Mother's Day in the UK (& Ireland) is celebrated during the period of lent, but for many other countries it is celebrated in May (usually the second Sunday of May). The difference is due to the origins but today the sentiment, regardless of the celebration date, is one of honouring mothers and what they do for the family.
Since becoming a mum I've realised all the things my mum did for me and the sacrifices she made, and it makes me happy to gift her something each year on Mother's Day to say thank you.
I now live over a 1000 miles from my mum (she's in the UK) and also in a country which celebrates Mother's Day in May (I'm in Switzerland). This makes finding greeting cards and gifts a little more tricky as local businesses haven't started with their mother's day displays.
This year there's the added issue of postal back logs in the UK. Posting to and from the UK has taken a lot longer over the past few months than usual due to postal strikes and then a cyber attack which delayed international post even further.
With Mother's Day in the UK fast approaching (10 March 2024) I decide to put a little gift guide together to help all those in Switzerland (or another country) who want to send a card and gift to their mum in the UK whilst still supporting small businesses.
Below you'll find five Mother's Day gift ideas from UK businesses alongside my best selling Mother's Day Greeting Cards. All the greeting cards are made near Zurich, Switzerland. Don't worry there's still plenty of time to order your Mother's Day card from me and post it to the UK - letter post is roughly taking a week at the minute.
Flowers
A bunch of fresh flowers and a card are thought to be the most popular and traditional of Mother's Day gifts. Fresh flowers are beautiful, fresh flowers in a vase is stunning and with a blooming great handmade card it makes quite the Mother's Day gift!
Ceramic Vase with words "Blooming Marvellous" from Word Play Clay.
I've followed Word Play Clay for a while on Instagram. I love the design and quality of Jessica's work as well as the humorous word plays.
Jessica releases her work in small batches and the next shop update is likely to be 8th March. For first access to new shop additions sign up to Jessica's email address here.
This vase is one of my favourites and I think it makes a great Mother's Day Gift and pairs really well with this card.
Jewellery
Jewellery is a classic gift when it comes to Mother's Day and I'd love to introduce you to the minimalist designs of Jordan Lily. Jordan is a silversmith and I find her designs are stunning. Each piece is carefully made at her studio in Cornwall and presented beautifully for gifting direct to the sender. The last order date for Mother's Day Gifts with standard UK shipping is Sunday 12th March.
Copper Heart Necklace available from Jordan Lily Designs
Artwork
A slightly less traditional Mother's Day gift is gifting a piece of artwork. It can be something meaningful or something that matches with the decor of your mother's home. One of my favourite artists is Kate Brazier and I've picked this painting of the Harvest Moon. There's something about this piece that reminds me of home, of safety, cosiness and fun times.
This painting and more artwork by Kate Brazier can be found here.
Self-care
Sometimes as a mum I just want to have five minutes peace! I want to light a candle, drink hot coffee and savour some delicious chocolate truffles. My favourite candles come from The Bearded Candle Makers, a small business based in Northern Ireland with lots of gorgeous scents. I particullaly love this "Shells Seaside Cafe" scent, it really does take me back to days at the north coast of Northern Ireland with my mum, sand and cake crumbs in my hair.
This "Shells Seaside Cafe" Scented Soy Candle by The Bearded Candle Makers would pair beautifully with this ocean themed card with keepsake decoration.
Complete this self care gift with these delicious Chocolate Truffles available from Neary Nogs Chocolate, a Chocolatier based in Northern Ireland.
I've to say this last suggestion might seem heavily influenced by me but I know my mum would appreciate some nice chocolates and candle, but she would definitely prefer hot tea.
I hope that this post introduces you to some new businesses and also makes your UK Mother's Day gifting easier when living outside of the UK.
In addition to the cards featured in this post you can also find more Mother's Day cards designed by me here.