After the popularity of my Christmas Gift Guide post, I thought I'd turn it into a regular thing! I was going to do one for Valentine's Day, but I am a bitter and twisted singleton and didn't want to share any of my expert tips on how to impress a woman... Also I've been really busy and totally forgot about blogging. Oops!
So if, like me, you didn't realise Mother's Day was so nearby, I've put together a wee gift guide which hopefully offers something a little different to the usual 'why not treat your mum to this Cath Kidston apron!' lists we so often see. I even read on Everyday Sexism that John Lewis had included a VACUUM CLEANER in their gift guide.. (Although after years of terrible student house vacuum cleaners I do actually get excited at the thought of a Dyson.. but that's another story).
I absolutely ADORE Rifle Paper Co., I've been obsessing over their stationery since I saw this calender on Milkteef. In fact, when I was last in Liberty and saw that they stocked a few of their cards and notebooks I.. well I didn't react on the outside because I was alone, but inside I was buzzing. These sets of cards are so unique, really useful but not the sort of thing you like to buy for yourself, making them a solid gift! You can thank me later...
These little cress gardens are really inexpensive but so cute! It's always nice to see something you've planted start to grow (even if it's just cress!) and I think this would be pretty cool to have on your desk at work.
Diptyque Rosa Mundi Limited Edition Candle
As I mentioned in December, I love Diptyque. I still don't actually own any myself seeing as they cost more than a return ticket to London, but I can dream. This candle was released as a Limited Edition to celebrate Valentine's Day, but (at the time of writing) it's still in stock. It smells JUST like Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, my current perfume of choice, so I was instantly drawn to it! This intensely floral and inoffensive scent is a fail-safe gift if your mum is into candles (which, regrettably, mine is not..).
As I mentioned in December, I love Diptyque. I still don't actually own any myself seeing as they cost more than a return ticket to London, but I can dream. This candle was released as a Limited Edition to celebrate Valentine's Day, but (at the time of writing) it's still in stock. It smells JUST like Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, my current perfume of choice, so I was instantly drawn to it! This intensely floral and inoffensive scent is a fail-safe gift if your mum is into candles (which, regrettably, mine is not..).
I never used to be that into cooking because I assumed I couldn't do it, but when I realised that mindset gets you nowhere I started trying loads of new things in the kitchen, and now I'm hooked! I'm still not very inventive and don't dare step outside the box in case I poison myself, but that really needs to change if I'm ever going to improve. Enter 'The Flavour Thesaurus'. From classic combinations (most of which I still don't know), to weird Masterchef-esque pairings, this book has it covered. I think this would be an asset to any household, and a great present for a mum who loves to cook!
I stumbled across this artist when I was trying to avoid a really pushy sales assistant in Liberty (I do actually go to other places when I'm in London, I promise). I completely fell for his work, it was all so original! He's got his own shop in East London which I am DYING to visit; I've seen a greyhound tray on his Twitter which I can't find anywhere online, so hopefully I'll have more luck there! These stacking cups come in a variety of designs, plus a lot of them are currently on sale!
& Other Stories is fairly new to the UK but it is already one of my absolute favourite places to shop in London. Owned by H&M, it's almost like a 'luxury' version of the Swedish fashion house, but also stocks other brands like Nike and New Balance. All of their stuff is worth looking at, but I think this adorable little bag would make a great gift!
I was originally drawn to this illustrator because of her almost-but-not-quite-kitsch drawings of woodland animals (yes, I am very predictable..) but I think this beautifully detailed print would look lovely in a simple black frame with a black mount. Art always makes for such a thoughtful gift, and you can't go wrong with black and white!
Again, a notebook is one of those things you always need but don't always fancy buying for yourself! A vibrant and good quality one like this is never out of place in any busy person's life, and I love the electric blue cover contrasted with the pink lining.
Famed beauty brand Hourglass recently launched a range of blushers in their legendary 'Ambient Lighting' formula. I've read a lot about these and so badly want this one for myself, it's a really natural pink shade that suits most skin tones and the luxurious packaging takes it to the NEXT LEVEL. Also, I have this lipstick in Riviera and it is, hands down, the best quality item of makeup I own. This colour combination would look gorgeous together- a great gift for a mum who loves beauty products!
Of course, arguably the best gift you can give to your mum on Mother's Day is FOOD. Or rather, something you've made yourself. I recently stumbled upon Donal Skehan's website (apparently he's a big deal in Ireland) and his combination of incredible graphics, beautiful pictures and mouthwatering (not to mention easy!) recipes is just so, so satisfying. Also, if he wasn't so clean shaven I'd definitely be in love with him. Check out his website if you're looking to treat your mum to a home cooked meal!