A rainbow of color, playful graphics, and optimism are all hallmarks of artist Suzy Ultman‘s work. So, it’s no wonder that her Mother Essentials list is filled with all of the above. The Ohio-based creative and mother of two (sons Oz, 24, and North, 20) grew-up in a tight-knit family of sisters, playing, creating, dancing, and all-around mischief-making. When Suzy started her own family, she instilled the same sense of play and curiosity into her kiddos. Moving from Portland to Amsterdam to Massachusetts to Ohio, their household changed shape and size over the years, eventually becoming a blended family that now includes her stepkids Isabelle, 25, and Thomas, 21. Spreading joy and laughter is at the heart of her latest project, a board book called I Like Your Chutzpah. Read about it—and her other favorites of the moment—below!
I Like Your Chutzpah. “Like all of my work, this new Jewish board book series is approached through my personal ethos of connecting people to themselves and others, and creating an open invitation for conversation. These books, beginning with Chutzpah, are an effort to create a joyful, fun space (1) for Jewish kids and families to feel seen and learn, (2) for folks outside the Jewish community to connect and learn, and (3) for everyone to feel a little closer to each other.” I Like Your Chutzpah, $9.29, Bookshop and Amazon.
Tampoco Design Baking Utensils. “Along with drawing, baking has been a true love of mine since I was very little. It’s been a joy hanging out with my own kids in the kitchen and watching them grow and learn in this space. The Tampoco utensil set was thoughtfully designed for kid-hands, and it’s also perfect for the whole family!” Baking Set, $49.90, Tampoco.
Mind Over Batter. “This cookbook is a go-to in our home. Along with the varied and accessible recipes are self-care notes written by baker-therapist-author Jack Hazan. My son is a fan of the scone recipe. I make the granola every week. And, the chocolate chip cookies are FANTASTIC!” Mind Over Batter: 75 Recipes for Baking as Therapy, $32.55, Bookshop and Amazon.
Zabar’s Babka. “Since I bake regularly, it’s gotta be something special for me to place a bakery order. Babka is that something special! It’s become a family tradition to order from Zabar’s for holidays, birthdays, and the occasional surprise. The family is divided between team chocolate and team cinnamon.” Zabar’s Homestyle Babka, $16.98, Zabar’s.
In The Night Kitchen. “When folks ask about my childhood inspiration, Maurice Sendak is at the top of the list. His unconventional use of image and type, his playfully darker themes, and his rich world-building all made a big imprint on kid-Suzy. It’s been so much fun passing down this type of storytelling to my kids.” In The Night Kitchen, $17.62, Bookshop and Amazon.
Scott Patt Mugs. “Who doesn’t love waking up to a colorful and quirky message mug? Our whole family smiles whenever they get to drink from these cups.” Optimistic Mug, $15, U Studio.
Vintage Heart Bowl. “Our home is full of vintage goods, especially in the kitchen. I want to show the kids that (1) It’s okay to buy and use old/vintage items. (2) Often, the design and durability of the old items outshines their modern day counterparts. (3) It’s fun hunting for vintage treasure, and making it your own.” Vintage Arabia Finland Enamel Heart Bowl, $268, Etsy.
Yin Yoga. “I’ve been practicing yin yoga for about 2 years. It’s very slow moving! Each pose is held for 5-7 minutes, so you become really aware of what’s up with your body that day. It’s transformed my relationship with my mind and my body, and become an essential part of my week.”
Mindfulness Cards for the Family. “We play with these cards as a family, and keep the deck on the counter for individual use. It’s an open invitation for anyone in the house to engage with mindfulness.” Mindfulness Cards for the Family: Simple Practices for Connection, Joy, and Play, $15.76, Bookshop and Amazon.
Orange Tic Tacs. “Both of my kids have ASD. In early occupational therapy sessions, I learned about strategies for self-regulation. I found that, in a pickle, if the boys were nervous, fidgety, bored, etc., an orange Tic Tac could quickly change the mood. It does for me, too! So, I like to always have them on hand.” Orange Tic Tacs (4 Count), $15.12, Amazon.
Chutzpah Necklace. “I adore this necklace, and all of the charming and happy products that Susan Alexandra has created to reflect Jewish joy.” Chutzpah Necklace, $168, Susan Alexandra.
Orla Kiely Wallet. “I’ve been a fangirl of Orla Kiely for years. I’m especially fond of her wallet. When I’m running out of the house to pick-up kids or grab groceries, the wallet easily doubles as a clutch.” Forget Me Not Big Wallet, $119, Orla Kiely.
Lisa Says Gah Alex Tee. “When I want to add a bit of play to my day, I reach for a fun tee. Quirky graphics aren’t just for the kids!” Alex Tee, $75, Lisa Says Gah.
Vintage Clothes. “When I moved to Washington, DC after college, I started shopping at thrift stores and estate sales. I love that buying vintage is sustainable for the planet and a fun way to build a unique fashion style.” 1970s Patchwork Shirt, $100, Etsy.
Birkenstock Loafers. “When you’re on the go, these shoes are easy, comfortable, and perfect for the fall!” Birkenstock Buckley Loafters, $150, Zappos.
Hansel From Basel Socks. “I loooooove socks!!!!!! It’s my favorite way to quickly accessorize an outfit. I discovered these socks at Small Talk in Columbus, and I’ve never turned back.” Blossom Sheer Crew, $32, Hansel From Basel.
Gumball Poodle Socks. “You know how I love socks? Well, my whole family does, too. And, Gumball Poodle has something for everyone! My kids are avid readers, and I can’t wait to gift them these socks.” I Heart Manga Socks, $14, Gumball Poodle.
Hay Recycled Crate. “I’m a very organized person. Organizing actually helps me feel at easy. My kids, not so much. I’m always looking for ways to help them build their organizing skills, and these crates have been super!” Hay Recycled Colour Crate, $6.40, Design Within Reach.
Mark’s Weekly Vertical Planner. “For my kids, it’s been a process figuring out how to plan homework, tasks, and activities. Alongside their Google calendar and digital notes, the kids benefit from an analog calendar. These planners have really helped them stay organized.” Mark’s Vertical Planner, $28, Omoi.
Blackwing Pencils 602. “Our family has a range of fine motor skill strengths and challenges. This means, we’re all picky with how our pencils feel when we draw and write. After a lot of trial and error, I found Blackwing Pencils felt great for everyone.” Blackwing 602 Original Soft Pencil 12-Pack, $38, Amazon.
Color Together Pencils by OOLY. “Sometimes art supplies don’t have to cost an arm and leg to be great. I’m a big fan of this color pencil collection for the whole family.” OOLY Color Together Pencils, $14, Mochi Kids.
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