JUST FOR
Need the perfect pressie for a special woman this Mother’ s Day? Here’ s how to get it right.
BY ALIX NICHOLSON
N
o doubt about it: being a mum is a tough gig, and every mum out there deserves a big thanks come Mother’ s Day.
“ We are giving so much of ourselves around the clock, so to have all that work acknowledged, valued and seen is definitely appreciated – not just on Mother’ s Day but every day!” says Kerry Athanasiadis-Ellis, psychologist and founder of Be You Psychology & Counselling.
But being appreciated isn’ t just nice, adds clinical psychologist Dr Alissa Knight, founder and director of The Calming Suite Psychology Centre.“ Mothers who feel appreciated, loved, cherished and valued for all they do each day fill their own cups of self-worth,” she explains.“ They spread this to their children, who learn to be kind, strong, resilient and have a strong sense of who they are.”
Mum
The‘ perfect gift’ myth
Of course, showing appreciation doesn’ t have to be pricey or complicated. Small gestures“ are absolutely meaningful”, says psychologist Carly Dober from Enriching Lives Psychology.“ It really depends on the dynamic of your relationship, what your mum is interested in and how she enjoys being shown care.”
That’ s the key to picking the perfect pressie: understanding what truly matters to her.“ Research on relationships tells us people feel most appreciated when the gesture aligns with what they actually need or value,” explains Kerry.
If your mum loves flowers, consider this … Would she love a big, colourful bouquet or something more understated? For mums with a green thumb, a live plant in a beautiful pot may feel even more personal.
For the beauty fanatic, a luxe skincare buy or techie tool could be the way to go. Beware buying anything anti-ageing, however, unless she specifically asked for it or you may risk offence.
As for household appliances? If Mum’ s told you she wants a new vacuum cleaner, you’ ve got the green light. If she hasn’ t, steer clear. You want your gift to feel like a treat for her, not work.
Build a basket
If you want to put together a themed basket, gifting expert and founder of After Hours Gifting, Emma Mazur, is the person to ask.“ I always encourage people to think about what [ the recipient’ s ] week looks like and where there are small moments that could be elevated or made more enjoyable,” she says.“ You’ re not asking,‘ What should I buy?’ you’ re asking,‘ How will this fit into their day?’”
Emma suggests starting with a‘ hero’ item, considering how it will live in her space, and putting together a collection of gifts to create a small ritual.“ Pairing a perfume with a decorative tray gives it a place to sit, and adding a pair of earrings turns it into a small getting-ready ritual,” she suggests.“ It becomes a moment rather than just a gift.”
DISOBEYART / STOCK. ADOBE. COM
10 | MAR / APR 2026 COSTCO CONNECTION