Ask Chris Black: Gift Ideas for Moms Who Do It All, But ‘Want Nothing’?
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
If you’re looking for the most powerfulhair dryeror the handiestchef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next statuswater bottleorhand wash, for instance? If you have a burning question aboutthe next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, Chris Black is here to answer it ina regular column.
WithMother’s Daycoming up, I would love some recommendations for what to get the mom who deserves it all, but “wants nothing.”
Mothers are the best and deserve lavish gifts and long pricey brunches at five-star hotels onMother’s Day. But that probably ain’t happening this year! Still, there are ways to make thisMother’s Day(that’s May 10) memorable, even if you’re forced to spend it apart.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Everyone, especially moms, loves something that smells good. Help wean your No. 1 lady off of Glade Plug-Ins and Yankee Candles with something a little more advanced, like Portable Fireplace from cult favorite D.S. & Durga. It will make the house smell nice and cozy. (From Saks, orders will ship no later than May 2, according to the company).
New! You can now save this product for later.
Give her the gift ofcomfortable, chic pants. This pair of easy, cropped trousers from Pleats Please by Issey Miyake can be dressed up or down — either way, they’ll elevate hersheltering-in-placestyle. And, if properly cared for, she will have them forever.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Maybe your mom, like my mom, loves to go for a brisk (properly distanced) walk with friends. This Tory Sport color-block track jacket would be perfect to throw on for a stroll or to run an essential errand. Plus, it appears to beAnna Wintour–approved.
New! You can now save this product for later.
If mom just discovered CBD (or is the type who’d enjoy discovering CBD), get her a bag of muscle soak from Weed Sport. It’s a careful combo of mineral-rich healing salts with essential oils and hemp-derived CBD. She will beso relaxedthat she will forget to nag you!
New! You can now save this product for later.
Maybe you have a “cool” mom? If so, she would appreciate this one of artistPeter Shire’shandmade mugs. She can enjoy adelicious espressoin it while watching Kathy and Hoda in the morning.
I got really inspired by ESPN’s documentary on Michael Jordan. Can you suggest some good ’90s-inspiredworkout attireto buy?
Ah yes, the inescapable and captivatingThe Last Dance. I find Jordan’s off-court style to be borderline offensive (Rodman’s, however, was groundbreaking). But hisgymlooks were cool. The key is VOLUME: Bigger. Is. Better. But please leave the cigars and high-stakes gambling to the man himself.
New! You can now save this product for later.
First, you will need some big ol’ sweatpants — no joggers, and no 3/4-length banker tights. A classic gray fleece pair from Nike will do the job.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Short
If you prefer shorts, these Champion ones with a ten-inch inseam will give you the look. Don’t stick your tongue out while squatting.
New! You can now save this product for later.
MJ loved to trim the sleeves on hisT-shirts, a very cool and practical style for sporting. I am going to assume your arms don’t look the same as the arms of one of the greatest athletes ever to live, but hey, do you! Buy a pack of oversize white Hanes T-shirts (no bacon neck!) and get out the scissors. They are a little thin, but that helps when sweating.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Now comes the PRO MOVE. To truly dress like Mike, you will need a mesh basketball jersey to go over the T-shirt. Reversible is best, so you can change the color based on your mood.
New! You can now save this product for later.
And don’t forget the iconic white tubesocks! This is the perfect outfit to miss layups in the park or pump iron in your basement. You aren’t going to win any championships, but don’t let that stop you from getting a fit off like your idol.
I’m looking for some over-earheadphonesfor easy listening at home during the quarantine. Can you recommend a good mid-level pick? Not quite ready to throw down for the big-boy Bose ones. Thanks!
We, as a society, have been so preoccupied with theAirPod discoursethat we have almost forgotten about the original headphone flex: the big-boy over-ear models. Yes, they make your ears sweat, but they won’t fall out, and they can sound great.
New! You can now save this product for later.
All my real heads use Sony MDR-7506 headphones. I have seen them in countless recording studios over the years. For $100 (or less, at some retailers), you get studio-quality sound and impressive sound isolation. These are also superlight, making them comfortable enough to wear for extreme binge-watching or listening.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The Grado SR80e is another excellent option for home use. They are open back, which means no sound isolation. Everyone can hear you, and you can hear all that is going on around you. The sound is FULL-BODIED and lively, and I love the way they look. Vintage but not corny.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Should you want a wireless option, the Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT is your best bet. Just some hard-wearing plastic cans with long-ass battery life. If you are into bass, these are for you.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
