Credit: Aresna Villanueva
Unsure what to give mum this Mother’s Day? We’ve got your back, with a handpicked selection of gifts to suit the mum in your life – whether she’s the outdoorsy type or she prefers a good book and a quiet corner.
No matter what your budget, we’ve included a wide range of options, from gifts costing less than $100 through to more extravagant suggestions.
The new mum
SUKU Home Aria Winter Pyjama Set, $220
She may not be getting out much in the early months of parenthood, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t look and feel good. This winter pyjama set from SUKU is made from pure bamboo and hand-printed in house. With an elastic waistband and loose fit, this set is perfectly comfortable for daily lounging but stylish enough to take outside.
ALUXO Unisex Baby Bag, $249
With its stylish good looks, this backpack from ALUXO is a great present for new parents. Purpose-built for carrying newborn gear, its waterproof exterior protects it against inevitable spills, while it features insulated baby bottle holders, a splash-proof baby changing mat and pram straps.
DUE Nip Stick from The Memo, $25
With the arrival of a baby, new mums sometimes put their own care on the backburner. These Nip Sticks from Australian parenting brand The Memo are a must for relieving tenderness, inflammation and pain that can arise from breastfeeding. Fragrance free, they’re gentle on skin and can also be used to soothe chapped lips.
Stoov Ploov Heated Pillow, from $159
Going into winter, this heated pillow from Stoov is a welcome companion in bed, on the couch or even outdoors. The rechargeable electric battery has three heat settings, with infrared technology to help relax sore muscles and promote circulation.
Bugaboo Kangaroo Pram, from $2199
Bugaboo’s Kangaroo pram is an extravagant purchase, but a sound investment for new parents and growing families. The award-winning design allows for more than 20 different configurations and can fit up to three kids. It features shock-absorbing wheels and suspension for the smoothest of strolls and is designed so it can be adjusted or folded up with one hand.
The sporty mum
Good Sport magazine, $40
For more than a decade, Aussie magazine Good Sport has been telling left-field stories about what sport means and its relationships to community and culture. Their latest issues explores the theme “Props”, from the theatre of Glasgow’s World Indoor Athletics Championships to the ups and downs of football localism. It’s a great gift for the sport-loving mum.
Sauna voucher, various
Sense of Self Collingwood, Melbourne.Credit: Photo © Ari & Martina
Luxury bath houses have been on the rise these past few years, offering everything from massages to infrared saunas and cold plunges. Any mum would appreciate a day of pampering, but a gift voucher to one of these bath houses will be especially welcome for mums who like to work out.
Some venues to check out include:
- Sense of Self, Sydney and Melbourne, from $50.
- Capybara Bathing, Sydney, from $70.
- Slow House, Sydney, from $50.
- Inner Studio, Melbourne, from $45.
Icebreaker Merino Wool Hoodie, $280
For the mum who loves the great outdoors, this pure merino hoodie from New Zealand brand Icebreaker fits the bill. The lightweight top, crafted from a superfine merino wool, is designed to regulate body temperature, keep odours at bay and provide sun protection. It’s a great option on its own for a run, or as a first layer when out camping or hiking.
Most mums appreciate a little ‘alone time’, whether it’s to work, work out or sleep. These earplugs from Baxter Blue are made from a soft, hypoallergenic silicone and are light and comfy enough to wear to sleep, while helping to reduce noise. Each set of earplugs comes with three different ear tip sizes for the right fit, and a plastic case for safekeeping.
Tri-Aid Trigger Point Device, $60 (on sale)
This nifty device from Tri-Aid is a great catch-all for body aches and pains. While its primary function is to target muscles at the base of the skull – making it ideal for treating neck pain and tension headaches – it can be used on trigger points all over the body, from foot to back. The compact design makes it great for mums on the go – ideal for taking to the office, gym or while travelling.
Pinky & Kamal Pilates Spiral Grip Socks, $28
These socks from Pinky & Kamal are a fun pick for the Pilates-obsessed mum. Proving that practical gym gear doesn’t need to be boring, these ankle socks come in five bright colours, with a cute spiral motif to keep her stable at Pilates, yoga or barre.
The foodie mum
For the passionate home cook, this Pinot Gris Vinegar from Yarra Valley makers Tax will add an unexpected touch to meals. The limited edition vinegar is double-fermented and unpasteurised, and great for sprucing up salads, dipping bread in or even straight from the bottle.
META bird lemon squeezer from Homu, $18
This nifty little lemon squeezer from META is a fun addition to the cooking arsenal. Crafted from stainless steel, it’s hardy enough for everyday use (and dishwasher safe), while its unique bird shape makes it a charming inclusion to the kitchen benchtop.
Lugma, Noor Murad, $69
From Bahrain-born chef and former head of the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen Noor Murad, Lugma is a delicious dive into the culinary world of the Middle East. With more than 100 recipes, including Spring Time Fattoush and Pistachio Cake with Labneh, it’s a great guide to help the home cook expand their culinary repertoire.
Soka Pantry Co Custom Gift Set, $65
For the mum who’s always asking for extra chilli, this gift set from husband-and-wife team Sophia and Kaan is perfect. Soka’s custom gift set allows you to tailor the gift to her liking, with options like a classic chilli oil, crunchy hot honey and smoky Urfa chilli salt.
Staub Fish Oval Dish, $860
If you’ve got a bit more cash to splash this Mother’s Day, consider this beautiful fish dish from Staub. Made in France, this shallow cast-iron baking dish is hard-wearing and perfect for cooking fish, risottos, gratins and more. The deep sea-green exterior and embossed sea bream lid makes for a show-stopping centrepiece on the dinner table.
The Dill Tickle pickles and jams, from $17
Mendooran local Lizzie Waters has earned the title of “Condiment Queen” for her homemade pickles, marmalades and jams. Produced in small batches, each preserve is homemade from locally grown produce – including some sourced straight from her backyard veggie patch in regional NSW.
Maison Balzac The Asparagus Bunch Dinner Candles, $40
These lifelike asparagus-shaped dinner candles from Maison Balzac are a fun addition to the dining table – and a great talking point when guests come by. They make striking tabletop ornaments or can be burned for a candlelit dinner. Gift as is, or pair with a candleholder from Maison Balzac.
The fashion-forward mum
Vivienne Westwood: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Visionary, Tim Rasmussen, $40
This new release is a great gift for the mum with an appreciation for fashion history, and one she’s unlikely to have on her bookshelf yet. Written by journalist and author Tom Rasmussen, Vivienne Westwood tells the story of the iconic fashion designer from working-class upbringing to high fashion, alongside gorgeous illustrations by Marta Spendowska.
Finer Rings Initial & Birthstone Bracelet, $85
This dainty bracelet from Finer Rings makes a lovely gift for the sentimental mum in your life. Each piece is handmade, with your choice of a coloured Swarovski bead (that can be matched to her birthstone), and the option to include an initialled gold disc.
Silk Laundry x Maison Louis Marie Scarf and Perfume Set, $150
This gift set marries a beautiful botanical print scarf from Australian brand Silk Laundry with a sample perfume set from Maison Louis Marie. The scarf is perfect for her to wear in her hair or tied around the handle of a bag, while the perfume set is a lovely window into oil-based fragrances for her to sample.
Les Ottomans Hand-Painted Iron Tray, Hands, from $188
If her style veers more into maximalist territory (and she was a fan of Alessandro Michele’s tenure at Gucci) then a hand-painted iron tray from Les Ottomans could be a welcome gift. Taking inspiration from vintage homewares, these trays are perfect on a dresser as catch-alls for jewellery or even mounted on the wall as art.
Witchery x Viktoria & Woods OCRF White Jeans, $179
For the past 17 years, Witchery has raised more than $17 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation with their White Shirt Campaign. This year’s collection, designed in collaboration with Viktoria & Woods, features this pair of white jeans cut in a timeless wide-leg silhouette. 100 per cent of profit from the sale of each pair goes to the OCRF.
Fluff Lip Oil, $53
Australian make-up brand Fluff makes good-looking cosmetics with the planet and your skin in mind. Their lip oil comes beautifully packaged in a silver compact, and is designed as a balm/oil hybrid that can be dabbed on cheeks, eyelids and lips. Designed to be refilled, their formula is vegan and palm-oil free.
The mum in need of pampering
Bronte fragrance-free hydration set, $76
Make mum feel wonderful with this set from Sydney-based brand Bronte. Made in Australia, the fragrance-free duo of body cleanser and body lotion is our pick as it’s suitable for all skin types – including sensitive skin.
Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager, $199
For the mum who’s always on her feet, get this Shiatsu Foot Massager from Renpho. With rolling balls, rotating sticks and heat, it’s designed to give tired feet a deep massage, with multiple settings for kneading and air compression for easy customisation.
Loco Love Chuncho Drinking Chocolate, $55
What is more indulgent than a hot chocolate on a cold night? This drinking chocolate from Loco Love is a notch above your regular hot choccie. Beautifully packaged, each box features six discs of Chuncho Urusayhua cacao – a rich and aromatic variety from Peru.
The gardening mum
Secateur Me Baby Wave II Plant Stake, from $40
If she’s the proud owner of a family of indoor plants, we love these stakes from Secateur Me as a fun way to add a little colour to her collection. The recycled HDPE plastic stakes come in a range of colours, sizes and shapes and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
This gardening belt from Le Sac is a hard-working but attractive addition to her arsenal. Made from heavy-duty cotton canvas with reinforced pockets, the belt can comfortably hold gardening tools for a hands-free experience, and comes in six different colours.
Wildly Ready Gardening Protection Sleeves, $40
Once she’s pulled on these sleeves from Australian brand Wildly Ready, she won’t go into the garden again without them. Designed to protect her skin from UV, insect bites, scratches and skin allergies, the stretchy, lightweight sleeves come in a large range of colours and patterns, from floral to camo.
The arts and culture mum
Surreal: The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dali, Michele Gerber Klein, $29
The art-obsessed mum will enjoy this new release from New York-based writer Michele Gerber Klein on the fascinating life of Gala Dali. Using previously undiscovered material, Klein brings Dali’s life out from the shadows of her famous husband – from pre-revolutionary Russia to living in Paris with first husband Paul Eluard and Max Ernst and how she came to earn the title “mother of Surrealism”.
Custom house portrait, various
Credit: Courtesy of Rebecca Edison
A custom house portrait makes for a special gift for the house-proud or sentimental mum. If you have an artist friend or know of a local artist, consider getting in touch. Alternatively, we’ve curated some Australian painters currently taking commissions, below. Bear in mind that most artists will need a lead time of at least a few weeks.
Sea & Paper Custom Library Embossing Stamp, $90
Why not get the book-loving mum in your life her very own book embosser? These library stamps from Sea & Paper are a lovely way for her to customise her collection, with a range of templates, monograms and logos to choose from. They’re a great idea for the mum who’s always lending books to others, or for the new mum to add a sentimental touch to a collection of children’s books.
The mum who loves a hobby
Bird Buddy Solar-Powered Bird Feeder, $469
If she’s a passionate twitcher, this solar-powered feeder from Bird Buddy will keep her entertained. With a high-definition camera designed to capture crisp photos and slow-motion videos, she can get up close and personal with all the feathered visitors to her backyard. Made from recycled plastic and designed to keep birds safe, it features AI technology that can also detect bird species, including native Australian varieties.
Dinner With Frida 1000-Piece Puzzle, $35
For the mum who always has a jigsaw puzzle on the go, this Dinner With Frida 1000-piece puzzle will keep her busy. Complete with multiple Fridas, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky and Georgia O’Keefe, the finished puzzle makes for a beautiful vignette that can be mounted, framed and hung.
Numbulwar Numburindi Arts Weaving Kit, from Kakadu Plum Co, $60
This weaving kit from Numbulwar Numburindi Arts is a lovely way for mum to decompress and do something with her hands. Each kit comes with enough colourful raffia for her to make a small basket, with illustrations and video instructions from educator Rose Wilfred and aunties Nicole and May.
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