Scrambling for a last-minute Mother's Day present? Me too.
Whether it's Christmas, Valentine's Day or Easter, you can count on me to deliver the very best in last-minute gift guides as a fellow last-minute shopper. Fashionably late, always.
These suggestions could serve as a good jumping-off point or may just hit the nail on the head. So if you're searching for inspiration, never fear - I've done the hard work for you.
Perfume
There's a reason perfume remains such a popular gift for mums and mother-figures: one, who doesn't love to smell good, and two, scents are so subjective, so picking a perfume that perfectly complements your loved one shows a special level of thoughtfulness. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at some of the scents already in mum's collection and do a bit of research to see if there's a commonality with the fragrance notes. Otherwise, here's a few suggestions.
- Versace Dylan Purple, RRP$112-$201
- Armani My Way Eau de Parfum, RRP$141-$254
- Glasshouse Fragrances A Tahaa Affair Devotion Eau de Parfum, RRP$149
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, RRP$290-$454 at Mecca.
Budget-friendly options
- Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette 100ml, RRP$42.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, RRP$44-$69
- Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Perfume Oil, RRP$62 at Mecca
- Korres Black Sugar Eau de Toilette, RRP$76 at Mecca.
Robes
Almost every mum has some kind of robe hanging in their closet and you can't tell me otherwise. But if it's looking a little ratty or past its prime, a brand-new robe that checks the three Cs - cute, cosy and comfortable - is sure to be a hit. While you can pick up any old robe, there are some super luxe options out there to make it that little more special. Personally, I've got my eye on the Morning Robe by Moin - it's the perfect, elegant robe you see all the hot mums wearing in rom-coms. Plus, Moin is a small New Zealand business specialising in ethically made loungewear made from sustainable materials, so you're supporting local.
- Moin Morning Robe, RRP$329
- Kip and Co Waffle Bath Robe, RRP$159
- By Natalie Dream Robe in Ivory, RRP$339.
Budget-friendly options
- Peter Alexander Jacquard Gown, RRP$109
- Calvin Klein Fluffy Robe, RRP$99.99
- Whistle Sleep Textured Robe, RRP$69.99.
Skincare sets
Why not treat mum to an at-home spa day - every day - with beautiful skincare featuring powerful ingredients. Luxurious, effective skincare doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, and gift sets or bundles often give more bang for your buck. If money is tight, I'd suggest putting together a basket of budget-friendly beauty products for at-home spa day you can enjoy together: think sheet masks, under-eye masks, a hair mask, nail polish, pore strips and body butter. You can pick these items up super inexpensively at the likes of Farmers and Chemist Warehouse. Otherwise, there are a number of skincare sets on the market that range from affordable to high-end: another option is picking up a set of travel-sized minis so mum can dip her toes in.
- Emma Lewisham The Emma Lewisham Essentials Premium Minis, RRP$150
- Jeuneora The Treatment Set (contains full-sized Brightening Booster, Hydrating Booster, Clarifying Booster and Renewing Booster), RRP$198
- Jeuneora Age-Defying Duo (contains full-sized #TBT Age Defying Daily Serum and GoNightly Overnight Repair Cream), RRP$174
- Dermalogica Clean and Glow Set (contains full-sized Precleanse, Special Cleansing Gel and Daily Microfoliant), RRP$130
- Dermalogica Dynamic Firm + Protect Set (contains travel-sized Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 and Antioxidant Hydramist), RRP$40
- Essano Age Fearless Full Range Visible Repair Bundle (contains Visible Repair Eye Cream, Visible Repair Facial Elixir, Visible Repair Day Cream and Visible Repair Night Cream), RRP$126.
Hair tools
Whether or not mum is handy with hair or is more of a 'brush and go' gal, a hairstyling tool can be a welcome addition to her arsenal. We all know Dyson is one of the premiere hairstyling brands, but for many of us, the price is simply too rich for our wallets. Fear not: there are plenty of other options on the market, including the ever-trusty ghd to suit most budgets. Pair it with a heat protectant for the ultimate gift: we should all know using heated tools without protection is a recipe for fried hair.
- Ghd Sunsthetic Collection Limited-Edition Max Hair Straightener in Sun-Kissed Rose Gold, RRP$395
- Ghd Curve Thin Curling Wands, RRP$300
- Lady Jayne Salon Pro Rechargeable Straightening Brush, RRP$109.99
- Mermade Hair Pro Waver 25mm or 32mm, RRP$124
- Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer, RRP$371 at Sephora.
Bags
A bag is a great bet for Mother's Day, particularly if she needs a new everyday bag to lug around all the essentials. Pretty purses and clutches for evening wear can also make a special present, and again, there are plenty of beautiful but budget-friendly options on the market. If she's anything like me - someone who uses the same one or two bags day-in-and-day-out - a good bag will stand the test of time and also actually get used, instead of gathering dust in a cupboard like that Kmart candle you bought her five years ago. There are also plenty of bags by New Zealand brands if you want to support local, like Honest Wolf, a line of wool accessories sustainably sourced from Papanui Estate, or premium luxury leather labels Saben or Deadly Ponies.
- Honest Wolf The Everyday Tote, RRP$289
- Saben Bea Crossbody, RRP$449
- Deadly Ponies Mr Minimese, RRP$469
- Armani Exchange Wallet On Chain, RRP$239
- Ted Baker Maryse Knotted Handle Bag, RRP$359.
Budget-friendly options
- Status Anxiety Avoiding Things Card Holder, RRP$59
- Ted Baker Sazicon Bag, RRP$80 at Smith & Caughey's
- Rains Tote Bag Rush, RRP$80 at Smith & Caughey's.
Creative projects and activities
There are many facets of creativity, so for the mum who wants to flex her creative muscles, there are plenty of gifts on offer: from nifty gadgets that customise and personalise almost anything, to faithful old standbys like LEGO, to grow-your-own garden beds. Alternatively, book a wine-and-paint evening for you and mum to enjoy. There are so many options on the market that offer a more personalised gift for mum, so do some research: if she likes jewellery or perfume for example, there are jewellery-making or design-your-own-perfume kits and classes out there.
- LEGO Icons Orchid, RRP$99 at The Warehouse
- LEGO Icons Wild Flower Bouquet, RRP$90 at The Warehouse
- Cricut Joy, RRP$388
- Vegepod KitchenGarden, RRP$399.
