Some things haven’t much changed since I was a child – I still can’t make a good cup of tea, breakfast in bed is always appreciated and my mum is still one of my best friends. That might sound cheesy but it’s totally true – even more so now that we live in different countries. We talk often, she’s my sounding board (and voice of reason), and she’s always supported my crazy ideas (like leaving a perfectly good job to become a blogger). She’s coming over to visit me for my birthday next week, and my birthday just happens to be on Mother’s Day – clearly a sign that I’m her greatest gift, right? Anyway, I’ve been thinking about good ways to say “Mum, you’re awesome” other than a terribly made cup of tea and breakfast in bed, and I thought I’d share because it’s not just my mum that is worth celebrating – it’s my mum, your mum, friends who are mums, grandmothers, mums to be, new mums, all manner of mums!
I feel like whenever I post a gift guide for women it contains similar things – that’s because I’m thinking about what I would want or what I think my mum/friend/sister would want. I always try to go for gifts that fall into the following categories: “me time” gifts like a massage voucher or lovely bath or skincare products; “feel good” gifts like pretty lingerie or accessories, something snuggly or that will help them relax; something that will help them follow their passion (think drawing books or pens for artistic friends, a print to help brighten up their workspace and inspire them to chase their dream); or something that they’ve mentioned wanting in passing/loving and I’ve remembered!
Blacklist For Freedom Cést La Vie Print, $149.00 from Freedom Furniture | Enhanced Support Oh Naturale Lace Contrast in Charcoal/Pink, Bra $30.00 and Midi Shorts $15.00 from Rose & Thorne | Zambezi Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle Cover, $19.99 from EziBuy | Laura Cosmetics Bag, $44.90 from Witchery | 9ct London Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring, on sale for $299 from Stewart Dawsons | Yummy Mummy Shower Cream, $23.50 from Lush | Ladybird Bubble Bar, $9.90 from Lush
Chocolates and perfume are great go to gifts if you’re really stuck for ideas. I prefer dark chocolate and rose perfumes but that’s just me – find out what your mum likes best and get her fave! New mums might need a little something soothing to help with sleep like this sniff box or perhaps a wee reminder that they are, in fact, terribly important. I highly recommend Tui Fleming’s book “Dear Mummy, You’re Important Too” as a great book for all mums, filled with affirmations, common sense and the knowledge that there is someone else out there who gets what you’re going through.
Chrysanthemum Collection Classic Chocolate Assortment, $37.90 from Devonport Chocolates | Dafni Hair Straightening Ceramic Brush, $299.99 from Farmers | Isla Cats Eye Sunglasses, $79.90 from Witchery | Sleep Sniff Box, $9.90 from Matakana Botanicals | Dear Mummy, You’re Important Too by Tui Fleming, $29.99 | Jardin de Vie Rose Perfume, $39.90 from Weleda
If your mum loves a good cuppa, then why not get her a nice cup and saucer? Bonus points if you pick up her favourite brew and bake some biscuits to dunk as well. Depending on what kind of mum you’ve got, things to help her unwind can be a great gift idea. Some mums love to be able to relax in the bath, some love to get out and exercise for a bit of “me time”, and some like to snuggle up with a cosy throw and a good book (with the aforementioned cup of tea, of course). A camera can be a great way of capturing your family adventures – we have been taking my Instax away with us and it’s so much fun to look back on actual printed photos. Yep, sentimental mum life.
Salt&Pepper My Cup Tea Cups and Saucers Set, $59.99 from Farmers | Lyric Kendall Heart Scuff Slippers, $24.99 from Farmers | British Rose Petal-Soft Hand Cream, $23.95 from The Body Shop | Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Camera, $239.99 from Noel Leeming | Hewfield Shoe, $109.90 from Deuce Generation | Colton Throw, $199.00 from Freedom Furniture | Rose Bombshell Bath Bomb, $8.50 from Lush | Boh Runga Rose Gold Feather Studs, $289.00 from The Mint Republic | Mum, I Learned From You print by Maiko Nagao, from $25.00
Remember that Mother’s Day (like any occasion) doesn’t have to be about spending money. Personally I think that a day spent with family creating great memories (put those cellphones away!) with a good cuppa in there somewhere is the perfect way to celebrate! Hello sentimental mum life…
What do you think your mum might like for Mother’s Day (or what would you like, if you’re a mum)? Apart from a cup of tea and breakfast in bed, of course!
