radar picks: Gifts for the mighty mamas

From Philippine food history to luxury espresso machines, these picks are perfect for the mom or tita who deserves the best

A lot of moms care for everyone else in the family. And sure, there’s Mother’s Day to celebrate this. But given all the work that mothers still tend to shoulder during the holiday season, we’re here to help you with gift ideas that may bring even more joy to their gift-giving. From hobbies to good food, we’ve scoured for the fashionable, fun, and fundamental gifts that you can give during this holiday season to match Mama’s—or Tita’s—tastes. radar offers these five top gift picks.

For the mom who is passionate about reading and cooking: What Recipes Don’t Tell by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria

Is your mother interested in cooking, good food, and a good read? Then multiawarded nonfiction author and food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria’s latest masterpiece, What Recipes Don’t Tell: Philippine Food History in Fifty Words, documents the details that are foundational to appreciating some of Filipinos’ most well-loved dishes. While food fare like ensaymada, tsokolate, kilaw, and halu-halo are all staples of the Pinoy hapag, they are products of the blending of cultures, catastrophes, and cacophonies of experiences in Philippine history. This cookbook is for the book lover who also appreciates more than just the taste of Pinoy food.

For the mom who indulges in her hobbies: Gantsilyo Guru crochet

Crochet may have been relegated to home econ classes or anik-aniks, but it is a legitimate hobby that is seeing a rise and sustained momentum among craftisans. For Gen-X, Millennial, and Gen-Z moms, going gantsilyo is a hobby that might be fun and relaxing to take up or continue. Don’t know where to start? Visit Gantsilyo Guru’s space and immerse yourself in the various types of yarn—they are eager to assist you in selecting the most suitable ones for your project!