Mother's Day gift ideas in the UK

Mothering Sunday is early

Mothering Sunday falls three weeks before Easter, so it moves each year and usually lands in March. If you live abroad and your mum is in the UK, you are working to her date, which is weeks earlier than Mother's Day in the US, Canada or Australia.

That timing helps some gifts. Early spring is when gardens wake up, so the Burgon & Ball tools, the kneeler and the Sarah Raven gloves arrive just as she starts digging. A window bird feeder is busy at that time of year too.

Personal beats expensive

Time together is the gift most mums remember. The afternoon tea voucher works anywhere in the UK, so book it for the two of you rather than handing it over and leaving her to sort it.

If you want to spend, spend on something she uses daily. The Johnstons of Elgin stole gets worn constantly by the right person, and the Heywood Hill subscription sends her new novels all year.

If you are a partner buying for young children, let them do part of it. The Faith in Nature soaps come as three boxed bars, so three children can each hand one over. Older children can club together for the stole or the subscription and give her one good thing rather than three small ones.

Mistakes and timing

Scent is the biggest risk. Hand creams, soaps and bath sets come in fixed scents. Check what she already uses, or pick the teapot, the tea or a book.

Under £20 covers the soaps, the hand cream, the Persephone novel and the bird feeder. Between £20 and £100 is the tea, the teapot, the garden tools, the shoes and the afternoon tea. Above that, the subscription and the cashmere stole are the strong choices.

Order a week ahead and allow more for the post. If you are late, the afternoon tea voucher can be sent instantly by email.

Questions people ask

When is Mother's Day?

In the US, Canada and Australia, Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. In the UK and Ireland it is Mothering Sunday, which is tied to Easter and falls in spring, usually in March. If you are sending a gift overseas, work to the date where your mother lives and allow extra time for international shipping.

What do you get a mom who says she does not want anything?

Something personal or something she uses up. A photo book of the family, a framed set of grandkid photos or a cooking class with her kids gives time and memories rather than clutter. Consumables also work: good loose-leaf tea, a candle or soap in a scent she already likes. Avoid gadgets she will need to learn.

What is a good Mother's Day gift under $50?

The Hawkins New York amber vase with a bunch of flowers, the Rare Tea Company afternoon tea set, the Koh Living hand cream trio, a Persephone novel or the Springbok bird puzzle all come in under $50. Pair a small gift with a handwritten card. Most moms keep the card longer than the gift.

What can I send for Mother's Day at the last minute?

Email a gift card. Brightland's digital card arrives on the date you pick, for a mom who cooks. The Dinosaur Designs virtual card works for Australian mums. A Heywood Hill subscription can also be bought late, since the books arrive over the year. Add a printed note with a plan to visit or call.