Last minute gifts: we’ve all had them. A pack of embroidered handkerchiefs, clearly rescued from the ‘Emergency Present’ drawer. A bottle of red wine –seriously, do you think I don’t know where the booze aisle in Waitrose is? Or the infamous flowers from the petrol station: five dying carnations wrapped in cellophane. An insult to horticulture, and indeed the recipient.
But last minute gifts can be done in style, and as it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, I have some ideas for gifts you can order online, get for the weekend and know that they will be hugely appreciated. First is Jurlique, the Australian natural skincare people most famous for their gorgeous rose-scented products. For Mother’s Day they have bright, jewel-coloured boxes (from £18) containing treats such as the cult Love Balm, facial mist sprays and hand creams.
Angela Langford is a wonderful collection of skincare and body products made by the lady herself in her Somerset home. It’s all free from parabens, petrochemicals, and sulphates – and the pretty packaging and delicious fragrances make her gift sets perfect for mothers. The Full Facial Gift Set (£75) is a great introduction to Angela’s skincare range.
Treat the woman who you gave stretch marks to a cracking little kit from, ironically, the makers of a cult stretch mark cream… Life is ironic, isn’t it? The OMega Feel Good Mini Kit (£29.50) from Mama Mio contains smaller versions of all the brand’s favourites, including the multi-tasking handbag must-have, Omega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm.
Next up is Pure Lochside, an organic spa brand from Scotland, which just screams ‘Your mother’s en suite’ at you (in a good way). This Soothing Skin Care Gift Set (£41) is my personal favourite – Organic Orange Cleansing Oil, which is as good as its sounds, plus Soothe Daily Face Oil and a muslin cloth, all in a rope-handled bag. What’s not to love?
I’ll squeeze in one more. This Happy Mother’s Day kit (£28.95) from Lush jumped out at me because as a mother myself I like a bit of multi-tasking. When your mum’s used up all the lovely bath bits and bobs, she’ll be left with a rather dashing tin in which to keep, well, whatever she wants. It’s none of your business.
