By Addie Rising, SHARECharlotte.org, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
I’ve finally hit the point in my life where I don’t need any more “stuff”. But stuff that’s meaningful? That’s a different story. If you’re struggling with the perfect idea for a gift for yourself or your mother or mother-in-law, consider these Mother’s Day gifts that give back … right here in Charlotte.
Go on a stroll
Take the family on a stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. They have events all weekend like Mommy & Me Teas on Saturday. On Sunday all moms can stroll the garden for free!
Buy some baubles
Who doesn’t LOVE new jewelry? And Kendra Scott has the prettiest stuff. Shop Kendra Scott at SouthPark Mall on Saturday, May 13 from 2-4 p.m. and 20 percent of all sales will be donated to Metrolina Association for the Blind. Something for YOU, something for THEM! 
Take a tour
Throughout Mother’s Day weekend Wing Haven Gardens is hosting its 23rd Annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour. The tour features private, inspiring gardens as well as open visitation all weekend and live music on Saturday, May 13 at Wing Haven. Tickets are $30 in advance for admission both days.
Grab lunch
Head to The Mayobird for some lunch! This awesome Dilworth eatery is home to Charlotte’s best chicken salad and you can feel good while dining! Did you know that The Mayobird (and it’s next door neighbor Summit Room) give 10 percent of all sales to Behailu Academy, an after-school arts program in NoDa for at-risk teens. Don’t forget to round up!
Get dinner
Celebrate Mother’s Day early at The King’s Kitchen (they’re closed on Sundays). Established in 2010, The King’s Kitchen is managed by Jim Noble Restaurants and donates 100 percent of profits from sales to feed the poor in the Charlotte region. Additionally, The King’s Kitchen partners with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center and other local area ministries to provide job-training, life-skills training, social etiquette workshops, financial management guidance and employment intern opportunities to Charlotteans in search of a new beginning. And their food is delish! In fact, this is where we may go.
Enjoy a cup of coffee and a book
Take time for yourself and head to Julia’s Cafe & Books and enjoy a cup of coffee while you peruse an extensive used book collection. Julia’s is a fundraising division of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte and through the sale of local, organic coffee, food options and used books, Julia’s Café & Books supports Habitat Charlotte’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope in our city. Go on Saturday. They’re closed on Sundays.
Clean out the pantry
Wait, what? Is this the right blog post? Yes! Have your husband and kids do you a solid and clean out your pantry on Saturday morning and leave food donations (nothing expired that you would not eat yourself! Think stuff that’s in excess) by your mailbox. In the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, mail carriers will be picking up all donated items on Saturday, May 13 to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Loaves & Fishes.
