Introduce your mum to something new this Mother’s Day – our experts have 16 stylish ideas
Tempting as it is to give our beloved mothers the same old, same old (I mean that in a loving, tried and tested way) an even more thoughtful act would be to introduce them to something new. Or new to them. Carefully chosen, of course, and still in their comfort zone, but fresh and possibly from an unfamiliar brand.
Think how flattering it is to be introduced to a brave new world of options. To know that your offspring consider you of sufficiently open mind and modern taste to appreciate the youthful and up and coming. Discovering that there are many gorgeous lines of scents, soaps and creams out there that rival ones you have used for decades can be liberating and joyful. As for fashion, ask yourself if you’d want one for yourself, too. If the answer’s yes, she'd be flattered.
The wear-anywhere tank top
A tank top is a brilliant way to transform a simple shirt and trousers into a real “look”. If she loves colour, this Brora option will earn you extra Brownie points.
Merino lambswool tank, £125, Brora
The ultra-useful pochette
Can a woman ever have too many wallets and pouches? No! These from La Pochette are sleek and because they’re see-through, she knows in an instant if she’s got her lipstick.
Leather and TPU wallet, £50, La Pochette
The timeless handbag
The saddle bag from Sezane is chic, youthful and timeless and great VFM – it lasts years. It can also be monogrammed with her initials at no extra cost.
Suede bag, £265, Sézane
The flattering swimsuit
Holidays might be a little way off but she’ll thank you for getting her ahead on her packing with this gorgeous swimsuit which will flatter any figure. Given last year’s swimwear shortage, she’ll be lucky to have one of the best on the market succeed early.
Halter swimsuit, £75, Boden
The luxurious silk scarf
Banish all thoughts of silk scarves as dated – the gorgeous abstract print on this one from Soeur will lend a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether it’s tied around the neck or knotted onto her handbag.
Silk scarf, £75, Soeur
The perfect shirt
Everyone loves a shirt, and With Nothing Underneath’s are some of the best women’s ones around. There’s a perfect cut for everyone. This one is boxy and neat – far more youthful than the run of the mill.
Poplin shirt, £95, With Nothing Underneath
The youthful sunnies
Tortoiseshell looks great on anyone, while the square shape of this style from Linda Farrow’s collaboration with Cos is much more modern than a cat’s eye. Whether she’s walking the dog or lazing on a sun lounger, these will add instant cool elegance.
Acetate sunglasses, £115, Cos x Linda Farrow
The statement cuff
Perfect for livening up a cashmere jumper or silk shirt, this cuff makes any outfit look instantly more sophisticated – give it to her over breakfast and you can guaranteed she’ll slip it for lunch.
Gold plated and resin cuff, £59.95, Massimo Dutti
The just-enough lip tint
A barely tinted lip balm that suits every skin tone, this is sustainable luxury at its best. The Hermes embossed lipstick case is refillable (with any Hermes lip colour) while the iconic orange box is the perfect size to store jewellery.
Hermès Rosy Lip Perfector, £62, John Lewis
The foolproof blush
Make-up wise, less and light is more and they don’t come much lighter than Merit’s Flash Balm, a sheer, fool proof blush that’s perfect for all ages, from a cult, “clean” US brand that does mercifully few products, all of them best in category. Think Glossier, but for grown-ups.
Flush Balm in Fox, £30, Merit
The ultimate bathroom soap
A superfine exfoliant, cleanser and natural antiseptic in one, Mum will take joy in using this bergamot scented, smart-looking handwash. Ideal for impressing guests too.
Reverence Aromatique hand wash, £29, Aesop
The luxurious shower oil
This country excels at small, independent beauty brands, such as Wildsmith, a cool, organic set up with biodegradable packaging that’s beautifully thought out and a treat to use.
Vitality shower oil, £40, Wildsmith
The holiday fragrance
A bright and cheerful interpretation of the classic bottle created in collaboration with designer Samuel Ross, she’ll get Colonia’s timeless fresh scent with a stunning keepsake bottle. Can’t go wrong.
Acqua di Parma Limited Edition by Samuel Ross Colonia fragrance, £140, Selfridges
The hair treat
If she loves Chanel, then Coco Mademoiselle’s hair perfume has emollients in it to nourish her hair as well as envelop her in a classic fragrance; she can slip this bijou bottle out of her bag for a luxurious freshen-up of orange, rose and jasmine whenever a double air kiss is required.
Coco Mademoiselle Fresh hair mist, £48, Chanel
The transformative eye cream
For mums who need some convincing, this luxury eye cream will not only look stunning on her dressing table, it’s proven in clinical trials to reduce dark circles and wrinkles, while boosting radiance by 329 per cent. Get the refillable pot engraved online for extra brownie points. Research-Powered Eye Duo, £91, Charlotte Tilbury
The nail polish that goes with everything
A 12-free (non-toxic) polish that’s of distinguishable quality, I adore this bright, opaque red that goes with everything. Tres French.
Nail polish in Rouge, £16, Nailberry
For more Mother's Day gift ideas, see our guide to the 32 best gifts for women in 2023