Mother’s Day can be… a lot.
For some, it’s a joyful excuse to celebrate the women who raised us, or the experience of motherhood itself. For others, it can feel complicated—marked by loss, distance, strain, or just the quiet, ongoing weight of caring for others. Many of us, if we’re being honest, move through both sides of that at once.
At Tea & Oranges, I’ve always felt a little cautious about this holiday for that reason. It doesn’t fit neatly into a single feeling, and I don’t think it should have to.
But maybe there’s still something worth holding onto here: a small invitation to offer care where we can. Not in a grand, pressure-filled way—but in the form of a thoughtful gesture, a moment of rest, a simple acknowledgment of someone who gives a lot of themselves.
This year, I’ve been thinking about how we might do that close to home—by showing up for the moms (and mother-figures) in our lives, and by supporting some of the wonderful small businesses right here in downtown Summit while we’re at it.
Instead of focusing on “perfect” gifts or big expectations, I found myself coming back to smaller things. The kind that say I see you more than anything else.
One of the things I appreciate most about being in downtown Summit is that those kinds of moments are everywhere—thoughtfully created by the people who run the shops and spaces around us.
Below are a few ideas from some of our neighbors—simple ways to offer a little care, a little rest, and maybe even a moment of delight.
A Sweet Start
If your version of care looks like something sweet (and maybe a little strategic), Brownie Points has been a downtown staple for nearly two decades. In our house, Sunday mornings often start with a half dozen duffins (purchased at our amazing Farmer's Market) —somewhere between a muffin and a doughnut, and exactly as good as that sounds.
They’ve become part of our family rhythm: a small treat, a slow start to the day… and, if I’m being honest, a pretty effective way to encourage a little extra kindness from our kids.
Whether you’re picking up something to share or just giving a mom a reason to sit down with a really good cup of coffee and a pastry she didn’t have to bake herself, it’s a simple kind of joy that goes a long way.
Take a Deep Breath
For me, a meaningful shifts has been making real space for my own well-being. (Full credit to my husband, who gently—but persistently—insisted this mattered more than I was letting it.) That nudge led me to Pilates at my friend Heidi’s beautiful studio, and it’s become something I genuinely look forward to—an hour that’s just mine.
If gifting “time off” sounds like a dream, there are so many thoughtful ways to do that right here in town. HomePower Yoga—a favorite of Team T&O, and conveniently right across the street from the shop—offers a welcoming space to reset and recharge. The R3finery brings a unique blend of physical therapy expertise into its yoga and Pilates classes, which feels especially meaningful for anyone looking to move with a little extra care. And The Bar Method Summit has built a devoted following for a reason—it’s the kind of place people return to again and again.
An hour to move, breathe, and not be needed by anyone else for a little while? That might be one of the most generous gifts of all.
Mix Things Up
And then there’s the simple pleasure of a really good cocktail.
Somewhere in the last six months, I’ve become an old fashioned person—something I didn’t see coming, but I’m not mad about it. Aubrey’s Corner (just outside of downtown, but very much part of the neighborhood) helped with that introduction, and it’s been a nice little ritual ever since.
When I’m staying local, though, I’m always drawn to Summit House, where the bartenders have a way of turning a drink into something closer to art—thoughtful, creative, and just a little unexpected.
And for nights that call for staying in, Cambridge Wines and The Wine List make it easy to bring that same feeling home.
Whether it’s a quiet drink on the sofa or a moment out at the bar, it’s another small way to mark the day—or to offer someone a well-earned exhale this Mother’s Day.
Low Key + Laughs
And sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all—just a low-key night at home.
I’ve always loved an evening of games with my family—trivia, cards, even a puzzle spread out across the table. It’s easy, a little chaotic, and usually full of more laughs than anyone expects.
If that kind of night sounds just right, Kanibal & Co. (this is always my first stop for off-beat hostess gifts) and The Papery both have shelves full of games that make it easy to get something going, whether you’re planning ahead or picking something up on a whim.
It’s not fancy, but it might be exactly what the day calls for—a way to spend time together, unplug a little, and keep things simple this Mother’s Day.
Emotional Support Chocolate
This is not a joke. There are days when something small (or not so small) tips the balance, and a piece of really good, dark, slightly salty chocolate feels like it puts things back in place.
For me, that’s Jelina Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt from Sweet Nothings—my all-time favorite, and the kind of treat I keep on hand for exactly those moments.
Sweet Nothings has been part of downtown Summit for as long as I can remember, and the people behind it show up for this community in ways both big and small. It’s one of those places that feels woven into the fabric of the community—and all the more reason to stop in when you’re looking for something thoughtful (or just really, really good).
Whether it’s tucked into a gift or saved for a quiet moment at the end of the day, it’s a small indulgence that feels a little like taking care.
However you find yourself approaching Mother’s Day this year—whether it feels meaningful, complicated, joyful, or somewhere in between—I hope there’s room for a small moment of care in it.
Not necessarily the big, picture-perfect version. Just something simple. A pause. A gesture. A way of saying I see you—to someone else, or maybe even to yourself.
And if that moment happens to include a walk through downtown, a stop into a favorite shop, or a little support for one (of the many locally-owned & operated) businesses that make this community feel like home, all the better.
(all these gorgeous photos by Jenny Mayfield feature goodies from our neighbors and some other things from tea & oranges. If you feel like shopping those tea & oranges gifts, you can do so here.)
