As tempting as it is to give our beloved mothers the same old, same old (I mean in a loving, tried, and tested way), an even more thoughtful act would be to introduce them to something new. Or new to them. Carefully chosen, of course, and still in their comfort zone, but fresh and possibly from an unknown brand.
Think how flattering it is to be introduced to a brave new world of options. Knowing that your offspring consider you of sufficiently open mind and modern taste to appreciate the young and up-and-coming. Discovering that there are many gorgeous lines of perfumes, soaps, and creams out there that rival any you’ve used for decades can be liberating and joyful. As for fashion, ask yourself if you’d like one for yourself too. If the answer is yes, she would be flattered.
The tank to wear everywhere
A tank top is an ingenious way to transform a simple shirt and trousers into a real “look”. If he loves color, this Brora option will earn you extra Brownie points.
Merino lambswool tank top, £125, Brora
The ultra-useful pouch
Can a woman ever have too many wallets and purses? NO! These from La Pochette are elegant and because they are sheer, she knows in an instant if she has lipstick on.
Wallet in leather and TPU, £50, La Pochette
The timeless bag
Sezane’s saddle bag is chic, youthful and timeless and great VFM – lasts for years. It can also be monogrammed with your initials at no extra cost.
Suede bag, £265, Sézane
The flattering swimsuit
The holidays may be a little far away, but she’ll thank you for carrying her along with her bags in this gorgeous swimsuit that will flatter any figure. Given last year’s shortage of swimwear, she’ll be lucky if one of the best on the market turns out soon.
Halter bathing suit, £75, Boden
The luxurious silk scarf
Banish all thoughts of silk scarves as dated – the gorgeous abstract print on this one from Soeur will lend a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether it’s tied around her neck or knotted on her purse.
Silk scarf, £75, Soeur
The perfect shirt
Everyone loves a t-shirt and the With Nothing Underneath one is among the best for women out there. There is a perfect cut for everyone. This one is boxy and uncluttered, much more youthful than the run of the mill.
Poplin shirt, £95, with nothing underneath
Youth suns
Tortoise shell looks great on anyone, while the boxy shape of this design from Linda Farrow’s collaboration with Cos is far more modern than a cat’s eye. Whether you’re walking the dog or lounging on a lounger, these will add instant fresh elegance.
Acetate sunglasses, £115, Cos x Linda Farrow
The statement cuff
Perfect for jazzing up a cashmere sweater or silk shirt, this cuff makes any outfit instantly more sophisticated – give it to her for breakfast and you can be sure she’ll slip it on for lunch.
Gold plated and resin bracelet, £59.95, Massimo Dutti
Just enough lip tint
A lightly tinted lip balm that suits every skin tone, this is sustainable luxury at its best. The Hermes embossed lipstick case is refillable (with any Hermes lip colour) while the iconic orange box is the perfect size for storing jewellery.
Hermès Rosy Lip Perfector, £62, John Lewis
The foolproof blush
As for makeup, less and light is more and they’re not much lighter than Merit’s Flash Balm, a sheer, foolproof blush perfect for all ages, from a cult, ‘neat’ US brand that mercifully makes few products. all best in class. Think Glossier, but for adults.
Flush Conditioner in Fox, £30, Merit
The ultimate bath soap
A superfine exfoliator, cleanser, and natural antiseptic in one, mom will enjoy using this elegant-looking, bergamot-scented hand cleanser. Also ideal for impressing guests.
Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, £29, Aesop
The luxurious shower oil
This country excels at small independent beauty brands, like Wildsmith, a fresh, organic environment with biodegradable packaging that’s well thought out and a pleasure to use.
Vital Shower Oil, £40, Wildsmith
The scent of the holidays
A bright and cheerful interpretation of the classic bottle created in collaboration with designer Samuel Ross, get the timeless fresh cologne scent with a stunning keepsake bottle. Can’t go wrong.
Acqua di Parma Limited Edition by Samuel Ross Perfume Cologne, £140, Selfridges
Hair treatment
If she loves Chanel, then Coco Mademoiselle’s hair perfume contains emollients to nourish her hair and wrap her in a classic fragrance; she can slip this bijou bottle from her hers bag for a luxurious refresh of orange, rose and jasmine whenever a double air kiss is called for.
Coco Mademoiselle Fresh Hair Mist, £48, Chanel
The transformative eye contour cream
For moms in need of a little persuasion, this luxe eye cream will not only look stunning on her dressing table, but has been shown in clinical studies to reduce dark circles and fine lines, while boosting radiance by 329%. Get the engraved refillable pot online for extra brownie points. Research-enhanced Eye Duo, £91, Charlotte Tilbury
The nail polish that goes with everything
A distinguishable quality 12-free (non-toxic) polish, I love this bright, matte red that goes with everything. Three French.
Nail Polish in Rouge, £16, Nailberry