For all the love and care that she has lavished upon you over the years. For all the hugs, kisses and admonishments. It’s time to spoil the most important woman in your life.
That would be your mum of course. Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday is actually an ancient tradition. Dating back to the classical Greek times, Rhea, the goddess and Titaness was celebrated as the mother figure. They believed her to be the mother of all the Olympian gods and goddesses.
The original celebration was a springtime affair, to honour Rhea and the birth of new life. The Ancient Romans celebrated a festival dedicated to their mother goddess too. Often these were raucous affairs that lasted days, with games, carnivals and competitions. Theirs was less an ode to the mother than an exuberant celebration of new life and possibilities.
Christians had their own version, too. The fourth day of Lent was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This day was then incorporated into England which they celebrated as Mothering Sunday, set on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The traditional gifts at that point were flowers and small trinkets. Even servants and workers were encouraged to go and see their mother. By the 1900s, this developed into the modern version of Mother’s Day.
This was particularly pioneered in the U.S by Anna Jarvis, a woman’s rights activist.
Jarvis, a spinster, was inspired by her own relationship with her mother. Jarvis championed the cause to have it recognised as a national day of celebration. This is also when the symbol of the carnation came into being, her mother’s favourite flower. This has remained the traditional flower gift for generations.
The modern mother’s day has a worldwide celebration. Many Western and Eastern countries put their own spin on it. In Australia, we celebrate in May whereas England celebrates in March. Though the exact date might differ, the traditions and associations of this day are much the same.
So what are you going to do for your mum this year, to honour her contribution to your life? We’ve come up with five amazing gift ideas that will show your dear mum how much you appreciate her.
Image Credit: Boopathi Raja123, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
1) Say it with more than Carnations
As pretty and traditional a gift as carnations are- they are a little bit dated. Traditions should be malleable, with leeway for new interpretations. Why not surprise and spoil your mum with a gorgeous flowering rose bush? Something that she can plant, grow and nurture. Just like she did for you. A scented flowering plant is the best option, so go big and bold. Camelias are beautiful and the sasanqua variety has a wonderful scent.
Or perhaps a classic pink rose or flowering jasmine.
Why not make a day of it and take your mum for High Tea? Try Topiary at Newman’s Nursery in the beautiful Adelaide foothills. They use locally sourced ingredients to create a lavish spread. Imagine tea and flowers in an exquisite setting. After all, you want to be surrounded by beautiful things for a beautiful woman.
Image Credit: Angela Andriot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2) Speaking of Scent
On the topic of scent, why not indulge her with a wonderful perfume? Remember not to judge your mother’s taste by your own. Scent and smell are incredibly personal. It is the most elusive of the senses.
Can you even now begin to describe the scent of a rose flower? Try it. It’s almost impossible. So while buying perfume may seem like an easy gift, in fact it needs to be carefully thought out. Dr Morgaine Gaye, a food futurologist and scent expert based in London agrees.
Scent can evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia and sensorial effects, in a way that no other sense can hope to.
So if you want to give her the ultimate in thoughtful gifts why not build and mix your own perfume for her? By picking out the scents that remind you of her, you are creating a palette of memories. The whiff of frangipani from your childhood home, or perhaps the rosemary bush that grew by the back steps- a touch of sandalwood or the smell of jasmine that bloomed deep into the summer night. It’s a beautifully sentimental and highly personal process. Your mum won't be able to help being enamoured with it.
Adelaide-based One Seed Perfumes use natural and botanical products to make their bespoke scents. Why not book an appointment and get creating your wearable memory map for your mother?
3) Spa Day Treat for You and Your Mum
Life is hectic. Sometimes we just don’t have the time to stop and relax. Snatches of time between appointments and duties are all we can afford to give. So why not take the time to have a mutual day of indulgence?
Book a spa day treat for the two of you and any siblings and just retreat from the world for a few hours. Think facials, massage and manicures. Often accompanied by champagne and a leisurely soak. This is the ultimate Mother’s Day treat, just having this time together. Isolated from the business of a normal day you can unwind and have a real moment of bonding.
Jurlique are also helping to look after Mum this Mother's Day - with this gorgeous limited edition Rose Hand Cream. If you have not smelt this hand cream - you must. The perfect gift for Mum or Grandma this Mother's Day.
4) Luxury Handbag
Nothing could be more luxurious than a finely crafted handbag. The idea of owning a hand-crafted and specially designed piece of luxury is truly a wonderful feeling. Our bags are with us every step of our lives, containing all the essentials. Buying your mother a gorgeously hued and handcrafted bag is a brilliant gift idea. It’s one of those things that they often baulk at splashing out on themselves. Whilst secretly admiring them from afar.
Indulge her craving for luxury- she’s worth it.
A brilliant brand that allows for personalization is even better. Think Anya Hindmarch for quirky, high fashion and high-quality designs. Which incidentally, can all be personalised. Bespoke is the ultimate in luxury and if you can afford to indulge in it- you absolutely should. Make your gift as unique as your mother is. For high-end designer luxury fashions in Adelaide, try Votre Luxe in Hyde Park.
5) A Classic Indulgence
Surprise your mum with a little black box. Opening a jeweller's box is always an enchanting experience.
Watching your mum cracking it open to discover what's nestled within is priceless.
Both of you will remember that moment for years to come. With something to suit every mum out there, Gerard McCabe has a range of stunning jewellery.
For the classic mother, whose style is a testament to time and tradition indulge her with beautiful pearls. Our Luminosity collection has a range of gorgeous earrings, necklaces and rings. Our pink, softly glowing, Australian sunset sheened pearls are divine.
Shop Luminosity Collection | Gerard McCabe
For the fun Mum who loves to change her watch with her outfits, the Chic Timepiece is a stunningly gorgeous watch. Crafted in stainless steel with a rose gold plating makes this piece a versatile wardrobe addition. The look is completed with a quilted leather band. This straightforward timepiece also features a date window.
Shop Chic Timepiece Collection | Gerard McCabe
For the sophisticated and elegant mother. The beauty of our Bloom collection lies in its delicate heart-shaped details that are a beautiful symbol of love and friendship. Designed to achieve a maximum sparkle from the brilliant cut diamonds, the Bloom Diamond Drop Earrings are a delightful piece of jewellery.
Shop Bloom Collection | Gerard McCabe
Perhaps your Mum has a preference for coloured stones. Sapphires are a gorgeous gemstone growing in popularity, coming in a vast array of colours to suit every style and taste. Gerard McCabe is proud to be the exclusive South Australian stockist of Sapphire Dreams: a curated collection of earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets showcasing the beauty of Australian natural sapphires. Perfect for Mother's Day.
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Shop Sapphire Dreams Collection | Gerard McCabe
For more gift ideas for your Mum this Mother's Day, we have a beautiful range of jewellery ideas in our online store or visit us in-store at our Adelaide Arcade or Rundle Mall Plaza boutiques. Go on and spoil your mum this Mother’s Day. You will be carrying on the ancient tradition and continuing it into modernity. Let your mum feel like an adored goddess for a day. After all, where would we be without them?
