Gift ideas for Mother’s Day, according to the FJ team
IMAGE VIA @SOFTEDGE_STUDIO/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
For when you’re short on ideas.
Gift buying is a bit of an art. If you’re like me and gift-giving is your love language, you probably spend a lot of time (far too long) mulling over what you’re going to buy your nearest and dearest. There really isn’t anything quite like absolutely nailing a present, but some people are particularly hard to buy for. At the absolute top of this category are mums – or whoever plays a mother-like role in your life – primarily because they almost always insist they “Don’t need anything at all, love!”.
For more content like this, tap through to our Life section.
But we all know that they really do deserve something especially lovely, and Mother’s Day is a chance to treat them to that item they secretly want but would never dare tell you they do. If you’re stuck for ideas, the Fashion Journal editorial team and our community of contributors have shared what they’ll be gifting their mums this Mother’s Day.
Juem Luca Maternity Bra*
Picked by: Giulia, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor
View this post on Instagram
One of my best friends is pregnant and almost at her due date, so we’re very excited about her celebrating Mother’s Day for the first time. I’ve gone and bought her a present because I simply couldn’t help myself – a surprisingly nice maternity bra from local label Juem. It’s both lacy and sexy, in a really nice violet colour with scalloped trimming.
It also promises to be comfortable, lined with a soft stretch cotton. Honestly, you wouldn’t know it’s a maternity bra if it weren’t for the clips. As a nice added bonus, Juem is offering a complimentary wash bag with each purchase over $100 so naturally, I bought her the matching briefs. I’m hoping the set makes her feel like the beautiful mama she is.
Get it here.
Roy Candlestick Bundle*
Picked by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Account Manager
View this post on Instagram
If there’s one thing my time-poor mum would argue she simply has ‘no capacity’ for, it’s interior decorating. I’m not talking about your stock-standard bits of furniture, but more about those small pieces that can elevate any tablescape or dresser. Local label Roy knows this all too well.
If you’re not already familiar with the brand via its aspirational IG feed, Roy candles are designed to spark joy through dreamy colours and playful shapes. This Mother’s Day, I’ll be purchasing the Roy Bundle, featuring three glossy candlesticks bound to be the centre of attention in any room.
Get it here.
Country Road Australian Shearling Slide and Low Australian Sheepskin Boot*
Picked by: Giulia, Fashion Journal‘s Account Manager
View this post on Instagram
I couldn’t tell you how much my mum loves slippers without you thinking I’m a liar. She changes into her ‘slippies’ every day after work, has a secret stash of those cardboard slippers you get free at hotels, and seems to get a fresh pair every birthday, Christmas and Mother’s Day. If I imagine the sound of Mum, it’s of her rapid slipper-clad footsteps in the early hours of the morning. Given how much wear time her slippers actually get, I plan on gifting Mum a fresh pair that are a little nicer than her usual.
I’m tossing up between the Australian Shearling Slide or the Low Australian Sheepskin Boot from Country Road – both are remarkably stylish given how deliciously comfortable they look. (I’m hoping to convince Mum of their wearability outside the house, so she doesn’t need to change each time she wants to head out.) Both styles are made in Melbourne from Australian shearling and as a nice treat, also support responsible leather manufacturing through the Leather Working Group.
Mandala Wines 2016 Blanc de Blanc
Picked by: Emily, Fashion Journal contributor
View this post on Instagram
If there’s one thing my Mum and I share, it’s our love of a good vino. While I lean more towards red drops (you’ll often find me with a pinot in hand), Mum definitely enjoys a white. This Mother’s Day, I’ll be wrapping a bow around a bottle of Mandala Wines 2016 Blanc de Blanc – a crisp Champagne made entirely from the Yarra Valley winery’s Chardonnay grapes.
Although I do prefer red, I’ll never say no to a glass of bubbly. So I’m looking forward to taking this over to Mum’s next Sunday and having glass together while gossiping about our weeks, in true Kath & Kim style. A box of nice choccies on the side also never goes astray.
Get it here.
Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot in Hello
Picked by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Digital Editor
View this post on Instagram
There are not many things my mum likes more than a multipurpose beauty product, and I know she’ll be partial to this Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot in the shade Hello. Cream blushes like this are the best – I use them on my lips and cheeks to brighten up my everyday makeup, and sometimes pop them on my eyelids for a wash of dewy colour.
Mum favours minimal, natural makeup and is very across what ingredients we should and shouldn’t be putting on our skin. Thankfully, this blush is vegan, super buildable and made out of carrots (yes, carrots). Did I mention that the lid is mirrored so you can touch up your colour on the go? I’ll definitely be borrowing this one.
Get it here.
Westhill Silver Oval Signet Ring*
Picked by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Editorial Assistant
View this post on Instagram
Mum is the kind of woman who appreciates a thoughtful gift. She keeps a stash of every card she’s been given and loves all homemade treasures, including the macaroni necklace I presented to her in my grubby child’s hands 20-odd years ago. As tempting as another pasta accessory is, this Mother’s Day I’m going for something just a tiny bit more sophisticated.
Australian label Westhill make this elegant Silver Oval Signet Ring – a piece I know would go beautifully with her already-existing collection of sterling silver jewellery. There’s also the option to personalise the ring with a special engraved message, something I know will make her sentimental heart melt. Designed and handmade in Australia, this gift has all the thought of a macaroni necklace and way fewer pipe cleaners.
Get it here.
Pared Each & Every sunglasses*
Picked by: Giulia, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor
View this post on Instagram
I’m all about gifting a functional present for Mother’s Day, just because I know how precarious gift-giving can be. Typically, I’ll get Mum something edible or a voucher to buy something edible (like her daughter, sweets are the way to her heart) but it’s always nice to switch it up and avoid being too predictable.
I’m rallying the siblings this year to gift Mum a new pair of sunglasses, given she wears them every day. I’ve been searching for a neutral, everyday shape that she’ll get a lot of wear out of and think I’ve found the right pair in the Each & Every frame by Pared Eyewear. We’re yet to settle on a colour (there are plenty to choose from) but I’m confident she’ll be happy with whatever we decide.
Get it here.
The Sensitive Type Cloud Tonic Serum
Picked by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Editorial Assistant
View this post on Instagram
Like mother, like daughter. Mum loves a fresh beauty product and some aesthetically-pleasing packaging, which is why I’m gifting her The Sensitive Type’s Cloud Tonic Serum. Gentle and suitable for all skin types, this plant-enriched formula can slot easily into my mum’s meticulous seven-step product routine. It’s Australian-made, calming, radiance-boosting and comes in a dreamy reusable bottle – post-use, her ever-growing collection of garden clippings will look gorg in the iridescent glass. I can’t wait for her to share it with me.
Get it here.
Mejuri Cursive Letter Pendant*
Picked by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Account Manager
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to my taste in jewellery, I’m definitely my mother’s daughter. Anything yellow gold, dainty and timeless is a firm yes from me. Mejuri has long cemented itself as a frontrunner in the jewellery world, designing high-quality pieces made for the modern woman.
I think there’s something really special about gifting monogrammed jewellery, so why not go a step further this Mother’s Day and grab one for yourself. This cursive, 14k gold pendant is the perfect timeless piece to add to your collection, designed to be worn solo or layered for extra sentiment.
Get it here.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen
Picked by: Ruby, Fashion Journal contributor
View this post on Instagram
To me, love is providing care and protection, so this Mother’s Day I’m treating Mum with the best of the best in sun protection. She’s got incredible skin already so everyone’s fave Ultra Violette Queen Screen would add an extra touch of glow. Formulated with 50+ UV protection, Mum can wear it under minimal makeup comfortably and never worry about sun damage again. While I’m there I might just have to restock my own supply as well.
Get it here.
Deiji Studios The 02 Robe*
Picked by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Digital Editor
View this post on Instagram
The older I get, the more I appreciate lounging around home and reading some chick lit or watching a Jane Austen-esque period drama, so it’s safe to say I am slowly morphing into my mum. Homebound activities like these require the right clothes – or lack thereof – and a robe is the perfect hybrid item.
Not entirely pyjamas, and nice enough to wear to the end of the driveway to collect the mail, my Mum is very fond of a robe (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree). I have no doubt this Deiji Studios stonewashed French linen robe will be right up her alley.
Get it here.
Sans Beast Pistachio Green Market Tote*
Picked by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Account Manager
View this post on Instagram
I’ve had a keen eye on Australian brand Sans Beast since its inception in 2017 – not only in a sartorial sense but also due to the brand’s vegan leather vision. There’s nothing I love more than an ethically minded brand that doesn’t skimp on style. My cousin recently welcomed her third baby, so I thought it only fitting to really spoil her this Mother’s Day.
She’s a sucker for colour, so I think this Pistachio Green Market Tote will be right up her alley. Better yet, the kind folks at Sans Beast are gifting a complimentary Envelope Pouch when you spend $249 or more – a real win-win for mums constantly on the go. There’s no need to add to cart, simply pop your order through and you’re good to go!
Get it here.
Soft Edge Studio N°003 Sluggish Cup
Picked by: Daisy, Fashion Journal intern
View this post on Instagram
One thing I have inherited from my mother is a true appreciation for the ritual of a nice cup of coffee. Not only is it a necessary hit of caffeine, but taking the time to sit with a coffee is a good chance to check in with yourself and slow down.
Made in Byron Bay by Layla Cluer, Soft Edge Studios offers a range of unique, consciously-made ceramic pieces that come in an array of soft-toned, natural colours. Its N°003 Sluggish Cup is uniquely shaped, fitting the grooves of your hand comfortably, and is a perfect addition to the ritual of bookmarking your day with a warm drink.
Get it here.
Buff Nail Studios Mother’s Day Package*
Picked by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Account Manager
View this post on Instagram
Since moving out of home, and as someone who is possibly a little too keen to hang out with their parents, I’ve made finding time to relax with family a big priority of mine. Above all (and in typical maternal fashion) I know my mum values quality time spent together over any tangible good (we differ in this way).
Rather than settling for just one, I’m planning on combining the two, opting for something a little more experiential this Mother’s Day. Cult nail studio Buff has a salon near me and is offering a wholesome package inclusive of a signature pedi, foot mask and a glass of bubbles. I definitely recommend checking out the brand’s IG before heading in for some creative inspiration.
Get it here.
Assorted treats from local spas, restaurants and florists
Picked by: Genevieve, Fashion Journal’s Lifestyle and Careers Columnist
View this post on Instagram
It’s just my mum and I and always has been, but sometimes I wonder how I am my mother’s daughter when she is so terrible at spoiling herself. Mum’s ‘work hard’ mentality means she takes little time out for indulging herself. This year it’s all about flipping that with some unprecedented spa treats – I’m thinking from the likes of either Comma or Endota Spa given our bayside residence. She’s also a sucker for anything revolving around vino, and winery stints are one of our favourite special things to do together.
A voucher to Montalto or Trofeo in Red Hill is looking promising. And a tall top-up bottle of our go-to Golden Groves olive oil will never-fail for something tangible to receive on the day, along with a gorgeous bunch of flowers. Sam Derrick (@derriefloral) and I went to high school together and she curates such beautiful bunches in the South-East (that I have gifted on Mother’s Days past).
*Products marked with an asterisk are produced in partnership with each listed retailer. For more Mother’s Day gift ideas, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
