Michelle Cerino presents 6 tried-and-true gifts for the mom who shoots. After all, she ought to know.
Think back to last May, the Saturday evening before Mother’s Day. Was your family out scrambling at a local store to find you that “perfect” gift?
How about this idea, instead?
Have you ever received a plant, around 2 p.m., on Mother’s Day, just after your husband HAD to run out and fill up his gas tank? Or the infamous, “We didn’t know what to buy you. You never tell us what you want.”
To spare others the heartache I have experienced in the past, I created this handy list of gifts, that as a shooter, I would enjoy receiving on Mother’s Day.
Pandora Holster Handbag. by Galco Gunleather
She’s not afraid to open this container called “Pandora!” (Chris Cerino photo)
This past January, while attending the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, in Las Vegas, I was fortunate to receive the Pandora from Galco Gunleather. I was searching for a stylish purse that was large enough to hold the notebook, magazine and paperwork I was carrying. Also, I wanted to be able to sling it over my head, in a cross body carry, if I felt the need to. Finally, there needed to be a dedicated section to carry my concealed handgun. The Pandora was the perfect fit.
Beautifully crafted of full-grain, natural glove-tanned leather, and sporting an oh-so-classic tailored flap closure, this lovely bag comes in tan with solid brass hardware, and black or chocolate brown with nickel-plated, solid-brass hardware. Dimensions are 11-1/2 inches high, 11-inches long and 4-inches wide. Drop at shoulder: 14 to 16 inches.
MSRP: $339.95
PACK ‘N HEAT CV Shooting Earmuffs
(Chris Cerino photo)
I found another great gift idea while at SHOT Show — fantastic sparkly earmuffs. Custom designed with genuine Czech crystal over a well-known brand name earmuff, this stylish ear protection is rated 23db. Included in the hard-shell padded carrying case are matching 3M eye protection and a microfiber cloth. The only difficult decision about buying this for a gift is choosing what color to get.
The Pack ‘N Heat shooting earmuffs are available at our good friend’s shop, GunGoddess.com, in 23 choices – including several colors, safari animal prints, ombre, and camo styles.
MSRP: $175 to $223
Rio Grande Custom Grips
(Michelle Cerino photo)
In my previous column title “Sweetheart Grips,” I wrote about custom grips for handguns with removable grips. Rio Grande Custom Gripsoffers a library of more than 80 designs, ranging from skulls and camo, to animals and flowers. They can even completely customize grips using a personal photograph. Or, you can just add a name and date to a stock design.
Rio Grande Custom Grips are available online in a variety of choices.
Stock MSRP: $64.96
Semi-Custom MSRP: $89.95
Fully Custom MSRP: $112.95
UpLULA Loading Aids
No doubt about it. This UpLULA belongs to Michelle! (Michelle Cerino photo)
Many years ago a friend gave me a pink UpLULA, which I wrote about in 7 Loading Aids, Make Life Easier 1 Round at a Time. Not only does this loading aid take the frustration out of trying to get rounds 8 through 16 into my magazines, but it also saves my thumbs, and allows me to load and unload my magazines much faster. The UpLULA loads 9mm to .45-caliber magazines.
The UpLULA is available in pink or black.
MSRP: $38.95
Ice Eyeshields, by ESS
Keeping those baby blues safe. (Chris Cerino photo)
Wearing protective eyewear with ear mufflers/cups usually gives me a headache. That was until I found the ESS Crossbow Suppressors last year and wrote about in 7 Options for Protective Eyewear. Recently I received the ICE Tactical Kit from ESS. These frames also have slim temple arms that fit comfortably under my ear protection. Two added benefits, though, include adjustable temple arms and easier lens changing. With zero pressure points, these frames have a great fit.
The ESS ICE Tactical Kit includes 2 black frames, along with Hi-Def Copper, Clear and Smoke Gray lenses, Op-Drops Anti-fog Solution, a microfiber pouch, elastic retention strap and a crush-resistant zippered hard case.
MSRP: $95
Gel Manicure Gift Certificates
Intense concentration, no worries about her fingernails failing her either. (Chris Cerino photo)
Sometimes a mom just wants to feel good and have a little pampering. As a shooter, my fingernails are always destroyed. The only type of manicure that works for me is a shellac/gel manicure. Regardless of the beatings I put on my nails, my shellac manicure usually lasts at least 7-10 days. Prices vary, depending where in the country you live.
Our publisher, Barb Baird, recently purchased a gel UV light and all the items required for a home gel manicure. Her verdict? She loves the ability to give herself a gel manicure. Not that she’s trying to put anyone out of business, and she’s not a pro, but sometimes, there’s no time to get to the salon before an event. There are many choices of complete kits, at Amazon and places like Sally Beauty Supply.
Now, might I suggest you help out your family with their gift buying decisions by sending a link to my column, or even sharing it on Facebook. Don’t forget, these same gifts work for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Unfortunately for my family, all these products were already given to me one way or another, so I haven’t made it any easier for them, have I?
I guess I’ll just get my garden gloves and shovel ready for Mother’s Day afternoon.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
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