Mother's Day Gifts - Over 400+ Gift Ideas For Mum

All mums deserve to feel loved on Mothers Day that's why at DadShop we've curated the best mother's day gifts that are unique and even personalised. Let your mum feel extra special on this occasion with our range of amazing gifts that are not flowers and chocolates. And remember to give her lots of hugs and kiss.

Mother's Day Is On Sunday, 11 May 2025

Click Here For Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day Gifts Made Easy

Let’s be real—finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift in 2025 isn’t easy. Flowers wilt, gift cards feel impersonal, and a rushed card from the servo doesn’t exactly scream "thoughtful." But gifting has evolved. These days, it’s less about ticking a box and more about creating moments that feel personal, meaningful, and yes, even sustainable.

Why We Celebrate Mother’s Day

At its heart, Mother’s Day is about gratitude—pausing to recognise the love, care, and invisible work mums (and mum figures) do daily. The tradition as we know it was started by Anna Jarvis in the U.S. in 1908 to honour her mother’s legacy. It became an official holiday in 1914, and since then, it's been celebrated in different ways worldwide—including right here in Australia on the second Sunday in May (11th May 2025).

Sure, it’s more commercial now, but that doesn’t take away from the reason behind it. Whether you're shopping for your mum, a stepmum, a new mum, or someone who’s filled that role in your life, Mother’s Day is a chance to say: I see you, I appreciate you, and you matter. So how do you get a gift that says all that? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Your Mother

The truth is, Mother’s Day gifting is about more than just ticking a box. To find the perfect gift for mum, you need to think about where she’s at in life—not just what’s on sale. Because let’s face it, what works for a mum juggling toddlers won’t hit the same for someone whose house has suddenly gone quiet.

  • Mums with young kids
    These mums are in the thick of it—wiping noses, finding Legos in weird places, and probably surviving on cold tea and five hours of sleep. What do they usually not have? Time to themselves. So, consider how her daily life is stretched thin when thinking about day gift ideas. Gifts that give her a moment to pause, feel appreciated, or recharge will go a long way. Also, think about energy levels—some experiences might sound good in theory but feel like one more thing to plan.

  • New mums
    Ah, the newborn fog. Everything’s a bit of a blur—adorable, yes, but also exhausting. For gifts for new moms, think emotional support and simple pleasures. They're adjusting to a completely new identity, dealing with physical recovery, and navigating endless advice. These mums often feel overlooked on Mother's Day because the baby can't draw a crayon card yet—so any gesture that validates their effort really hits home.

  • Single mums
    They’re doing double duty, and let’s not sugarcoat it—it can be tough. Single mums often have to juggle everything solo, whether by choice or circumstance. So when planning a gift for mum, this is one life stage where effort matters. Ask yourself: How can your gift say, “I see how much you do”? It’s not about grand gestures but meaningful recognition.

  • Empty nesters
    The kids have flown the coop (in theory—they still call when they can’t find the laundry powder), and this stage often comes with a mix of freedom and longing. Sure, there’s more time for hobbies and travel but also a little quiet that can feel... too quiet. When thinking about a present for Mum here, it helps to remember she's in a transition. She might be redefining what this next chapter looks like, and your gift can reflect that emotional space.

  • Bereaved mums or those with strained relationships
    This is where Mother’s Day 2025 can get emotionally complex. Not everyone looks forward to the day. For mums grieving a child, or those who’ve lost their mothers, or even families with tricky dynamics, the traditional "roses and chocolates" approach won’t cut it. If you're giving a gift in this space, it’s less about celebration and more about care and acknowledgment. Quiet, meaningful gestures can be incredibly powerful.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Before we get into the range of gifts (and trust me, there are plenty), let’s talk about a few classic traps we all fall into.

  • Assuming all mums want the same thing: Not every mum wants a beauty product or a gift hamper full of bath bombs. Yes, spa stuff can be lovely—but only if it fits her lifestyle and taste.

  • Defaulting to “practical” when she wants “personal”: A new set of pans or socks with cats on them might make sense in theory... but they often fall flat unless there’s a deeper meaning behind them. Think: Is it about convenience or connection?

  • Going too generic: A bouquet and a pre-written card? That’s fine if you’re eight, but if you’re an adult who cares even a little, step it up. Generic gifts often miss the emotional mark because they say, “I bought a gift,” not “I got you something.”

Types of Mother’s Day Gifts (and Who They’re Perfect For)

Choosing a Mother’s Day gift isn’t always easy. You scroll through endless gift options, hoping something jumps out, but most of it feels... off. Whether you're buying for a sentimental soul, a mum who loves practical things, or someone who insists they don’t need anything, we’ve broken it down to help you get a gift that feels right—for her and you.

Personalised Gifts

Nothing says you matter like something made just for her. Whether it’s engraved, monogrammed, or personalised with a message, this style of gifting feels deeply thoughtful—and it’s hard to go wrong.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Sentimental mums
  • New mums
  • Mums who keep every card ever given
  • Creative types
  • Mums who love a unique twist on tradition

Gift Examples:

  • Custom photo frame with family pics
  • Name-engraved jewellery
  • Illustrated family portrait
  • Personalised recipe journal or keepsake box

Cost Guide:
$25 – $150+
(depending on materials and level of personalisation)

Beauty & Skincare Gifts

A classic for a reason. Great for mums who love a bit of indulgence or need a gentle nudge to prioritise relaxation. From luxe skincare to self-care gift sets, this category is filled with pamper gifts she’ll use.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Mums who never buy for themselves
  • Beauty lovers
  • Mums constantly on the go
  • First-time mums looking for a breather

Gift Examples:

  • Australian-made beauty gifts or skincare sets
  • Mother’s Day hampers with bath soaks, candles, and face masks
  • Curated gift box of organic serums, moisturisers, and teas

Cost Guide:
$30 – $120
(Great options across all budgets—from chemist to luxe brands)

Gourmet & Foodie Gifts

Forget the sad supermarket bouquet, gourmet food gifts are having a moment. A carefully chosen hamper or gift box full of artisan snacks, wine or chocolate is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Foodies
  • Entertainers
  • Mums who “don’t want anything”
  • Coffee, wine, or chocolate lovers

Gift Examples:

  • Mother’s Day hampers with local Aussie goodies
  • Cheese and wine gift sets
  • DIY grazing board kit
  • Gourmet food subscription boxes

Cost Guide:
$40 – $180
(You can get a fab box under $100, too!)

Practical but Polished Gifts

Sometimes, the ideal gift is something she needs—but make it chic. This type works when it’s useful, stylish, and feels like a treat, not a task.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Practical planners
  • Minimalist mums
  • Busy professionals
  • Mums who “just want to replace their bag but haven’t had time”

Gift Examples:

  • Stylish handbag or leather wallet
  • Elegant planner + pen combo
  • Designer water bottle
  • Digital gift card to her favourite store

Cost Guide:
$40 – $200+
(Budget-friendly all the way up to luxe designer picks)

Experience-Based Pamper Gifts

If you want to give her the gift of time, peace, or just a break from reality. These are more about moments than things and are perfect for making her feel truly seen.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Mums who never stop
  • Overwhelmed new mums
  • Retired mums looking for a treat
  • Mums who value time and connection over stuff

Gift Examples:

  • Spa day or massage gift vouchers
  • Weekend wellness retreat
  • Pottery or cooking class together
  • Pamper pack with robe, slippers, and aromatherapy

Cost Guide:
$50 – $300+
(Depending on whether it’s a solo spa treatment or full-day experience)

Free / Time-Based Gifts

Who says the best gifts need to cost a penny? Time-based gifts are all about dedicating your personal time and efforts, creating memories that last far beyond any material item. Perfect for mums who appreciate thoughtfulness and the joy of shared experiences.

For What Type of Mums:

  • Mums who appreciate simplicity
  • Busy mums needing quality family time
  • Sentimental mums
  • Eco-conscious mums who prefer experiences over physical gifts

Gift Examples:

  • A homemade meal prepared together
  • A day spent exploring local attractions or nature
  • A personalised coupon book with offers to help around the house
  • A scheduled weekly phone call or video chat date

Cost Guide:
Free! (Just your time and creativity)

The Thoughtful Side of Mother’s Day

Every year, we see the same day gift guide doing the rounds: candles, chocolates, and a mad dash to shop gifts for mum. And while those have their place (who doesn’t love a cosy bath set or a gourmet snack box?), it’s easy to forget the mums and maternal figures who fall outside the usual narrative—or the ones we want to honour but can’t splash out for this year.

This section is for all of that. Whether honouring a non-traditional family setup or hunting for heartfelt gifts that don’t cost a cent, there’s always a way to make it a beautiful Mother’s Day.

Recognising Non-Traditional Families

Not every mum looks like the ones on greeting cards. And honestly? That’s what makes gift-giving even more special. Mother's Day gifts in Australia should reflect how people show up with love—no matter how their family is built.

  • Stepmothers
    These mums are stitching families together in real time, which deserves proper celebration. Instead of defaulting to generic present ideas, consider gestures that speak to their unique role—like a handmade gift to make with the kids or a “family memory” journal where everyone shares their favourite moment with her.

  • Bereaved Mothers
    Mother’s Day can be incredibly tender for grieving mums. Whether they’re mourning the loss of a child, a partner, or their own mother, these women often need quiet support rather than traditional fanfare. A simple candlelit dinner, a written letter, or a symbolic act—like naming a star—can be a special gift that offers comfort without overwhelming.

  • Adoptive Mums & LGBTQ+ Parents
    These families redefine what it means to love and raise children. That’s something to celebrate on Mother’s Day with intention. Instead of cookie-cutter gifts, try a custom poem, a family portrait commission, or a personalised digital slideshow—anything that reflects the richness of their story.

There’s no one way to gift mum; there’s something for every mum—you just have to look beyond the usual gift selection.

Free Gifts & No-Money-Down Gestures

Short on cash but big on love? You’re in the right place. Mother’s Day gifts don’t need to cost a cent to be meaningful. Some of the most heartfelt gifts are the ones money can’t buy.

Free Gift Ideas for a Great Mother’s Day:

  • Do Her Chores for the Day
    It’s a classic for a reason. Let her put her feet up while you take over the essentials—washing, cooking, and organising the week. It's not glamorous, but it's incredibly appreciated.

  • Create a “Voice Note Collage”
    Ask friends, siblings, grandkids (or pets, why not?) to send quick voice messages saying what they love about her. Stitch them together in a playlist or short video—it's an instant tearjerker.

  • Write Her a Mini-Zine or Letter
    Fold some paper into a DIY booklet and fill it with memories, drawings, or a list of 10 reasons she’s amazing. It’s old-school but hits right in the feels.

  • Plan a Memory Walk
    Take her on a stroll past spots that mean something—her first home, your primary school, the café where she always ordered “just a tea” and stayed for hours. It’s the nostalgia for me.

  • Make a Digital Scrapbook
    Use free design tools to curate family photos, old recipes, or quotes that remind you of her. Then, send the collection as a surprise in her inbox. This works a treat for long-distance families, too.

Navigating Complex Emotions

Mother’s Day can be complicated. For some, it’s a special day full of hugs and homemade cards. For others, it stirs up grief, tension, or a mix of feelings that don’t fit neatly into a Hallmark card. That doesn’t mean skipping it—it just means approaching it with care, empathy, and the right gesture.

For Estranged Relationships

If your connection with your mum is distant, strained, or still healing, there are still ways to celebrate Mother’s Day that feel respectful and true to you.

  • Neutral gestures: Instead of a personal gift, consider donating to a cause she cares about. It’s a quiet nod that still honours her values—without forcing closeness where it doesn’t feel right.

  • Boundaries-first gifting: A letter or message with no expectations of a reply can offer peace, especially when the goal is to acknowledge, not rekindle.

Grief-Sensitive Gifting

For those missing a mum, a child, or someone who made Mum’s Day matter, the usual Mother’s Day presents might feel off. This is where support—not stuff—means everything.

  • Legacy over luxury: Recommend a podcast like Good Mourning or help them start a memory journal or legacy project. It’s not your average gift-giving moment, but it can be powerful.

  • Acts of support: Offer to visit a gravesite together, light a candle, or spend the day sharing stories. Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply being there.

Mother’s Day isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about showing up with love, intention, and a personalised message that says, “You mean the world to me.” Whether you’re planning or scrambling for day gifts delivered in Australia, there’s truly something for every mum.

With an ever-growing range of Mother’s Day gifts available—both in-store and through our Mother’s Day gifts guide you’ll find plenty of great gift ideas to match her style, stage of life, or sense of humour.