The Best Bet
If getting Mom to the French Open is impractical, a new tennis racquet makes for an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Wilson’s W4 model is designed for female club players who are competitive but not (yet) tournament-level. It’s light (just nine ounces unstrung) yet solid, with an oval design that creates a larger sweet spot and adds power. Not only will Mom’s game improve, but she’ll also know that you’re not just letting her win ($199, in lime, sapphire, cobalt blue, or red, at Mason’s Tennis Mart, 56 E. 53rd St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-755-5805).
A Power Dryer for the Road
Ionic blow-dryers are twice as quick as regular models, but they’re often too bulky to travel with. The iDry Travel1600 by Bio Ionic solves that problem by folding into a tidy package ($150 at Pierre Michel, 131 E. 57th St., nr. Lexington Ave.; 212-755-9500).
Make Mom’s Old Jewelry New
Hanging on to a beautiful old watch that doesn’t work? Lulu Frost turns old jewelry into new pieces, like this necklace made from heirloom charms and antique-watch fob chains (from $300, by appointment; 62 E. 7th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-826-8950).
Flowers That Won’t Fade
TSE’s cashmere cardigan is a stylish take on this spring’s fashion femininity: The floral print is reminiscent of old English wallpaper but neutral enough to pair with skinny jeans or a shirtdress ($565; 827 Madison Ave., at 69th St.; 212-472-7790).
Fragrance for Both Parents
Patchouli usually carries cheap connotations. But when bottled by Jalaine, it’s a gorgeous musk fragrance with hints of chocolate and vanilla that works for both sexes ($150 at Aedes de Venustas, 9 Christopher St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-206-8674).
The Fall Bag to Have
This season, it’s all about the clutch. Alexandra Knight’s Corralita easily fits the necessities—including cell phone and thin digital camera—and is handmade from alligator belly (shown here), ostrich, or lizard skin (from $1,600 to $3,100 at Alexandra Knight Studio, by appointment; 917-882-4256).