Surprise Your Mum with These Thoughtful, Unique Mother's Day Gifts

They say that your mother is your first friend, your best friend, and your forever friend, which is why you should treat Mother’s Day with the utmost care and consideration. Mothering Sunday has roots in the 16th century across the UK and Ireland and, like many other traditions, started with a religious purpose.

It’s primarily treated as an opportunity to thank our mothers and mother figures for all that they do for us. This year, Mother’s Day falls on March 19, which means you have plenty of time to organise, purchase, or create a gift that’ll delight them.

We know you’re swamped with various responsibilities, so here are some unique suggestions to give you a head start – not a candle or bouquet of flowers in sight!

Hot air balloon ride

One magical gift your mum will not expect is a hot air balloon ride. This experience guarantees breathtaking views, a peaceful atmosphere, a slice of adrenaline, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. You can find different packages across various locations, so there’s something for every mum and son/daughter duo.

Customised recipe book

If your mum or carer loves to cook, a special yet practical Mother’s Day gift could be a customised recipe book. Collate all their favourite dishes and publish them in a personalised book. Alongside the recipes, add a personal anecdote and photos of each special occasion. That roast lamb dinner on Easter Sunday 2009, homemade pizza on your 18th birthday, rogan josh curry on university graduation day...

Scenic drive or hike

Sometimes, the best gift you can give your mother is quite simply some time with yourself. A piece of jewellery or a bath set is lovely, but neither option could (or should) replace spending valuable time with the person who made them a mother or mother figure in the first place. This year, plan a scenic drive or hike together in a picturesque location, such as a national park. Pack a travel bag and end the journey at a beautiful cabin where you can unwind for the night. So simple yet incredibly effective.

Personalised astrology reading

Is there a better gift than the gift of self-discovery? A personalised astrology reading is a quirky, eccentric present that your mum will not expect yet completely love! Astrology readings can help shed light on her personality, strengths and life purpose, offering a deeper understanding of herself and the positive changes she might need to make. This is much more remarkable and pragmatic than a box of chocolates.

Concert or show tickets

Experience-based gifts tend to prove much more valuable than tangible gifts. In fact, research suggests that purchasing trips or other experiences results in greater happiness than buying a physical possession. This year, buy concert or show tickets and attend the experience together! It could be a West End theatre production or a new band they’ve just discovered and fallen in love with. Browse upcoming shows ahead of March 19.

Custom-made scent

Your mum or carer deserves a special present that nobody else in the world has. To tick this box – or to get as close to ticking it as possible – have a professional perfumer create a custom fragrance for your special lady only. You can base the fragrance on her favourite scents, combining different aromas that she might associate with different memories. Now, she’ll be reminded of your beautiful relationship with every spritz.

Private photography session

Hire a professional photographer to capture special moments and memories between you and your mum. You could have a playful photoshoot, each wearing a fancy-dress costume and incorporating props such as balloons, cake, hats and confetti. Alternatively, opt for a portrait photoshoot and capture meaningful and intimate moments using natural light, monochromatic images, or a studio setting.

Name a star

This is the most unique and sentimental gesture and one that your mum can keep close to her heart for the rest of her life. With each glance at the sky, she’ll see the star you’ve named after her and be reminded of the love and respect you hold. There are various Name a Star packages available, so you’ll be able to find the one right that’s right for you, but typically they all include both a certificate and a map of which star is yours.

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your love and gratitude

For many people, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to express gratitude for all the sacrifices and hard work that goes into parenting. Being a mother or mother figure, supporting a family and raising children isn’t an easy task and throws up challenges. That’s why everyone should make the most of Mothering Sunday, not just in terms of gifts but also the way you celebrate.

Take a moment of your day to sit down with your mother and catch up on life. Even if you see your mum or carer regularly, you should make a conscious effort to discuss how she’s been, what she’s been up to, and what her plans are for the future. Time with our mother is so precious, so don’t let an opportunity like this slip away.