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Mothers Day is coming and the shops are full of gift sets and novelty mugs, but as a mum myself I must say that the usual gifts don’t generally appeal.
I have no need or space for more mugs, I’m up to my eyeballs with wax melts, I tend to buy my own bath products based on what I know and like (and doesn’t irritate my skin). Personalised gifts are cute but no one needs a scatter cushion with their kids face on.
Homemade gifts are great – but come on, admit it, we all want something else too. This mumming lark is hard work!
Here are some things that I wouldn’t actually mind getting for Mother’s Day…
1. A good book (and time to read it)
Most mums do not get anywhere near enough time to themselves to read. A good book is a nice present if you know the kind of thing she enjoys reading.
Crucially though they also need time alone to read it, maybe in the bath while children are being entertained elsewhere – ideally with a nice bath bomb and a glass of wine.
2. A massage
For Christmas I was given a massage voucher by my husband and although it took me until the middle of February to actually take it, it was a great gift and made me feel brilliant and so relaxed (until I had to pick the kids up from school, anyway).
If finding time to take a massage is tricky, these heated Fenetic Wellbeing massage chairs are a very relaxing addition to the home.
Or, perhaps go one better…
3. A spa day
A whole guilt-free day away with treatments and lunch for me and a friend at a nearby spa was one of the best gifts I’ve been given. Groupon is a good place to find vouchers which can be redeemed for several months.
A day away also hinges on the promise of childcare being provided so don’t buy it unless you are offering that too! Before buying a voucher, be sure to check what is included, and whether it can be redeemed over holidays and/or weekends before you purchase. There is nothing worse than being given a gift you can’t actually use!
4. A proper lie-in
I.e. not one where they can hear the house being torn to pieces downstairs and children fighting over the top of CBeebies while they try and fail to sleep through it.
Take the kids out for breakfast and leave mum in peace.
If this seems impossible…
5. A night in a hotel
On their own. With late check out and maybe breakfast sent to the room.
To be honest it doesn’t even have to be that fancy; a Premier Inn will do me just fine as long as it’s quiet and no one wakes me up at 3am after they’ve had a nightmare.
6. Wine or gin club subscription
There are so many subscription box options catering for whatever your mum (or partner)’s favourite tipple happens to be.
Ranging from samples to full bottles sent quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly there will be an option to suit and many will let you sign up for one delivery at a time.
7. Dinner on the table
If you tend to do all the cooking (as I do) then sometimes it’s nice to be treated. However takeaways aren’t always a great option, particularly as I’m trying to follow a healthy eating diet and to be honest, I’m just not a huge fan of salty takeaways.
My husband is pretty useless at cooking from scratch, but even he can follow the instructions on a Hello Fresh box.
8. Snacks
All the good snacks. Chocolate really isn’t a cop out as long as you don’t pinch them. If savoury is more her thing, look at the amazing beef jerky bouquets at awesomegifts.com for something a bit different!