When you choose to study abroad, holidays tend to look a little different than they once did – and Mother’s Day is no exception. In previous years, you might have treated your mum to a home-cooked breakfast in bed or gone on an outing together. Of course, when you live overseas, traditions like that become a bit trickier. But don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Australia in 2024, no matter where your mum is!
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best Mother’s Day gifts of 2024. Whether you’re on the hunt for DIY Mother’s Day gifts or last-minute Mother’s Day gifts, we’ve got you covered.
Read more: My Mother’s Day: What It’s Like to be a Mother & International Student
When is Mother’s Day 2024?
In most countries, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May. As a result, Mother’s Day 2024 in Australia falls on Sunday 12 May. The holiday will also be celebrated in many other nations around the world, including Brazil, Canada, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States to name a few.
Best Mother’s Day gifts 2024
For every occasion, some gifts are always near-guaranteed to impress. When it comes to the best Mother’s Day gifts, these include timeless staple items like a bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers, chocolate/candy, or wine. For something cozy and special, why not give her some of Pukka’s award-winning herbal teas? They’re perfect for any tea lover looking for a little extra comfort.
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Other great gift ideas might include books, jewellery, beauty products, clothing or gift certificates to her favourite shops. Any of these gifts paired with a thoughtful Mother’s Day card is sure to be appreciated.
If your mum is interested in Australian culture, you could send her some quintessentially Aussie items. Check out the best Aussie gifts to send home here – but remember that sending parcels overseas can incur some pricey shipping costs.
Ultimately, the best Mother’s Day gift is one that’s tailored to your mum’s unique personality and interests. Below, we explore gift ideas geared towards specific interests.
Personalised Mother’s Day gifts
Nothing shows that you know and love your mother quite like a customised gift tailored to her. Personalised gifts for mum could include an engraved piece of jewellery, a customised perfume made just for her, a scrapbook full of your family photos, or a monogrammed item (such as a phone case, a journal, a passport holder or a handbag). Many retailers such as kikki.K and Maison de Sabre offer a wide range of personalised Mother’s Day gifts that you can customise yourself.
Self-care and wellbeing Mother’s Day gifts
One of the best (and most luxurious) last-minute Mother’s Day gifts is a gift certificate to a spa or salon in her area. Whether you purchase a gift card for a specific dollar amount or book a particular service (such as a manicure, massage or haircut), you’re giving the gift of self-care. It’s a generous way of recognising that your mother deserves to take some relaxing time for herself. For your convenience, most spas offer online gift certificates via their websites, which can be delivered directly to your mum’s email inbox.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider sending your mum an at-home spa gift box, which are often available through retailers like Mecca and sites like Etsy. Alternatively, you can send standalone self-care products, such as body lotions, nail polish, essential oils or a rose quartz facial roller.
For a gift that gives back, consider ACTIVEAUSSIE Skincare, a new brand that not only pampers with its purpose-driven skincare line but also supports children and young people in out-of-home care. This thoughtful choice adds an extra layer of meaning to your Mother’s Day gift.
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Subscription-based Mother’s Day gifts
Thoughtful and practical, subscription-based gifts are an awesome way to treat your mum on an ongoing basis. Plus, because they can be purchased with only a few clicks on your computer or phone, they also make perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Consider sending a subscription box targeted at your mum’s unique interest. It could be a monthly selection of mystery books, a curated case of wine, a box of beauty product samples or perfume – the list goes on. Alternatively, you can get them a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix, Spotify Premium or Amazon Prime Video.
Technology Mother’s Day gifts
If you’ve got a tech-savvy mum, there are plenty of amazing Mother’s Day gifts you can give her. A mini Bluetooth speaker, a portable charger, a protective case for her phone or tablet, new books for her Kindle – the options are endless! If you’re willing to splurge a little, you can even gift her a new pair of wireless headphones or a smart home device (such as a Google Home or an Amazon Alexa device).
Mother’s Day 2024: Dos and don’ts
Mother’s Day gifts are all about consideration and intention. You should make a conscious effort to think of your mum’s interests, hobbies and passions when picking her gift, rather than thinking of your own.
Don’t worry about how much to spend on Mother’s Day gifts. Instead of stressing, simply check out our gift price guide to figure out how to spoil your mum without breaking the bank.
Finally, when it comes to gift-giving for any occasion, you should always give freely and never with the expectation of reciprocity. However, if you think your mum might be sending you a token of appreciation in return, make sure to read up on the rules for receiving gifts from loved ones overseas.
