If you’re looking for a gift for your Mum and don’t know where to start, here’s a little guide to get you started. There are loads of typical and predictable gifts you can get your Mum, like flowers or chocolates, but sometimes you want a gift to make more of an impact. Sometimes you want your gift to say to your Mum, “I know you. I know what things you love, and I love that about you. Here’s something I thought you would really enjoy.”
This article goes over a few personality types and hobbies that might help us when choosing a gift for that special woman in your life, with examples of gift ideas.
Baking Mum
If your mum loves baking, let her know that you love all those deliciously sweet and savoury treats that she skilfully whips up in the kitchen. Let her know that you look forward to the tempting aromas that emanate from the kitchen when the cake is just about done, or that you love helping her craft her signature dishes for everybody to enjoy. If cooking and baking is the hobby that your Mum most enjoys, get her something that will make it even better.
Things she might like:
· A cookery book with new and interesting recipes to try: Things that you know she likes making and that you might enjoy cooking up (and eating) together.
· An apron with fun graphics: Think about what she’s going to be making while she’s wearing this apron and choose one with graphics that fit the picture.
· A handy kitchen gadget: If there’s anything that she complains about or struggles with when she’s cooking, see if there’s a gadget that can help.
Gardener Mum
Has your mum always got dirt under her nails? Does she look fondly out towards the garden telling you of her next gardening project? There is a whole selection of things that you can get to make gardening more comfortable and safer.
Things she might like:
· Gardening gloves: She’s bound to need a new pair, they always fall apart.
· A wide brimmed hat: Remind her to protect her skin from the sun while she’s out there in the garden.
· Gardening shoes: Something practical and comfortable.
· Knee protectors: If she’s on her knees, digging and weeding, help her to help her knees stay in great shape with some knee protectors.
Yarn Mum
Maybe she likes to knit, maybe she likes to crochet or perhaps she’s into embroidery or sewing. She’s probably got something on the go, maybe a few unfinished projects. Provide the Yarn Mum with the fuel she needs for another project, or the motivation to finish incomplete ones.
Things she might like:
· A novelty yarn or yarn assortment: She will find a use for it or admire it as it sits with the rest of her vast collection.
· A pattern for something she wants to make: Even better if you get the materials required to make the pattern.
· Something hand-made by you: It will be treasured forever. It might never be worn, but it will be treasured.
Manager Mum
So, you have the type of Mum who pretty much makes everything around the house run. The kind of mum you couldn’t do without. The kind of mum that everything would fall apart without. She knows what’s happening and she’s on it. Even if she’s got everything under control, she probably wouldn’t say no to a bit of help. And once she knows she’s got someone she can rely on, I bet she’d appreciate a nice relaxing day off.
Things she might like:
· Your vow to be organised and help out around the house. Consistently. No excuses. She’ll be impressed. This gift takes the most work and costs only time and effort.
· A pre-booked massage/spa session: She could probably do with a day off.
· A coffee machine or really nice coffee/tea: How else will she keep going?
Dog Mum
Your Mum loves her dogs, they are like her children from another mother of a different species. But you don’t want to just buy things for the dogs, think more about how you can make her life more comfortable or fun when she’s spending time with the dogs.
Things she might like:
· Walking shoes: All the better to walk the dogs with.
· A convenient poo bag holder: You never want to find yourself without your poo bags, and there are all sorts of fun versions of these bag holders on the market.
· A hip pack: A convenient little bag that you can strap around your waist is handy for all sorts of things. Your dog loving mum might find it useful to stash dog treats in, as well as a granola bar or two for herself on those longer walks.
Crazy Cat Mum
There will always be cat hair stuck to this Mum. You can find her by following the miaows. Again, we don’t want to just buy stuff for cats, the gift is for the mother.
Things she might like:
· A cat plushie: I know, she’s already got cats, but stuffed cats are always a welcome addition to the cat family.
· A lint brush: Some people don’t mind going out with animal hairs stuck all over their clothes, but there are some days when all that extra insulation provided by your feline donors just doesn’t suit the look you’re going for.
· A catnip/catmint plant: They make a lovely addition to the windowsill or garden, Mum can make it into tea for herself and treat the cats too.
Diva/Queen Mum
This Mum loves to look great and be pampered. Think back about the last time she got excited over something or how she treated herself after a hard day of work. This is the kind of thing she will like. Make sure it’s packaged beautifully to give your gift that extra special feeling.
Things she might like:
· Makeup to add to her collection: Something new and special that she hasn’t tried, or her favourite item that she’s always running out of.
· A luxurious skin cream: This is a great gift for most Mums.
· A day out at the spa: Another great gift for many Mums.
Sporty Mum
This is the Mum who’s staying fit at the gym, going for long hikes or running marathons. This Mum is doing a great job staying fit and healthy, so encourage her to keep at it. If there’s anything she’s mentioned that she’s been struggling with, with regards to her exercise and fitness, see if there’s something you can offer her that might solve the problem. Or find something that makes her work out a little more fun or comfortable.
Things she might like:
· A water bottle with fun graphics: Choose one with something you know will make her smile or motivate her.
· A workout shirt: You could go for something super functional or something with fun graphics.
· Socks: They might sound boring, but they’re incredibly important if you spend a lot of time exercising or hiking with socks and shoes on. Find some that are right for the type of exercise she does.
Source of all Knowledge Mum
She doesn’t read fiction books. Only non-fiction. If you tell her about a problem you’ve experienced, she immediately comes up with a variety of solutions for you to try. She has a thirst for knowledge that is never ending. Because of her, you now know all about the lifecycle of thermophilic snails, but you don’t know what to do with this knowledge.
Things she might like:
· A journal: For her to record all her little notes in. Choose one with colours and patterns that she will like. A pen to go with it would make it even better.
· A book on her wish list: Be safe and get her something you know she really wants. Ask her to share her wish list with you, maybe a few months in advance, so it is more of a surprise when you give your gift to her.
· A mug: She’s probably going to be sipping on something while she’s doing all that studying.
Fantasy Lover Mum
For the Mums who like to immerse themselves in the fantasy world, reading books and watching movies. She probably keeps telling you about her favourite characters and what they’ve been up to. Because of the way she speaks about them, you keep mistakenly thinking that she’s talking about real people (they’re as good as real to her). And when she does talk about real people, you’ve accidentally asked her which story they’re from.
Things she might like:
· A miniature or plush of one of her favourite characters: If it’s a character in a series or book she hasn’t finished yet, maybe check that it’s not a character that’s going to turn into a someone/something that she won’t like lest it’s face gets turned to the wall.
· A bookmark: One with graphics that will appeal to her or a fancy metal one.
· A candle: A scented candle perhaps, or a beautifully carved one. Everything is more magical in candlelight.
I’m sure we didn’t manage to cover every type of Mum in this article, but hopefully you’ve come away with a better idea of how to think about gift giving. Make sure to comment down below if there’s a type of Mum that you think we should have included.