These are the most thoughtful gifts to give this Mother’s Day
From fresh fragrances to style staples, here are the gifts worth considering…
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Around the world, there are many ‘Mother’s Days’. In the Middle East, most countries celebrate the day on the Spring equinox, 21 March. In Argentina, it’s the third Sunday in October. Panama plumped for 8 December, North Korea mid-November and Norway for the second Sunday of February.
The majority of countries (a grand 96 of them — US included) laud and lionise their mothers on the second Sunday of May. But us Britons — along with Ireland and Nigeria — ring in the reverence come the fourth Sunday in Lent; Mothering Sunday. This year, that falls on 19 March. So, if you’re struggling to rustle up a suitably celebratory present, we’ve rounded up the most thoughtful gifts to give this Mother’s Day.
Gift some fresh florals with a flowery fragrance
With brighter days now in bloom, your mother is likely thinking it’s a good time to shake up her beauty routine. So, out go the heavy creams, the thick balms and the dark, heavily spiced scents – and, to replace those fragrances, we’d suggest something lighter and more spring-friendly.
‘Wind Flowers’ is the latest concoction from the House of Creed, and offers freshness thanks to notes of sweet jasmine, Tunisian orange blossom, and peach, all offset by a soft rose extract and praline. We’d also suggest Floris’s fresh ‘Mulberry Fig’, a warm creamy scent combined with bittersweet, green, and powdery orris notes. Or opt for ‘Bal d’Afrique’, by Byredo, encases a soft medley of African marigold, violet and vetiver.
Pick out a choice bottle to show your appreciation
What better way to praise your mother than raising a glass in her honour? From Chapel Down, this wine is the epitome of an English Rose; delicate, feminine and brimming with notes of fresh strawberries, cherries and redcurrants on the nose with background notes of toasty shortbread.
Alternatively, and for something worthy of even the most well-stocked drinks trolley, why not gift a bottle of No.3 London Dry Gin — the only gin ever to be awarded ‘World’s Best’ 4 times at the International Spirits Challenge. Or, if she’s devoutly a still wine fan, Louis Roederer’s latest expression reveals a complex and magical nose and a silky smooth palate, with a chalky freshness that is at once bright, delicate, saline and velvety.
Seek out some practical clothes (she’ll actually wear)
Then come clothes. It can be tricky to buy mothers something they’ll genuinely enjoy wearing. So, rather than going for a statement frock or pair of shoes, stick to practical threads. Something like a warm, waterproof jacket to do battle with British springtime — Barbour’s waxed cotton collaboration with House of Hackney is the perfect choice.
Alternatively, a dressing gown or pyjamas is a thoughtful gift — something we use all the time, but tend not to invest in ourselves. Savoir Beds offers a capsule of luxury cotton options; we’d opt for the dressing gown. Or, if your mother is a connoisseur of comfort, Vuori’s sherpa jacket has a relaxed fit with room for layering.
Hand her a helpful bag, with plenty of room
Keeping the practical approach, a handy bag is one of every woman’s arsenal of essentials. So why not give your mother an accessory that’s well-made, well-meaning, and will ensure she stays organised for many mother’s days to come? From Tod’s, this harnessed bucket bag features a practical drawstring closure, a fixed flat handle and removable shoulder strap.
Mulberry’s ‘Bayswater’ design is cut from goat leather, dyed purple and finished with the British brand’s signature ‘Postman’s Lock’. Or, from Ettinger, this elegant tote is remarkably soft to the touch — and comes equipped with a small internal zipped pocket, three pen slots and a card slot.
Show appreciation for your roots with a plant
You’ll never, ever go wrong with flowers. But, rather than sticking with a standard bouquet this year, why not take a leaf from a different, more longer-lasting book? We’d recommend seeking out something potted, that’ll last until next Mother’s Day (at least), or a clutch of dried flowers for a pop of colour.
Patch Plants are the greeny-gold standard when it comes to well-chosen, leafy gifts. We’d suggest picking a plant with a little colour to it, like the purple-tinged ‘Emma’. Alternatively go for a terrarium — an outside-the-box (or should that be bottle?) gift that’s as much a talking point as it is a gesture of appreciation. For dried flowers? Bloom & Wild’s ‘The Anya’ is sufficiently versatile to stay out through every season.
Don’t settle for stereotypical jewellery gifts
Not all that glitters need be a necklace or bracelet. So why not branch out if you’re buying your mother jewellery this March? We’d suggest a watch for any big money buyers — and few come better or more versatile than this diamond-dotted option from Rado, on a bracelet built from stainless steel and titanium.
There are always earrings, and Theo Fennell has a selection that ranges from multicoloured hoops to bijou bees. But our choice? The brand’s signature ‘Quiver’ design, cast from gold and studded with diamonds. Or, for something a little different — and more affordable — look to radical opticians Jimmy Fairly, and this retro-flavoured sunglasses chain.
Want to make dinner plans, too? Check out these traditional British restaurants…
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