Mother’s Day gifts: Tote-ally chic

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Mother’s Day is Sunday so every day this week we have ideas to inspire your gift-giving

Name a mom whose life isn’t filled with toting and whose tote isn’t overflowing. So what better gift than an updated tote to help keep her pulled together at the beach and beyond? A glam slam in the season’s favorite stripes, this sequined Prada tote is sure to become mom’s on-the-go go-to. The pop of color, shimmer and print instantly wake up her most basic tee-and-short errands uniform, plus we love the idea of toting sequins to the pool. Prada Paillettes Tote Bag, $1,350 at the Prada boutique in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 278-8661.

Or polish off her poolside style with a tote and matching plush oversized terrycloth towel by Calypso St. Barth in one of four fresh, globally-inspired prints. This coordinating duo is guaranteed to save packing stresses. Yes, you deserve a day at the beach, just for giving it. Beach Towel, $175, and Beach Tote, $120, in one of four patterns at www.calypsostbarth.com or Calypso Home, Brentwood.

Embellished with seashells and emblazoned with that message all moms have in their heads, Kate Spade’s straw tote and hat (the season’s must-have oversized floppy) pretty much spell it out: Mom Needs A Vacation…NOW! We suggest going for one piece or the other (no need to hammer in the message) and slipping in an airline ticket to any destination that has a pool or beach or a sandbox nearby. We bet she won’t even really care where—or whether it’s one-way. Kate Spade A Day Away Gemine Tote, $225, and I Need A Vacation Floppy Hat, $95, at www.katespade.com or Kate Spade Century City, (310) 788-0791.

--Ingrid Schmidt

Thursday: The best-dressed table