Mother's Day gifts you should never buy - and best ways to celebrate her instead
Mother's Day is fast approaching (Sunday, March 10) and it can be a real struggle to know what to get for the most important woman in your life.
What can you possibly get for a woman who has you as their offspring, you may jokily wonder. But experts have revealed that there are certain gifts that you should steer away from, because they may unintentionally offend, leaving your mum feeling dejected on a day that's meant to be all about her.
Jessie Sampson, Creative Director & Gifting Expert for luxury jewellery and accessories company, Hurley Burley, has shared the gifts you need to completely avoid buying for your mum this Mother's Day.
Exercise equipment or weight loss products
Jessie said she would not recommend giving your mum anything to do with exercise or weight loss, despite the fact that "promoting a healthy lifestyle is undoubtedly important."
She said that if you give a gym membership, exercise equipment, diet books, meal replacement shakes, or treadmills, "such gifts may inadvertently convey the message that you're dissatisfied with your mother's body or that you believe she needs to change her physical appearance." This may place "undue pressure on your mother to conform to arbitrary ideals", undermining her "self-esteem and sense of worth, damaging your relationship rather than strengthening it."
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Jessie said: "Consider gifts that promote self-care, well-being, and enjoyment rather than ones that imply a need for improvement. Whether it's a luxurious spa day, a subscription to a meditation app, or a relaxing getaway, prioritise her happiness and holistic wellness."
Self-help books
Jessie said you may want to "tread carefully" when it comes to choosing a self-help book as a Mother's Day gift. She said: "Books on topics like overcoming anxiety, managing stress, or improving relationships may be well-intentioned, but they can also be misinterpreted as suggesting that your mother needs to change or improve herself. This can inadvertently undermine her sense of self-worth and create feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.
"Furthermore, presenting self-help books on sensitive topics such as mental health or personal development without prior indication of your mother's interest or need for them can be perceived as presumptuous or intrusive. It's important to respect your mother's autonomy and agency in deciding whether and how she wants to address these aspects of her life.
"Instead of giving self-help books that focus on perceived areas for improvement, consider opting for books that align with your mother's interests, passions, or hobbies. Whether it's a captivating novel by her favourite author, a beautifully illustrated coffee table book on a topic she loves, or a memoir of an inspirational figure she admires, choose books that reflect her unique tastes and preferences."
Cooking appliances
Unless your mum is an "avid cook" and has expressed to you that she wants a particular kitchen gadget, then avoid giving kitchen-related gifts such as pans, toasters, and blenders. "Such gifts may be perceived as mundane or implying that her role revolves solely around domestic chores", Jessie explained.
Instead, "perhaps she would appreciate a cooking class to explore new culinary techniques, a cookbook from her favourite chef, or a gourmet food hamper filled with artisanal treats", suggests Jessie.
Cleaning supplies
Of course, sometimes your mum may want a practical gift, but when it comes to cleaning supplies, it could be worth avoiding things like a Dyson or a Minky Storage Basket set. "Presenting your mum or partner with cleaning supplies such as vacuum cleaners, mops, or cleaning products may unintentionally reinforce outdated stereotypes and gender roles", she warned.
Jessie continued: "By giving cleaning supplies as a gift, there is also the risk of sending the message that you perceive your mother primarily as a homemaker, overlooking her multifaceted identity and interests. This oversight can diminish the significance of the occasion and fail to convey the depth of your appreciation for her."
Generic gifts
Jessie said that it's important to choose gifts that show the "depth" of the mother/child relationship, so it's important to not "fall short" of "conveying the heartfelt appreciation and love we feel for our mothers." She said it's important to "celebrate the individuality" of your mother, and "the special connection you share with her", rather than just picking something at random from a shop you just happen to be in.
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