This was published 6 months ago
The best gifts for every type of mum this Mother’s Day
Plus we ask what Victoria Devine, Julia Busuttil Nishimura and other Aussie mums want this May 12.
By Abby Seaman and Lauren Ironmonger
Credit: Bethany Rae
Mums are tricky to buy gifts for, but this year we’ve enlisted the help of four Aussie mums to tell us what they really want this Mother’s Day. We’ve rounded up the best gift to celebrate all types of mums from the first-time mum to the “I don’t want anything” mum.
The new mum
Beautiful Chaos, Jessica Urlichs
Written by Kiwi author and mum Jessica Urlichs, Beautiful Chaos is an honest and heartfelt collection of poems that embrace the chaos that comes with motherhood. From pregnancy to early school age, it’s the perfect companion for the mum experiencing it all for the first time. $27
Bare Mum Postpartum Skincare Kit
Bare Mum’s postpartum skincare kit is a thoughtful option for the new mum you know has barely had a moment to herself. Founder Amelie Cazzulino started the brand after a difficult postpartum experience, and so knows a thing or two about what can help make the transition to parenthood a little bit easier. Their skincare kit includes bath salts, a nipple balm and body oil formulated for scars and stretch marks. $139
Head Spa Voucher
Credit: iStock
The latest trend in self-care is the head spa, which is essentially an extended version of one of the best parts of getting a haircut. The treatment has been common across parts of South and East Asia for some time now and is slowly making its way to Australia. While the exact treatment varies depending on where you go, a session typically involves a scalp analysis, deep hair cleanse and, of course, a relaxing scalp massage. Various prices
- Sydney: Tokyo Headspa; The Scalp Spa; Zen Day Spa; Oriental Spa.
- Melbourne: The Head Spa by Hikari; Mika Melbourne; Sensu Spa.
- Brisbane: Atama Head Spa; Yuki Hair Spa; Varsana.
- Canberra: The Scalp Spa; Canberra Day Spa.
- Perth: Ardor Organics.
This blanket is the result of a partnership between Sydney label Jac + Jack and social enterprise Two Good – so when you buy a blanket, Two Good gives one to someone staying at a women’s refuge. Crafted from fine cotton in Jaipur, India, the thick fabrication makes it perfect for playtime at the park, cuddles on the couch or tossed at the end of a bed. $380
The foodie mum
The foodie mum’s love language is, of course, food. Her go-to advice is that the best way to someone’s heart is through their belly. This Mother’s Day, show her how much you appreciate all her hard work, especially in the kitchen, behind the bar or over a barbeque, with these food-related gifts.
Perfect for the mum who is always entertaining or loves to post snaps of her beautifully prepared charcuterie. The rectangle yufka grazing board is made from recycled Acaia wood, so it’s durable, scratch- and water-resistant and food-safe. Make it extra special by presenting her gift with some nibbles already served. 40cm x 72cm, $109.
Food For Everyone lucky charms keychain
Give mum what she really wants – a keychain to show off her obsession with slurping back oysters. This adorable keychain, designed and made in Australia, is a limited edition collaboration between Food for Everyone and design duo Daniel-Emma. A smiling shucked oyster and lemon wedge keychain is the gift that mum didn’t even know she wanted. $60.
Created by First Nations chief executive and founder Nornie Bero, Mabu Mabu (which means help yourself) champions native flavours in everyday food. Let mum discover the secret of using Australian herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits in her cooking. If you’re really well-behaved, she might even let you try some of her creations. $45.
Add a little luxury to mum’s cooking with Goldi’s speciality-infused olive oil made from olives grown in the Goulburn Valley. Goldi released their new Agrumatos range just in time – the olive oil is infused with flavours by crushing the fresh produce with the olives to create versatile extra virgin olive oil. The mixed pack includes three 375ml bottles of lemon, chilli and lime. $60.
The sporty mum
She’s always on a run, in the pool or by the sidelines. The sporty mum can do it all and then some. If your mum never stops moving, here are the top picks to show her how much you care and to keep her on the go.
Salt and Stone santal & vetiver natural deodorant
Created by professional snowboarder Nima Jalali, this vegan and cruelty-free natural deodorant offers long-lasting protection for people on the move. Featuring seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to moisturise the skin while the probiotics help neutralise odour, so your mum will feel and smell good. $33.
This minimalist and functional belt bag keeps you hands-free and on the go. The one-litre bag can fit her phone, keys, wallet and sunnies, so mum can get out the door and onto her next adventure. The adjustable strap allows it to be worn comfortably around the waist or across the body. Available in seven colours. $59.
City Cave Float and Wellness Centre gift card
There’s nothing better than the gift of relaxation. City Cave Float and Wellness Centres (over 50 locations in Australia) offer weightless float therapy, which involves relaxing in a pool filled with 400 kilograms of Epsom salts. The franchise also offers infrared saunas and massage. 60-minute Float Therapy gift card, $79.
Perfect for the mum who runs, walks, or keeps up to date with the latest athleisure trends, the brand-new Skyward X shoe provides maximum cushioning and features a carbon fibre plate for a plush ride. The shoe is a great daily trainer for people who want cushioning with a side of speed. Available in two colourways, Running Warehouse Australia also offers free returns to find mum the perfect fit. $369.95.
The stylish mum
She always looks put together, keeps up with the latest trends and her enviable wardrobe is always being raided by her adult children. Here’s what to get the stylish mum in your life.
St. Agni Textured Crescent Bag
If you know your mum is in need of a new day bag, consider this crescent bag from Australian label St. Agni. Crafted from a buttery soft lamb leather with cotton lining, the woven exterior offers a nice update on the classic shoulder bag. Available in brown and black. $349
The most stylish mums always want to look good, even when they’re at home – and what better way to indulge in a bit of domestic luxury than with a pair of slippers. This version from Melbourne brand Monte is handmade in Brazil with a plush velvet exterior and 100 per cent leather sole. Available in four gem-toned colours, they can be monogrammed for that extra personal touch. $150 or $170 with personalisation
As winter approaches, nothing says luxury quite like a fine cashmere jumper. The Scarlett from Australian slow fashion label Mia Fratino is a classic, loose-fitting silhouette with a v-neckline made from 100 per cent Mongolian cashmere. We’re a fan of the biscuit shade pictured here as a neutral alternative to black. $399
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm
There’s no doubt your mum will be familiar with Westman Atelier, the brainchild of celebrity make-up artist Gucci Westman, who has worked with the likes of Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Squeaky Clean Lip Balm comes in a range of shades from naturally derived pigments and offers a light sheen for daily wear. $63
The ‘I don’t want anything’ mum
We know this mum. Every year she says, “this Mother’s Day I really don’t want anything,” but it’s a trick – she wants a gift and knows you’re going to get her something anyway. To show your gratitude, look for consumable or useful gifts that won’t bring any clutter to her minimalist home.
Mums always go that extra mile so make her everyday a touch more special with a gift pack of three cute socks from Melbourne brand Paire, who are dedicated to sustainable and comfortable socks, undies and loungewear. These aren’t just socks, but socks made from Australian Merino wool and organic cotton to keep her hard-working feet warm and wrapped in cloud-soft comfort all day long. $70.
Help mum keep organised this year with a digital Skylight Calendar. The 15-inch display connects to Wi-Fi and includes a free mobile app to manage the coming and going of the whole family on the go. Built-in features include chore charts, meal planning and custom lists for task tracking and groceries. Just don’t complain when you have to do your chores. $449.
Go traditional! Treat your mum to her dream breakfast. If you aren’t sure where to start, Pepe Saya is selling Pepe’s Mother’s Day Box, which includes all the ingredients (and a few extras) to treat mum to fluffy buttermilk pancakes with maple butter or lemon curd. And in case that wasn’t yummy enough, bake the brown butter cookie dough in the arvo to sweeten the deal. $96.
St Hugo Grenache Shiraz Mataro
If you know your mum enjoys a glass of red with dinner, a bottle of wine can be a thoughtful (and easy to organise) gift. But how do you pick a bottle when you’re not exactly sure what kind of wine her usual go-to is? “That is always a tough one,” says Dan Swincer, chief winemaker Australia at Pernod Ricard Winemakers. “If you are unsure, I would suggest a lightly structured and fruit-forward style of wine. It’s the safest bet for broader appeal.” His current pick? The St Hugo Grenache Shiraz Mataro features bright red fruits, silky soft tannins and lifted aromatics. “I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t like this.” $55
The sentimental mum
She’s kept every card you’ve ever written to her, still treasures the Mother’s Day mug you made in kindergarten, and tears up in Pixar movies. Here’s what to get the sentimental mother (whatever you do, just don’t forget the handwritten card).
Created by Michelle Owen, founder of fine art photography website Almost Real, Snaaps is a retro-inspired point-and-shoot film camera that she can start using on the day to capture precious memories. Easy to use, a great gift for the snap-happy mum who’s always pointing her phone camera at you. $75
If her fridge is covered in family photos, and she still carries one of your school photos in her wallet, consider gifting her this gold heart locket. Made by Monica Vader, the irregular beaten shape lends an organic feel. Just pick a favourite photo and tuck it inside for a keepsake she can carry with her everywhere. The brand’s complimentary engraving service means you can opt to have a special message, motif or doodle added to the inside of the locket too. $255
Nothing quite beats the gift of time for a mum, whether it’s time spent together or alone for some rest and relaxation. Get her a gift voucher for Camplify, and she can choose to take herself away for a weekend or travel somewhere special with you. From $100
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