Showing the mom in your life that you appreciate her this Mother’s Day can easily include celebrating your shared passion for geoscience. Here are some rockin’ gift ideas:
Whether you choose blue, green and/or gold-plated, a set of agate coasters brings her love of the outdoors and field trips inside. They provide a subtle nod to geology that is both decorative and functional. Pair it with her favorite bottle of wine or spirits for the complete package.
If the mom in your family is both a geo-lover and a bookworm, you can opt for a set of agate bookends alongside new books filled with references to geoscience and paleontology. Sharon Lyon, author of AAPG’s GeoLifestyle newsletter, often recommends fun reads for geologists – from thrillers to science and historical fiction. She even has written her own novels, “Fossil Woman” and “Fossil Thief.” Subscribe to the newsletter to peruse her recommendations at Newsletters. AAPG.org/GeoLifestyle/SignUp.
- A Standout Piece of Jewelry
Geologist or not, most women love a bit of sparkle to recognize a holiday or special occasion. Ask your local jeweler for an uncommon gemstone piece, or to make it more personal, bring a rock or gem you or your loved one has found and have it made into a necklace, ring, or bracelet.
- A Day Pass to Mineral Hot Springs
If you live in an area near geothermal hot springs, consider gifting the mom in your life a day pass for a series of soaks or a mineral spa treatment. For example, The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs offers annual membership, day pass and other soaking experiences for Colorado locals and visitors, and similar options exist at WorldSprings in Dallas, Texas.
- Book a Geology Tour or a Geo-Inspired Vacation
Whether it’s to the many large karst formations in Vietnam, the geothermal wonders of Iceland or learning about the 1755 earthquake that shaped Lisbon, Portugal, a trip focused on some of the many geological wonders of the world is the perfect getaway for any geo-mom. Book a vacation for the whole family through a geology-focused tour group, such as GeoWorld Travel, or plan your own adventure with inspiration from recent editions of GeoLifestyle. Lyon has recently covered geological sites to see in Petra, Jordan, Everglades National Park in Florida and Tucson, Arizona.
- Rock Climbing Gear or a Lesson
Get outdoors and scale some heights (maybe face some fears?) with a couples or family rock-climbing lesson. Geologist, climber and CEO of Brunton International Lauren Heerschap recently spoke on some of her favorite rock-climbing spots and the geology behind each of them at an AAPG Women’s Network webinar and in a recent edition of GeoLifestyle. Read her recommendations and book a group lesson or tour with a professional. Is the mom you are celebrating already an avid climber? Choose new gear as a gift instead. Take her to a local retailer to try on a new pair of climbing shoes (the fit is important, so it’s best to physically visit a store) or purchase a new climbing harness, fingerboard or rock chalk.