by Johanna Osborne

It’s Mother’s Day again! The 2nd Sunday in May (the 11th this year to be exact) always signifies a day of love and joy for those that are lucky enough to be a Mummy themselves, or have a Mum in their lives who they love and appreciate. It’s also the day for remembering those Mums no longer with us, and recognising women that are like mother figures in our lives, regardless of genetic or biological ties. Simply put, it’s a day of love. And yes, just like Valentine’s Day it might feel a tad contrived to be told when to express your love for someone, but being the romantics that we are, we love any opportunity to make someone feel special and loved.

So what do we suggest? We’ve come up with a few weird and wonderful (and of course totally stylish) ideas to wow your Mum and show her how much you care. Read on, you gorgeous thing!

1. If possible, take your Mum on a little tour back at the maternity ward where you were born. This may not work for a number of reasons (location being a big factor) but if it is an option, how sweet and special would it be to do a little walk through the section where you were born and first placed into your Mum’s arms?? Don’t tell her where you are thinking of taking her and spring it on her as a surprise. If the Doctors are in on it they might even go the extra mile.

2. Take her out for brunch, lunch or dinner; the options here in Wellington are endless. We love Foxglove for its lovely setting and various dining options, we also can’t look past Dockside and Shed 5 for their prime position on the most breathtaking harbour in the world. What could be better than soaking up the view and breathing in the fresh sea air, all whilst sipping a cold beverage and savouring the delicious food these amazing restaurants offer.

3. Blooming marvellous! Nothing beats flowers! And we are spoilt for gorgeous florists here – think Piccadilly Flower Company, Jack’s Florist or Black Rose Florist to name a few. They can fix you a bunch of pretty blooms to wow your Mummy and touch her heart. Or you can venture out to a nearby meadow and pick a few wildflowers yourself… that would be oh so bohemian of you! Long flowing locks and white floaty dress a prerequisite for this task, bien sur.

4. Make breakfast in bed for your Mum (if you live with/close by) or invite her over to your house and serve some home-made scones and tea for her. It doesn’t have to be fancy to impress. And the icing on the cake (or bun)? Pull out the childhood album and reminisce about when you were an inch high little tyke. Nothing is more special than a walk down memory lane.

5. Sparkling good times! Nothing says I adore you more than a trinket your Mummy can wear with pride and boast at the bridge club about. Why not surprise her with a gorgeous item from Hanne Andersen: the queen of things unique and beautiful – or Alison Blain, designer extraordinaire who is sure to have something gorgeous to wow you with. Both are local Wellington-based women with incredible talent and lovely stock. Alternatively if a surprise is too much of a gamble, why not make an “event” of the occasion and shop together, and let your Mum pick out her bauble of choice. There’s a lot of fun in the selection process!

6. Looking for a simple gift idea? Why not head to the Department store everyone knows and loves? Kirkcaldie and Stains is brimming with presents begging to be given; things that smell beautiful, taste good, feel divine and create immense happiness. Also stocked at Kirkcaldies is one of our favourite beauty brands of all time – Antipodes Scientific Organic Beauty. The products are high quality organic and simply amazing on your skin. Once you’ve tried them you will be a convert like us, and I am sure your beautiful Mum will agree.

7. A weekend away? Don’t mind if I do! If you have a Dad that you love as much as your Mum, why not spoil them both and send them somewhere fabulous. Whether you go big and whisk them away southwards to the Sounds Retreat (wow! WHAT a place!) or the delightful Marlborough Vintners Retreat, or perhaps stay local and send them to the beautiful Amora which boasts a lovely in house restaurant, the famous Wellesley Boutique Hotel or the CQ Wellington – a landmark in the cultural Cuba district. All of these divine destinations offer wonderful getaway options full of enjoyment and pampering.

8. Recreate your favourite childhood outing. Was it a Sunday picnic at a favourite park, a drive to Waikanae, or a day out at the stockcar racing? Whatever bonded you as a family then, will most likely do the same now. Reliving the happiest moments of your life is a blessing – take it if you can.

9. Immortalise yourself! Book a memorable family portrait session with any one of our many talented photographers – Fineline Photography, We Do Photography and Design, Amy Schulz Photography, Mel Waite Photography, Billie Brook Photography, Inspire Photography – the list goes, the talent is endless and your joy will know no bounds when you hang your framed family photograph on the wall!

10. Whatever you choose, however you celebrate, remember it’s not the dollars behind the gesture, it’s the love in your heart. Make sure you express what your Mum means to you, appreciate her and make her feel special. At the end of the day, that’s all anyone wants – to be loved – and it truly is the greatest gift of all.