Gifts for every mum. A thankless job? Not this Sunday. All mothers are unique, so Kate Rowe has chosen a very wide range of inspiring gifts

44  Tuesday 10 March 2015 evening standard Mother’s Day | Five-page special A thankless job? Not this Sunday Mother’s Day, on 15 March this year...
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Tuesday 10 March 2015 evening standard

Mother’s Day | Five-page special

A thankless job? Not this Sunday Mother’s Day, on 15 March this year, celebrates mothers and motherhood in its many guises. As a festival it has its detractors, but few could deny an excuse to celebrate maternal bonds and show gratitude for all our mums have done and do. For who else knows us so well? Who else would have sacrificed so much? Who else

would tolerate all those terrible teenage antics? This Mother’s Day Special provides a wealth of ways to show how thankful you are for the women who have had a maternal influence on your life up until this point. Whether you seek to honour a mother, a grandmother, a mum-to-be, a godmother, a carer or a

member of your extended family, you’ll find gift ideas as individual as their intended recipients. If you are looking for a way to celebrate the day in style, you’ll find inspiration for days out in and around London too. Enjoy choosing and giving your gift, as it’s certain to be appreciated. You sometimes hear mothers joke about the thankless nature of their job and it seems to be a universal complaint. However, despite their similarities, each mother is unique and special, and deserves a day to honour her this Sunday.

Gifts for every mum All mothers are unique, so Kate Rowe has chosen a very wide range of inspiring gifts Seedbombs for Bees Seedbombs are compost and clay balls that, when thrown, grow colourful wildflowers to enhance outside areas and attract and support our declining bee population. A socially responsible and environmentally-friendly kit for the earth mother. How much: £12.99 Where from: nhmshop.co.uk

Christian Dior Diorissimo Eau de Toilette Spray A classic perfume that reminds many mothers of their youth but never gets old. Redolent of jasmine and lily of the valley, its clean, feminine scent lingers throughout the day without being overpowering. The bottle design adds screen siren glamour to any dressing table, too. How much: Currently £62.83 for 100ml Where from: amazon.co.uk Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV All the rage in the roaring twenties, Ayala’s dry house style is seeing renewed popularity amongst those who like an elegant and fresh take on their beloved bubbles. Pale gold, it’s an amazingly accessible wine from a prestigious producer. How much: £25 Where from: oddbins.com

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Five-page special | Mother’s Day

Sage ‘Smart Scoop’ Ice Cream This fully-programmed machine developed with Heston Blumenthal delivers perfectly textured ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt and yoghurt with minimum effort. It even plays a nostalgic ice cream van tune when your chosen ice cream is ready to enjoy. How much: £299.99, usually £349.99 Where from: lakeland.co.uk

Leith’s School of Food & Wine Gift Vouchers Give mum a busman’s holiday from the kitchen by giving her a voucher from this first class established cookery school. With classes for enthusiastic amateurs as well as pros, she’ll have a night off from her own kitchen while learning in an exciting environment. Whether sampling one of the many celebrity and specialist chef-guided tastings and demonstrations, or honing her skills in a cuisine never previously explored, there’s something for every mum. Vouchers can be purchased for a specific course or left for her to choose. How much: Courses from £85 Where from: leiths.com Continued on Page 46

Filofax Saffiano Poppy Organiser The perfect gift for the mum who just doesn’t want to get the hang of a virtual diary – or the organisational purist – this has the colour pop of a fashionable clutch plus the functionality of a slimline organiser. Fully zipped to ensure all those essential notes, receipts and cards stay safe. How much: £38.00 Where from: filofax.co.uk

Varca Leather Sandals Handmade in Menorca, these classic sandals (left) transcend age, and are the perfect gift for anyone who wants a combination of style and comfort. For mums on their feet all day, these sandals are far from mumsy, coming in an range of colours from sophisticated monochrome to glittery bling. How much: From £39 Where from: varca.com

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Beatrix Potter Prints Capturing the bond between a mother and her babies, these prints can be personalised to make her feel extra special. Measuring 12”x12”, each print comes framed and with a Certificate of Authenticity making it a truly collectable gift. How much: £25 Where from: artyougrewupwith.com

Bluebella Abigail Satin Pyjamas For the mother who likes to be glamorous as she unwinds at the end of a day of caring for us. These sophisticated pyjamas have been created with black satin finishing for a modern twist in a delicate shade of shell pink, so mum feels pretty rather than pretty tired. How much: £34 Where from: bluebella.com

Personalised Photo Canvas Major branches of Boots can create a 20”x16” canvas of Mum’s favourite photo in just one hour (or order online). Currently available at under half the normal price, this is a thoughtful gift that will endure. How much: £24, usually £49.99 Where from: Boots.com

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Mother’s Day | Five-page special Continued from Page 45

Monica Vinader Esencia Rose Gold-Plated Friendship Bracelet Show Mum she’s your best friend too with one of these 18-carat modern classics by covetable designer, Monica Vinader. If you’re quick, you can include a personal message with Selfridge’s complimentary engraving service. Available in a range of colours to suit every personality. How much: £125 Where from: selfridges.com

Emma Bridgewater Mother’s Day Jug Designed exclusively for Waitrose, this jug (right) will be delivered to her door complete with scented hyacinths and British tulips by a household name you can trust. The fresh flowers are guaranteed for seven days. Order by 10pm on Friday 13 March for free delivery on Mother’s Day. How much: £59 Where from: waitrosedirect.com

Guerlain Rouge G Exceptional Complete Lip Colour Make Mum feel beautiful at the twist of this vibrant, confidence-boosting lipstick. Presented in a capsule compact that combines luxury packaging with a secret mirror, the range contains colours that instantly moisturise and plump lips. How much: £28.35 Where from: escentual.com

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Special Edition Bloom Gin A pretty tipple indeed, this premium London Dry gin is ready to give with a blush pink bow and gift tag. Inspired by master distiller Joanne Moore’s English country garden, Bloom combines floral botanicals of honeysuckle and chamomile with uplifting pomelo for a delicate palate. How much: £24 Where from: Sainsbury’s

Woodford & Warner Sorrel Cordial Known across the West Indies as sorrel, hibiscus flower is a superfood bursting with antioxidants. Favoured by the mixologists at OXO Tower, Woodford & Warner’s Sorrel is additive- and allergen-free and is a virtuous, nonalcoholic alternative in ruby-hued mocktails. However, for an authentic taste of Caribbean sunshine, we advise adding a traditional tot of rum. An ethical choice made here in London that’s safe for mums-to-be too (avoid cocktail envy by mixing it with sparkling water). How much: £8.50 Where from: cravedlondon.com

Mother’s Day Hamper Who wouldn’t want to receive a hamper from Harvey Nichols? Filled with a selection of their most popular treats, each item in this hamper encourages Mum to sit down, put her feet up and enjoy a bit of luxury. How much: £50 Where from: harveynichols.com Liberty Print Sewing Box If your mum’s been gripped by The Great British Sewing Bee fever, encourage her haberdashery aspirations with this beautiful and useful hat box-style sewing box in Mauverina print. How much: £29.95 Where from: in-store and liberty.co.uk

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Show her a great time M

ums have feelings too. So instead of that last minute bouquet from the petrol station this year, how about taking your mum to something in town that she’ll enjoy a little bit more than a bunch of floppy flowers and an evening watching

Go for a spin on the London Eye Mum’s spatial skills a bit dodgy? Give her a geography lesson she’ll never forget on the London Eye (above). Upgrade to the Champagne Experience (£36 – or less if you book online) which includes a glass of chilled Pommery. Details: Southbank, SE1. 10am to 8.30pm, £29.95 adults. londoneye.com

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Five-page special | Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Langham Afternoon tea on Mother’s Day at The Langham’s Palm Court (left) features a blow-out: small sandwiches followed by scones with clotted cream and preserves. Then special Mother’s Day pastries and finally petit fours. Their tea sommelier will even advise you on which brew to choose. Clue – it won’t be builders’. All in all, a sophisticated afternoon out – though you’ll need to be carried out if you eat everything. Details: The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1. Tea is £59, including a glass of Champagne. palm-court.co.uk

Downton Abbey repeats? Here, we’ve selected eight things in and around London that are perfect for mums (and you) to do this weekend. From museums to eateries, hotels to markets – make your Mother’s Day a better day this year.

Pick up a bunch of flowers at Columbia Road Market Take your mum to the capital’s most appealing flower market on Columbia Road (left). The riot of colour and fragrance will have her smiling like a Cheshire cat. This side street in Bethnal Green comes alive with stalls selling everything from blooms to bulbs, herbs to hyacinths – it’s all top notch and at prices that won’t make your eyes water. Details: Columbia Road, E2. Sundays, 8am to 3pm, free. columbiaroad.info

Culture at the Victoria & Albert Museum Appreciate beautiful, timeless objects – just like your mum – in the V&A (above). Seek out fashion displays, fabulous Roman remains or walk down memory lane with retro 1960s furniture. Details: Cromwell Rd, SW7. 10am to 5.45pm, free. vam.ac.uk Continued on Page 48

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Tuesday 10 March 2015 evening standard

Mother’s Day | Five-page special

Italian food at Lardo Bebe Don’t take your mum to Lardo Bebe in Hackney just because it’s got ‘baby’ in its name (though you clearly were hers a wee while ago). Take her here because it’s simple, sophisticated and friendly – and because the Italian food they cook (below) is healthy and tasty.

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Weekend away at Littlecote House Hotel If your mum likes to be entertained then send her off to Hungerford in Berkshire where Myleene Klass is performing live as part of this Mother’s Day ‘Star Break’ at the Littlecote Hotel (right). The package includes breakfast and a three course dinner every day, and live entertainment. The hotel is near the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll in a meadow too. Details: Hungerford, Berkshire RG17. £268.83 per person based on two sharing, from Friday Mar 13 for three nights. warnerleisurehotels.co.uk Shopping at Classic Car Boot Sale What do mums love more than a car boot sale? We can’t think of much to be honest. So take her down to the Southbank where this one – which offers stuff a cut above the usual array of nick knacks – rolls into town for the whole of Mother’s Day weekend. The Classic Car Boot Sale has a fun vintage theme, with (as you might expect) goods sold out of classic cars (left), dressed up traders and vintage DJs too. She’ll be able to shop for records, clothes and trinkets that remind her of her life before you came along and ruined everything. Details: Hungerford Road Car Park, Southbank, SE1. Saturday and Sunday 14 – 15 March, 10am to 6pm, £4. classiccarbootsale.co.uk

Sage and chilli eggs on toast for brunch is £6.20; a Speck, Scarmorza and sage pizza in the evening is £12. You’ll probably get your cheek pinched (don’t say we didn’t warn you). Details: 158 Sandringham Road, E8. Open on Mother’s Day for brunch and dinner. lardobebe.com

Watch When Harry Met Sally at Pop Up Screens Go and see one of the most heartwarming and funny rom-coms in modern cinema. When Harry Met Sally stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan (left), and although it dates from 1989 it has aged like a fine wine. Slick and clever, it packs plenty of laughs. Showing at this pop-up cinema in Notting Hill on Mother’s Day evening, tickets include a cocktail (boozy or otherwise). Details: 20th Century Theatre, Portobello Road, W11. 15 March, 9pm, £22 incl. cocktail. popupscreens.co.uk

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HOME IS WHERE YOUR MUM LIVES These statement Postcode Bangles are an ideal gift to remind your mum of the good times and places you shared. The gold or silver plated bangles come in an assortment of candy colours – why not engrave a special message to your mum on the inside for a truly unforgettable gift? Shown here is the SW6 Fulham Bangle, £69. Postage is free, and if you order before 13th March, your gift will arrive in time for Mothers Day. Contact: whistleandbango.com

MY LEATHER MANBAG This featured 16-inch Mustang (£99) is not just for fathers: it’s a bag for all seasons which can be used as a messenger or handbag. Classic, timeless and made from the finest leather, it’s made to last a lifetime. Reviews available on the website (from the girls and the boys!) Use code MUM15 at checkout for 15 per cent discount on all bags. Free delivery. Contact: myleathermanbag.com; 0333 1234 104

PERILLA Treat your Mother to a pair of 90 per cent baby alpaca bed socks from online alpaca specialists Perilla, to keep toes cosy on chilly nights. There are seven other ranges to choose from that include everyday socks and thick walking socks, perfect for gardening. Choose from a gorgeous palette of colours. Comes gift boxed. Contact: perilla.co.uk; 0188 685 3615

DU MAURIER WATCHES Diamonds, rose gold and mother of pearl take centre stage on this stunning ‘Rebecca’ ladies watch. Designed by British talent Ned du Maurier Browning, Daphne du Maurier’s grandson, this fabulous, Swiss-made, limited edition timepiece adds elegance and just a bit of sparkle to every occasion. Rebecca ladies’ watch £485. Just 300 first edition watches available. Contact: dumaurierwatches.com; 0845 519 3074

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA AT ST. ERMIN’S HOTEL Spoil your mother this Mother’s Day with an indulgent afternoon tea, served in the opulent Crystal Ballroom at St. Ermin’s Hotel to the sound of soothing strings. Includes a glass of Champagne and an edible gift to take home, all for the price of £49. Contact: sterminshotel.co.uk/tea