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Mother Essentials: Pehr Founders Jen Kelly and Becca Perren

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Today’s Mother Essentials is a special double-feature! That’s right, we have not one but two mamas sounding off on their must-haves of the moment. And it just so happens that Toronto-based mothers Jen Kelly and Becca Perren are used to doing things together, as co-founders and co-CEO’s of Pehr, the beloved children’s lifestyle brand, known for its original designs, sustainability, and modern sophistication. With five children between them, Jen and Becca’s little ones have grown right alongside Pehr and have inspired many of the products and designs. To break it down: Becca is mom to Felix, 10, Oliver, 8, and Clementine, 5; while Jen is mom to Mark, 10, and Hannah, 8. The two have been friends for over 35 years (!) and embarked on their motherhood journeys at the same time. And, as you’re about to see, the power duo additionally hold in common some of the essentials that they use for themselves and their families daily. (If there’s not a name next to the entry below, it’s a Mother Essentials they both claim!). Enjoy! 

Mini Blundstones. “These are easy for kids to pull on and off and seriously indestructible. And they look pretty adorable on little feet.” Kids’ Blundstone Chelsea Boots, $124.95, Zappos.

RMS Lip2Cheek. “Granted, makeup is not much of a thing for me these days, but this is still with me at all times. Gorgeous shades, easy to apply, and totally non-toxic,” says Becca. RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek, $36, Sephora

Vitruvi Diffuser & Oils. “Not only does this diffuser double as a beautiful object, the Vitruvi essential oil blends are some of my favorites,” says Jen. Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser, $119, Urban Outfitters. Boost Blend, $26, Vitruvi.

EltaMD Tinted SPF. “This mineral SPF goes over my daily moisturizer and has just enough tint to make me feel like I’ve gotten a bit of sunshine on my face. The bonus is that you can always get it on Amazon!” says Jen. EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid & Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $31.50, Amazon.

Pehr Hooded Towels. “Not just for the beach, these are the perfect after-bath coverup for kids big or small. The uber-generous size allows for years of growth. My 8-year-old is still in one!” says Jen. Hooded Poncho Towel, $48, Pehr.

Probiotic Chocolate Vitamins. “I’m into the fact that the kids are getting a good probiotic into them each day and they are into the sweet hit of chocolate,” says Becca. Good Day Chocolate Vitamins, $12.99, Thrive Market

Birkenstocks. “The perfect errand-running footwear, which, let’s be honest, has never gone out of style.” Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandal, $150, Zappos.

Pehr Natural Pom Pom Drum. “It’s hard to choose a favorite Pom Pom color, but this natural hue can go anywhere, kids’ room or not. Plus, the structured drum holds just about anything.” Pom Pom Drum, $54, Pehr.

Oneka: “A favorite Canadian brand of mine, Oneka uses only certified organic and wild harvested herbal extracts. Their Lavender Angelica collection is my go to,” says Becca. Angelica & Lavender Shower Gel, $23.99, Oneka.

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster. “Just mix this with a serum or your nighttime moisturizer for an extra glow the next morning.” Vitamin C Booster, $90, True Botanicals.

Turmeric Mango Tea. “When something sweet but soothing is needed in the afternoon, this always hits the spot. Plus, the turmeric makes me feel like I am doing something good!” says Jen. Turmeric Mango Tea, $8.99, Rishi Tea & Botanicals.

Pehr Masks. “A new necessity for all of us. I try to keep a stash by the front door and the car as someone always forgets theirs in the morning rush,” says Becca. Set of 5 Face Masks, $20, Pehr.

Glo App. “I love that you can choose a class under 10 minutes long on this app! Sometimes that’s all the time you have and it’s a good way to reset. Plus, there are a range of classes, meditation, yoga, pilates, stretching, etc,” says Jen. Glo.com.

B Mat. “I’ve used a lot of mats over the years, but after switching to a B Mat, I am now very loyal to it,” says Becca. B Mat Everyday, $84, B Mat.

Vitamix. “This is by far the most used appliance in our home. One large smoothie every morning keeps the whole fam going until lunch,” says Jen. TurboBlend 3-Speed Blender, $399.95, Vitamix.

Calm App: “Every. Single. Morning. It’s the single best thing I do to help keep me sane,” says Becca. Calm.com.

For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with small-space mama Laura Fenton, Citizens of Humanity creative director Marianne McDonald, Curasalve founder Kelley Williams, Trade Street Jam Co. founder Ashley Rouse, Weelicious and One Potato founder Catherine McCord, Milky Mama’s Krystal Nicole Duhaney, mega-influencer Chriselle Lim, Matana Organics founder Gabriela Babila, interior designer Susan Work, author Tiffany Dufu, Les Gamins founder Veronique Nguyen, Lonny editor Angela Tafoya, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, DockATot’s Roma Patel, designers Anna WallackCynthia RowleyRebecca Atwood, and Dana HaimOlympian Alysia Montano, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, wellness influencer Joanne Encarnacion, author LaTonya Yvetteand many, many more!

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