If your mum’s a cool mum, not a regular mum (thanks, Mean Girls), here are some Mothers Day ideas slightly more exciting than an iron. (Unless she really wants one.)
For fans of fresh fashion interpretations, Chloë!, released in Australia through Hardie Grant Books ($59.95), is a celebration of actress and designer Chloë Sevigny’s style throughout her life. Basically it’s an illustrated celebration of all things Chloë, so if mum’s a fan, this is a great gift. There are even diary pages, casting fliers, and some high school snaps in the eclectic mix.
Music always makes for an interesting present. Picking up or downloading a release for mum from an artist she loves is a safe way to play it, but why not introduce mum to some local female talent? Abbe May and Felicity Groom come to mind. If she’s into country, some Courtney Conway.
For those whose Mother’s Day go-to gift is a boxed DVD set, maybe see if mum’d be into Netflix this year instead (from as little as $9 a month). On a strict budget? Don’t forget Amazon always has wild specials happening; a few 99c titles are always appreciated if mum’s a Kindle fan. For something different, maybe new apps you know she’d love are an idea.
A pampering possibility is The Flowers For Mum Gift at Lush ($74.95), an assortment of the brand’s products presented in a floral knot wrap. If gardening’s her scene, the tag contains seeds she can plant as well. Includes the Honey I Washed The Kids Shower Gel (100g), Lemony Flutter (10g), Secret Garden Bath Bomb, Dream Cream (100g), Twilight Bath Bomb, Bubblegrub Bubble Bar, Sultana of Soap (100g), Therapy Massage Bar, and Ceridwen’s Cauldron.
Consider treating mum to a night out. This is also a fun way to spend some quality time together. Although remember it’s a chance to spoil her (meaning dragging her to a gig you want to see but know she’ll hate doesn’t count as a Mothers Day present). Make a list of upcoming possibilities and see which she might be into. Sometimes mums can surprise you. (Hello Drumscene Live 2015! $55/$40 at The Astor Lounge on May 28.)
Signing up for a workshop or activity with mum might also make her day. The City Of Stirling offers a range of great, affordable Women On Wheels workshops, whether you’re a first-timer or looking to get back into cycling. Check out the website for dates and details. If Margaret River is one of mum’s favourite places, the natural Lip Balm Workshop at Vasse Virgin ($70 a head) adds a new experience.
For mum’s who prefer altruistic options, The Mother’s Day Essentials Bundle from Unicef Australia ($61) could suit. The donation provides a mother somewhere in the world with a 120 measles vaccinations and four mosquito nets, helping protect a family from disease.
Mum’s who are animal lovers might appreciate the adoption of an orphan orangutan through The Orangutan Project ($65 yearly or $12 monthly) that helps cover the cost of care for young orangutans who’ve lost their mother to poachers or palm oil and paper plantations.
GILLIAN O’MEAGHER
