The Workout: Mother's Day Gifts for the Workout Mommy

Mother's Day is almost upon us, and moms all around town are looking forward to getting showered with attention and gifts both large and small. While a bouquet of flowers or a picture frame made of popsicle sticks might be fine, what Mommy really wants is some new workout gear. Fortunately, even if you've procrastinated, there are some great local options for those seeking the perfect gift for the active mom. 

Sure, she might say she doesn't want anything, but we all know you need to come up with something. If the mom in your house is a Yoga Mama, you're in luck. Many local yoga studios, including Breathe in Glencoe, North Shore in Northfield, and Generations in Wilmette, have boutiques with clothing and accessories available. You can grab a her nice top, a new yoga mat or maybe a headband so mom can keep her hair out of her eyes during all those downward dogs.

Is she more of a golfer, and less of a yogi? Well, both the Winnetka Golf Club and the Glencoe Golf Club have pro-shops offering clothes and accessories. For the tennis player, the AC Nielsen Tennis Center has a pro shop as well.

Sure, you could get her a shirt that says “World's Greatest Mom,” but a better choice would be to head to 'Scilla in Hubbard Woods and pick out something from their active wear section. Afraid you might buy the wrong size? No problem. 'Scilla recently started carrying pants by English Muffin which offer a flattering smocked waistband and the ability to custom crop them to just the right length, without a trip to the tailor.

Yes, you could get her some scented hand lotion, but didn't you get her that last year? If the female head of your household is a cyclist, consider going to Green Bay Cycles in Hubbard Woods and picking up some new gloves or an edgy but feminine bike shirt. You can even show mom how much you love her and want to protect her by buying her a new helmet.

For the mommy runner, specialty stores such as Runner's Edge in Wilmette or Running Away in Deerfield  carry all the necessary equipment. A new hat, some socks, a pair of compression tights, or a lightweight rain jacket might be among the items on your runner's wish list. And while you're shopping, be sure to pick up the mommy athlete's best friend: Sport Wash, a laundry soap designed specifically to deodorize smelly workout clothes and help technical fabrics perform better. Do her a favor and buy more than one bottle.

Every mom loves a framed photo of the kids. But if she's a swimmer, she might prefer some new equipment for the summer. You can pick up the basics at local sporting goods store TL Fritts in Winnetka. For more specialized swimming items, Kiefer in Glenview offers pretty much everything except the pool itself. And for the true outdoors-woman, REI in Northbrook has supplies for kayaking, canoeing, hiking and much more. 

Still can't decide? You can always get Mom a gift certificate to a local exercise studio, either one of her old favorites or give her the chance to try something new. So, even if you've waited until the last minute, you don't have to go far to find some great Mother's Day gifts for the workout mommy in your house. Or just go with the “World's Best Mom” mug and hope for the best.