Occasions done differently

MY FAVOURITE SMALL BUSINESS MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS FOR 2023

3rd March 2023

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? I’ve really been thinking about this. In 2022, women in the UK established over 150,000 new companies — more than twice as many as in 2018, according to Alison Rose’s recent update of her ‘Review of Female Entrepreneurship’¹. It’s brilliant news that so many more women are finding the grit and confidence to take control of their futures and just go for it. Many are mothers too — as are lots of the founders behind the businesses in my collection below. Because I can’t think of anyone I’d rather support with my hard earned money this Mother’s Day, can you? That’s exactly where I want it to go — to help show the next generation what a female founder looks like. 

I also want to look after the many mums in my life who work so hard to be good at it — the ‘I’ve-had-no-sleep-since-Tuesday’ mums, the ‘kindness-comes-first’ mums and the ‘how-will-I-cope-when-they-move-out-in-September?’ mums (it makes me feel sick just thinking about it FYI). Then there are the dedicated grandmas, stepmums and mother-in-laws. I’m also thinking about the friends who are desperately trying to be mums or who are heartbroken because they’ve lost their own mums…

None of this is easy. So the fact that we’ve got a day to say, “I see you. I love you. I’m in awe of all you do and have done because my God, that takes some Beyonce type strength” — let’s make the most of it. Who knows when we’ll next find the time or get the chance. Let’s show them all the love we can, and mums, pass this list on to your partners. This day is all about you and I know that what you’ll treasure most is the time you’ll spend together or the handmade cards and gifts but honestly, you deserve the world. Here are some ideas.

For those who need a hug at this time of year…
Hot chocolate with heart — micro batched, ethical drinking chocolate in beautiful, plastic-free packaging, by Harth Chocolate.

For Grandma, Mum and other budding Charlie Dimmocks…
‘Garden Grown Box Kits’ designed to either, “Bring the bees, brew some herbal teas or bring bright flowers to your shady spots”, by Herboo (introduced to gardening by his Granny Shirley).

For showing Mum that good taste is in your genes…
Great Taste Award-Winning ‘Floral Brownies Double Chocolate Classic’, handmade by the unstoppable female team at Blushing Cook.

For showing that ‘M’ is most definitely for ‘Mum’…
Filled grazing letter, filled with either charcuterie, veggie or vegan treats, by the women at Berry and Brie.

For a rose, a rose…
‘Pick Of The Day’ vase, ideal for gardeners to show off any fallen treasure, by ceramicist, Katie Brinsley.

For all she has gathered over the years…
‘Hand Painted Floral Trug’ by Edit 58 in collaboration with The Charpoy — elevating handmade ‘everyday’ trugs, into handpainted works of art.

For some letterbox loveliness…
‘Mother’s Day Botanical Box’, handpicked, purse-friendly posies to send a welcome surprise through the post, by Flower Be.

For a gift that keeps on giving…
‘Three Month Ultimate Candle Subscription’, for a hand poured, soy wax candle, delivered monthly for three months, by The Botanical Candle Co.

For those experiencing teething and sleep thieving…
‘Coffee & Calpol Enamel Pin’ by Black & Beech, whose product range was cleverly designed to evolve with their journey into motherhood.

For your perfect pair of people…
Matching organic cotton boiler suits, as featured in Vogue, by Kiso.

For giving a wonderful way to start each day…
‘Stork Lipstick Pink Gown’, made by the textile-loving, female founder sisters at One Hundred Stars.

For preserving precious memories… 
‘Bobbin Frame’ available in a wide range of colours and shown here with founder Poppy’s idea to customise it with a fabric mount, by Betola Home Studio.

For when ‘Mum’s the word’
‘Organic Rose Gin’ made with real roses and bottled beautifully, by Cornish company, Tinkture (named after founder Hannah’s grandma, Tink).

For finding a beautiful way to say it…
‘Personalised Liberty Fabric Greeting Card’ — each one is original and stylishly handmade, by Sassigraphy.

For keeping track in style…
‘Personalised Hand Marbled Diaries’, each one as unique as the mother it’s for. Ready to log every parents’ evening (and subsequent wine delivery) beautifully, by Wainwright Bookbinding.

For the love of God…
Hand sewn lavender bag, filled with natural organic ingredients (and the odd swear word), by Nicola Rowlands.

For adding a smile to the everyday…
‘The Happy Hoover Delft Tile’ by Petra Palumbo, who is on a mission to create ‘A better, more beautiful world’ — bound to spread some joy.

For making Mother’s Day brunch at home as good as going out…
‘Daisy Scallop Edge Salad or Serving Bowl’, sculpted by Izy Hossack’s mum Karin, at KC Hossack Pottery.

For a gentle reminder…
‘Sweary Fairy Tea Towel’ by Emma Giacalone — in case Mum ever forgets she only has 29,000 days on the planet.

For ensuring Grandma’s baking goes down in history…
Heirloom ‘Personalised Handwritten Recipe Jug’ by Alice Funge, who had the idea by using her own late grandmother’s handwriting for a personal touch.

For the disco appreciators…
‘Original Disco Ball Artwork’, hand painted by Hello Sunshine Designs in Cornwall.

For those eating for two…
‘Mum To Be Card’ designed and illustrated with love, by Katie Pillinger Designs.

For new mothers or soon-to-be-mothers…
‘Mama Moonstone Crystal Healing Bracelet’ — said to be, “Excellent for conception, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding”, by TBalance Crystals.

Like what you see? Discover more one-of-a-kind gift ideas, for birthdays, baby showers and more, on my Inspiration Hub. 

Source:

• The Alison Rose Review 2023.