Alternatives to flowers for Mother's Day

[rocketdogjazzin]

Does anyone have any ideas for alternative gifts to flowers for MIL for Mother's Day? She's almost impossible to buy for at the best of times, and I'll be heavily pregnant or have a newborn baby on Mother's Day - so sending flowers would be perfect, except we already sent flowers for her January birthday and repeating feels very boring. She's at a point where she has a few hobbies she loves, which she doesn't need anything else for, and most consumable or experience gifts don't work for her.

• if relevant, she's in her sixties
• she lives 4 hours away so joint experiences aren't practical, especially with the baby
• she doesn't drink alcohol and has frequently changing dietary requirements, so food and drink gifts are out, and cooking is a chore for her, so no kitchen related gifts. We've had some success with tea and coffee gifts before
• she likes knitting and sewing, but already has everything she needs and more besides for those
• she loves her garden, but again is sorted equipment wise and if anything she's trying to declutter there. A plant for the garden was the only thought I had
• she doesn't like anything scented for around the home or candles etc. Toiletries are hit or miss
• she doesn't visit cafes or coffee shops so a local voucher is also out
• she struggles with focus so doesn't read books and has no interest in any stationery items
• she has no interest in jewellery or fashion

I'm fully aware that this is DH's responsibility and he always has and will sort it, but just posting after a conversation with him where he asked if I had any inspiration and I didn't, I thought I'd crowdsource responses.

Bath stuff?
Salts, oils, bath bombs, bubble bath, a few options there.

Just send her flowers again.
I should imagine the ones from January are long gone.
If baby has been born then a nice photo in a frame or a hand print or similar.

Digital photo frame, nice unscented skincare, pjs, slippers, nice scarf

Does she like books even though she can’t read them? Audible subscription?

I know you said toiletries are hit and miss but what about some Jo Malone hand wash? They smell amazing, or Molton Brown is equally luxurious.

scarf or throw

photo album for pictures of the new baby

It might be more than you are looking to spend and space dependent, but we have bought MIL a few fruit trees. A patio cherry or pear tree is manageable even if she doesn’t have loads of space and keeps on giving for years.

As someone who loves knitting and sewing, you can never have too much!!

Maybe tickets for a craft themed day out? Knitting and Stitching Show? Yarndale? Or possible a craft workshop where she can learn or refine a new skill.

Does she read?

A new book series?

Flowers. I like Scilly Flowers for Mothers day as you can get large quantities of narcissi. Better than a standard bouquet as only available this time of year.

How complicated are her dietary requirements? If she doesn’t like cooking maybe a voucher for Cook would work?

An Emma Bridgwater mug, would that be her style?

You can get plants sent - David Austin roses have been good

-A nice pair of PJ'S and slippers

• Garden Gloves
• 12 month subscription to a gardening magazine
• luxury bedding set
• a nice blanket

If she is a gardener, I would go for plants/bulbs rather than cut flowers that die after a week. Where does she buy plants-can you get a voucher for there?

Bird table? Some kind of bird/squirrel encouraging device for the garden?

Very wild stab in the dark though, on my part.

This is a Mother's Day gift though. Do people usually give more than flowers or chocolates?

Very true. My grandma always used to say to my dad, "Just get me a bunch of daffs." Long pause. "If you have to."

Used to drive him mad.

Readly subscription? (Online magazines app). Or something nice from Biscuiteers?

Mines getting Lego flowers this year! I’ve no idea if she’ll like them but she’s become really crafty in the last 2y since retiring and I think she’ll really enjoy them

I'm in my sixties and would be outraged if someone sent me pyjamas and slippers! Flowers are always appreciated.

I had a lovely afternoon tea box delivered from M & S . Letterbox size with lots of treats .

How much do you want to spend? My adult
DD and I coincidentally exchanged blankets from The British Blanket Company at Christmas-proof that they appeal to all ages! Some of them are a bit expensive though....

There are some roses with Mum in the name like this one My lovely Mum https://www.peterbealesroses.com/my-lovely-mum-bush-rose-p809

I’ve had a lovely afternoon tea from M&S and one from Piglet’s Pantry.

David Austen roses are delightful and they do gift cards.

How much of a gardener is she?

I'm not that enthusiastic and a fan of David Austin roses but honestly, after a few years there is nowhere else for me to put a rose, and definitely not a special one given as a gift.

Equally you really can have too much knitting and sewing supplies. I've helped my DM destash her yarn hoard and it was multiple car loads. She hadn't even bought 90% of it, just everyone knew she liked knitting and it piled up. She now has an absolute ban on anyone buying her wool.

OP it sounds like your MIL is lovely but has all the 'stuff' she needs. So either flowers, because they don't last forever, something made by the grandkids or the gift of spending time with her.