Military moms gift guide: Top buys (and deals) from military spouse-run businesses

Sure, there will be hand-drawn cards, silhouettes and homemade coupons for room cleanings exchanged this Mother’s Day, but if you’re seeking a different approach to a gift for the military mom in your life — whether you’re in uniform or she is — put the crayons back in the drawer and do a bit of shopping.

Military Times compiled a handful gift options for your Mother’s Day needs, courtesy of businesses either owned or operated by military spouses. Some helpful hints for May 13:

STAY GROUNDED

The gift: The Be Present Bracelet from Charliemadison Originals. It features pink adventurine, magnesite and silver quartz — components that represent creativity, clarity, calm and other features found in abundance among military moms.

The story: Wendy Hively’s husband retired from the Navy in 2007. Three years later, she started Charliemadison — named for daughters Charlotte and Madison. Her jewelry shop donates 5 percent of all sales to military- and veteran-related charities.

The price: $41.

The deal: Use the code MTVIP at checkout for a one-time 20 percent discount on your order.

SENSIBLE SCENTS

The gift: Torrey Pines perfume from Peachy Keen Perfume, owned and operated by Navy spouse Jeanette Price. Price describes the scent, which shares its name with a residential area, state reserve and golf course north of downtown San Diego (and west of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar), as a “sexy summer fragrance” inspired by the pines.

The story: Price founded her designer-fragrance company in 2014. The products are hand-crafted in small batches. Not up for pine? Try Ocean Boulevard, which Price says blends citrus, pink jasmine and “the airy smell of the ocean waves.”

The price: $48 for a 60-milliliter spray bottle, $25 for a 9ml oil roll-on, or a gift set of both for $70. Sample-sized sets also available.

The deal: Use the code MILITARY at checkout for 15 percent off.

CAFFEINATED CLASSIC

The gift: A box of Blabbermouth Coffee Chocolate Bars: Belgian chocolate mixed with artisan coffee in a handmade confection with about the same amount of caffeine as your morning cup of joe.

The story: Vietnam veteran Gary Kramer and wife Darlene opened Blabbermouth Chocolates in Lincoln, California, shop in 2014. She’s a certified chocolatier, he’s been in sales since before he could drive — with a break to spend time in an Army uniform.

The price: $45.

The deal: Enter VETERAN at checkout for a 10 percent military discount on all shipped items, except for existing promotions. Some items ship free with a separate code; you can only choose one, so see which will shave the most off your final bill.

CARRY WITH PRIDE

The gift: R. Riveter’s Otto Signature Black Canvas + Brown Leather Handbag. Adapt to any style with a cross-body or over-the-shoulder strap, or just the handles. Black canvas with a brown leather bottom, two leather straps, two exterior open pockets and two interior, including one with zipper lining.

The story: Founded by military spouses in 2011, R. Riveter employs military spouses nationwide who assemble portions of the products in their homes. The Otto honors Elinor Otto, an original “Rosie the Riveter” who began working on airplanes during World War II and retired from Boeing in 2014.

The price: $240.

The deal: Offer code MILITARYMOM15 gets you 15 percent off signature handbags and accessories through May 31.

BE A CHARMER

The gift: A service- or duty station-specific charm. Need a grizzly to mark your time in Alaska, or some hot peppers to recall the days at Fort Bliss? You’re covered.

The story: Launched by a group of military spouses in 2009, the Nomadés line of charms has topped 350 offerings, including those displaying service pride or preserving memories from a particular home away from home.

The price: Varies. An Army logo charm goes for $48, but for a dollar less you could score a CH-47 Chinook helicopter charm.

The deal: Nomadés doesn’t offer a military discount to online shoppers, but check online for a “consultant” near you. These Nomadés team members sometimes offer special deals.

MOBILE TEA PARTY

The gift: A glass travel infuser mug. If the military mom in your life likes tea but doesn’t always get the chance to stay in one place long enough to enjoy it, this fix might earn you some points.

The story: Marine Corps wife Lakesha Cole’s multiple entrepreneurial efforts include She Swank Marketplace, which offers a variety of lifestyle products, including those produced by veterans and military spouses. Cole’s community and charitable work earned her the 2014 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year award.

The price: On sale for $20, and comes with a container of Confetti Cake Tea.

The deal: Enter MIL10 at checkout for 10 percent off.

Maria Cordova contributed to this report.

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