
Mostly 3s:  She’ll love the Crossbody Organizing Tote.  This versatile utility-style bag is functional and fashionable enough to go with her everywhere! The adjustable crossbody strap and wipeable design of the Crossbody Organizing Tote will make it her go-to bag for work, the store and beyond.
Mostly 4s:  The Tote-ally Thermal or Fresh Market® Thermal is for her!

If there’s nothing your mom loves more than getting creative in the kitchen and sharing the food she makes, then the super-portable Tote-ally Thermal or roomy Fresh Market®Thermal is just what she needs. Both have Leak Lock® lining to hold ice to transport her creations to the next dinner party or holiday celebration.  The best part is these are on SALE this month.

Mostly 5s: The Close To Home™ Table Gallery is her perfect match

Family is important to your mom, and she loves to be reminded of her loved ones daily. The Close To Home Table Gallery’s interchangeable Photo Inserts let her switch out pictures to display different special memories throughout the year.  OR, you can pick your favorite photo and grab just the insert for her to hang or display for all to see.

Mostly 6s: Give the gift of fashion with Miles of Style®.  Your mom knows accessories make the outfit, so give her a bag she’ll want to show off every day with the versatile and fashionable Miles of Style®. Personalize this stylish handbag with an embroidered monogram for a Mother’s Day gift she’ll always cherish.
Which one is the perfect gift for your mom?  Need some more suggestions, feel free to comment below OR check out my Thirty One website.  Share a picture with us of your mom and you….
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel

Holiday Gift Ideas

We are 19 days away from Christmas and the panic has already set in on many struggling to find the PERFECT gift for those on their holiday list.   I will admit, I had those moments looking for the “perfect gift”.  Having moments where I let the inner gremlins step in bashing those out of the box ideas and stealing my JOY!

Has your gift giving list grown?  Has your office just decided to hold a Secret Santa?  Are YOUR friends looking for gifts for people in their office or do they know someone who is looking to give gifts to their co-workers or customers?

For those of us in direct sales, I know this sounds OBVIOUS but have you approached them about using YOUR products as gifts.  Now, I don’t mean just hand them a catalog to look through, I mean really help them with their gift giving dilemnas.

Maybe you (or someone you know) has mentally made their Christmas Wish List.  Remember the wish list of your childhood.  The one where you scoured the catalogs and sale papers making a list of EVERYTHING you could possible want then giving it to your parents who shared it with everyone in the family.

While some may have created their own list of wish list and then told family to contact me; .  others, provided me with a the challenge of helping them pick the perfect gift.  They gave me a list of people,  a few words describing the person  and asked me for practical suggestions from our product lines.  I know you are all thinking – when do I have time in addition to my shopping, work (full and part-time), kids, etc.  The reality is it could save YOU time, money and the chance to give someone the “perfect gift”.

Here are some suggestions based on the Thirty One products on sale THIS month::

  • Busy Mom, Mom Taxi – what about a Thirty One Hanging Traveler Case bag filled with pens, pencils, note paper, crayons, etc. to leave in the car.  Maybe even a few non-perishable snacks for the kids or an energy bar or two for mom. You never have to hunt for a pen or you can keep the kids busy while in the car.

  • For the Mechanic, Car fanatic, Teacher, Business Owner, Crafter, College Student or Mom – How about the Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote ?  A great deal this month with a sale price of $21!  Fill it with fun items they can use depending on their interests.  What crafter doesn’t like a gift card to their favorite craft store or yarn or supplies to make their favorite craft.  Teachers go crazy for a tote filled with school supplies, or a gift card for their favorite coffee shop.  This tote has so many uses……

  

  • For someone who does Yoga or exercises… the All Pro Tote keeps everything together.  This is also great for the busy mom.  A spot for extra shoes for the kids or wet clothes when the baby has an “accident”. The pocket in the back, it great for a yoga mat, a towel, a blanket if you are going to the park or maybe an extra lightweight jacket.  This retails for $80 BUT is on sale for $48 (a steal)!!!

  • The Rubie Mini has sooo many uses!  It is a pouch, a travel case and a wristlet all in one! With a zipper closure and a D-ring attachment for a Wristlet Strap, the Rubie Mini is a small, stylish bag to help you stay organized. It’s the perfect little partner when you travel, run errands or shop. Keep the mini pouch in your purse to store cash, cards, makeup, mints or change. Pack it in your carry-on to keep money, medicine, cameras, batteries and power cords close by.  It is on SALE for just $13.20 this month!

      

  • The Twice As Nice Tote is a great gift bag during the holiday season AND all year long. It will hold a bottle of wine (or two) and even has a divider to keep the bottles from rattling.  It is a versatile gift the recipient will use over and over again.

  • College Student, Mom, Dad, ANYONE on your list! – How about a Large Utility Tote filled with everything they would need in an emergency?  Blanket, jumper cables, first aid kit, etc.  Our daughter got one when she started driving. I know, most people have AAA but honestly sometimes they take FOREVER!  In the dead of winter, wouldn’t it be nice to have a bag in the trunk so when a good Samaritan stopped to offer assistance you had the supplies you needed.  How about filling it with snacks along with a gift card or two.  Perfect for grocery shopping, keeping the truck organized, storing extra bed linens, kids toys and so much more!

So, have I sparked any ideas?  Are YOU thinking outside of the box?  Some people will think it is tacky to give a gift of the product you sell but think about how special it will be if it is combined with something they know you picked out just for them.  I mean we all LOVE Thirty One’s products, why not share them with friends, family and co-workers.

What are you doing for “outside of the box” gift giving this holiday season?  I am still looking for a few gift ideas, how about sharing YOUR best company gift idea with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Business Tips and Tricks

Toothpaste and Clean Underwear

Have I got your attention?  Every since Thirty One’s National Conference two years ago, I have been trying to focus on the fact

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”

I have heard it forever BUT I usually think of it as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  I loved a recent blog post by Dana Phillips of Team Connections.  She shared about the various things we need when we pack for a journey and translated it into the journey we take in our business.  Here is the packing list she shared:

So what do we need for the journey?  Is there a packing list for the journey of success?  I came up with some “essentials”.

Knowledge:  the toothpaste.  All the knowledge you have and all the ability you have to obtain more knowledge is a valuable asset on your journey.

Resourcefulness the toothbrush of success.  You have it packed with you every day.  Just remember to use it and use it with knowledge.  Every day we need to practice figuring out ways to make our lives and the lives of others, better, easier, more fulfilling.

Self-Awareness:  don’t forget to floss!  Think about it.  Being self-aware is getting down to the nitty-gritty of your strengths and weaknesses; discovering actions you can take to improve.

Positive Attitude:  This is like underwear.  Most of us wear it, but clean is more comfortable.  All of us have an attitude, but positive is more comfortable.

Planning:  We need a few changes of clothes in case the weather changes.  We all need to be ready to adapt to change.  Being prepared to be adaptable can make our journey more successful.

There may be more things you need on the journey, but I think it is safe to say that you have everything you need to succeed inside of you.

I believe you have all that you need to pack for the journey right now.  Just make sure you pack for success every day.

So, what do you think?  The truth is we have everything we need for success, it is just a matter of unpacking it and using it!  Which one do you struggle with most?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Business Tips and Tricks

Out of the Box Gift Ideas

We are just 18 days from Christmas and I see the panic on the faces of many struggling on what to get those on their holiday list.  I will admit, I had those moments looking for the “perfect gift”.  Having moments where I let the inner gremlins step in bashing those out of the box ideas….

Has your gift giving list grown?  Has your office just decided to hold a Secret Santa?  Are YOUR friends looking for gifts for people in their office or do they know someone who is looking to give gifts to their co-workers or customers?

For those of us in direct sales, I know this sounds OBVIOUS but have you approached them about using YOUR products as gifts.  Now, I don’t mean just hand them a catalog to look through, I mean really help them with their gift giving dilemnas.

I offered my customers this year the opportunity to make their Christmas Wish List.   Remember the wish list of your childhood.  The one where you scoured the catalogs and sale papers making a list of EVERYTHING you could possible want then gave it to your parents who shared it with everyone in the family.

Some created their own list of what they wanted and then told family to contact me.  While others, provided me with a gift list and a few words describing person they needed to buy a gift for.  I then made practical suggestions from our product lines for them.  I know you are all thinking – when do I have time to do that in addition to my shopping, work (full and part-time), kids, etc.  The reality is most will not take advantage of it BUT you could start off by offering it to your hostess or those VIP customers who shop year round with you, never missing an opportunity to share your business with others.

Let’s try it with some of our Thirty One products:

  • Busy Mom, Mom Taxi – what about a Thirty One Hanging Traveler Case bag filled with pens, pencils, note paper, crayons, etc. to leave in the car.  Maybe even a few non-perishable snacks for the kids or an energy bar or two for mom. You never have to hunt for a pen or you can keep the kids busy while in the car.

  • Hubby, Mechanic, Car fanatic – How about an Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote filled with everything they would need to take care of their car?  They can keep everything in the trunk – organized so there is still room for the groceries.

dad's car kit

  • College Student – How about a Large Utility Tote filled with everything they would need in an emergency?  Blanket, jumper cables, first aid kit, etc.  Our daughter got one when she started driving. I know, most people have AAA but honestly sometimes they take FOREVER!  In the dead of winter, would it be nice to have a filled bag in the trunk so when a good Samaritan stopped to offer assistance you had the supplies you needed.  How about filling it with snacks along with a gift card or two.  You will be sending them back to school with food to get through those tough nights of studying..

So, have I sparked any ideas?  Are YOU thinking outside of the box?  Some people will think it is tacky to give a gift of the product you sell but think about how special it will be if it is combined with something they would know you picked out just for them.  I mean we all LOVE our products, why not share them with friends, family and co-workers.

What are you doing for “outside of the box” gift giving this holiday season?  I am still looking for a few gift ideas, how about sharing YOUR best company gift idea with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!