Are you once again stuck and not sure what to get that special mom this Mother’s Day? Check out some simple, low-cost gift ideas hand-picked and loved by a mom. These items and similar others can be found at your local department store, and in some cases your local supermarket. So there’s no need to go through the hassle of finding specialty stores. Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 12th in Australia. Tick, tock!
For the mom who loves to smell nice
Perfume gift sets are great for the mom who loves to change her scent often. You can find affordable miniature versions of 100% authentic designer brands at your local department store. These sometimes come in beautiful boxes that don’t even need wrapping. Tie a ribbon around it and you’re done. These sets tend to last quite a while as all she needs to do is dab a small drop onto her favorite spots.
For the woman who loves to look awesome at the office
Mums love new everything to go with their favorite outfits. Bags, bangles, scarves, belts, earrings and even some mini everything to go in the bag, like makeup and cream. Be sure to keep a good eye on what mom has in her wardrobe and what you see her wear most of the time. Things to look out for include whether she’s into patterns, dark colours, faux or real fur, or even big versus small (e.g. does she like big or small bags, would she wear a short or long scarf?).
For the woman who loves to mix and match colours
Imagine you have a small gift box about the size of a sandwich box. Now think about the colours mom loves to wear. It could be pink, yellow, gold, black, anything. So, how about looking at the colours that would go well with her colours? Check out this website which showscolour combo ideas. Once you’ve decided, go hunting for accessories of these same new colours you have just read about. Remember that the items should be able to fit into this box of yours and don’t forget to buy the box (or bag). You now have an assorted kit of accessories mom can use for her mix-and-match sessions when dressing up.
For the woman who likes decorating the home
If mom loves to decorate the house with the simplest décors, then look out for those in your local department store. You will find all types, including vine decorations, silver balls, tea light candles and seashells. Is mom crafty? She might even love the best looking twigs or branches you could find on your Sunday walk. Check out some crazy ideas over at Dishfunctional Designs..
For the woman who loves bigger décors
Big is usually taller or wider than 30cm. Tall vases, buckets and pitchers are just some examples of pretty things mums would love as part of the décor. They go well on tall tables, buffets and the floor. Wide items such as giant plates, hats and clocks can either be placed on the wall or tables. So if mom has been complaining that the house looks too empty, try something on the giant or over-sized side.
For the woman who loves scented décors or candles for centrepieces
Scented gifts are common for women and are very well appreciated, as long as you get the scent right. If you are not sure, again look at what she already buys. Even if it’s the same scent as her favorite perfume, the air freshener that she puts in the car or the scents of the candles she loves to light up at night. Scented décors come in various shapes and smells. They at times come in sets with a candle, dish or bowl to go with. Mum will get creative with it and arrange them her way. Some of the items have a list of ingredients on the packaging. If you are sure that mom has allergies then keep this in mind when purchasing purely natural ones.
For the woman who loves long flowery types
Mums also love anything that fit in vases to fill wall spaces around the house. Don’t forget to check out the long decorative sticks, as well as dry flowers. Be sure to think first whether mom likes fake or if she would prefer real but dried flowers.
For the woman who never thought to buy a gadget or appliance for that job
If you see mom struggling because she has to do everything with her hands, see if there is a gadget that could help her speed up. Ask her about it without letting her know why you’re asking. A casual “Why don’t you buy a cookie press kit instead?” could tell you if mom never thought about it or if she just prefers to get down and dirty. Depending on what mom is like, items that could help speed things up include better hair straighteners, a dishwasher, a steam iron, a much more powerful vacuum cleaner and even enough vouchers that she can use over 6 to 12 months to get her eyebrows waxed or nails done. If you can afford to then getting her a car would definitely help, especially if she has to take the children to school.
For the woman who likes to experiment around the kitchen
If baking or cooking are mum’s specialities, you can never go wrong with items that can help her show off her skills. Moulds and cookie cutters are a treat around the kitchen for mums who like to pack the children’s lunchboxes, bake cupcakes for fundraisers and occasionally entertain friends. If mom uses a dishwasher, the best thing to do is buy dishwasher-safe items.
For the coffee or hot chocolate lover who dislikes mucking around
Does mom love her coffee but hates instant or messy percolated coffee? Does she like to entertain coffee lovers? Coffee machines don’t have to cost more than $200 and they work a treat even at that price. No more grounding coffee or being forced to down a bitter, plunged coffee. All you need to do is fill up the water tank, throw in a capsule and press a button. The machine then pours your coffee. Most come packaged with an electric frother to heat up the milk and the end result is a cup of coffee very close to café quality. So mom will definitely feel like a true barista at home for half the price of a takeaway. Let her impress her friends!
Wrap up, and off you go shopping for mum
So, here’s a quick list of ideas to take shopping with you:
1. Perfumes
2. Bags, shoes, belts and other accessories
3. Jewellery
4. Decorative items and centrepieces like candles, vases and potpourri
5. Baking kits, moulds and essential appliances
6. Coffee machine
7. Wrapping paper
8. Mother’s Day greeting card.
Remember to check out what she likes before attempting to buy. Look for her favorite colours, scents, patterns, sizes (i.e. shoes, belts, and decorative items), and flavours.
If buying Mother’s Day gifts is too scary, buy an Australia Post Prepaid Visa Gift Card which allows mom to buy from most big shops in the Australia.
Hosted by Natasha in Oz
