My mom just moved into a one-bedroom apartment in an Independent Living facility. My sister moved her in and it was a little like moving one’s kid into a college dorm. They got her new stuff: bed, TV, and furniture … and left a lot behind in her old house.
That’s because she has a tendency towards hoarding, so this is a chance to do things differently. And she likes having less stuff around to collect dust; it’s liberating to live more simply.
As a result, when I buy her gifts for Mother’s Day, Christmas, and her birthday, I am now giving her something that can be enjoyed but does not stick around. Edible presents fit the bill perfectly!
Edible Gifts for the In-Laws
Japanese Confections: Wagashi
My mom was born in San Francisco where her parents immigrated from Hiroshima, Japan. She likes Japanese mochi and I found a high-end Japanese confectionary bakery, Minamoto Kitchoan, that delivers “wagashi” — Japanese sweets. Not all the items can be shipped but her favorite kind can.
Maccha Mochi. Sweetened red beans covered with sticky green tea mochi.
Tsuya. Sweet pancakes filled with sweet Adzuki beans.
Fukuwashi Senbei. My kids like these crispy wafer cookies.
Fastachi: Gourmet Roasted Nuts
This is a local store to me, Fastachi, with really exceptional fresh roasted nuts. They have handmade chocolates as well, but they are known for their nuts.
Their Roasted Nut mix is simple but sublime.
The Cranberry Nut Mix is their signature nut mix with sweet and savory.
See’s Candy: Homespun Gourmet
I grew up with See’s Candy in California but it’s only in the Boston area for the winter holidays. My father used to get us to swap out our Halloween candy for See’s Candy because he was paranoid that the trick-or-treating candy would be poisoned. True story. Still, See’s Candy is a homespun gourmet candy and makes a perfect gift.
The See’s Candy Molasses Chips are my favorite.
See’s Assorted Chocolates are their best seller. You can’t go wrong with this!
Smith Island Cake: Multi-Chocolate Layer Cake That Keeps
I read about this cake in Saveur Magazine, and it sounds amazing. It would be welcomed into my house though it sounds too ambitious for me to ever bake:
“This sumptuous layer cake from Smith Island, off the mainland coast of Maryland, here consists of 10 thin layers of cake stacked and frosted with old-fashioned chocolate fudge icing.”
Luckily you can buy it from Smith Island Cake.
The original Smith Island cake.
The Lemon Cream Cake comes in a smaller size.
Harry and David: Giant Royal Riviera Pears
The Royal Riviera pears are exceptional and I can’t find them anywhere else, even at my greengrocer. I’ve subscribed to their Fruit of the Month club before. Not all the fruit arrives ripe but I’ve never been disappointed by the pears.
The Giant Royal Riviera pears arrive ripe, sweet and juicy.
Tea for Two: Japanese Tea Set
I’d pair this cast iron Japanese teapot with cups, tea, and Japanese sponge cake. I’m partial to Genmaicha tea, which is green tea with popped brown rice. It’s a delicate light tea that would pair well with the sponge cake. This gift requires sourcing from three different places, so it’s a splurge but worth it if you need to impress. There’s nothing wrong with starting off on the right foot!
To the teapot more closely at Amazon, please click on image of teapot.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.
My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award longlist
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
More great ideas!! Thank you so much!! I wonder how your mother is feeling about her move? I know I liked traveling for the same reason – simplified my life. Giving edible gifts makes sense.
Hi Joan,
I thinks she loves her new Active Living home. She’s near my sister and my sister’s kids can bike or walk over. Also, there is a lot to do everyday and my mom likes to stay busy. It’s been a great change for her because it was so isolating for her when she stopped driving two years ago.
I love gifts that stick around!
Hi MaryAnne,
My mom needs the opposite :). She’s a hoarder so I am giving her edible presents. She loves the Japanese confections called mochi. I found this artisanal bakery in NYC Minamoto Kichoan that ships to her. She does love it so it’s perfect for her! I used to buy them for her at the Japanese market and bring them to her when I lived in W. Los Angeles so I’m glad that this is our little tradition.
Um that was a typo. I meant gifts that DON’T stick around 🙂
🙂 I like edible gifts to give and receive too.
thanks for lovely ideas – wishing you & your family the best with what can be a difficult transition
Thanks so much Daal. My mom is so chill that it’s been a good and seamless transition. The only real issue is cleaning up her old house. That’s a big job!
not sure if my comment went thru… this is a test
Thanks Daal! It worked!