53 better things than a Mother’s Day card and flowers

Nothing says “I love you mum – but I’ve given your gift approximately 0.3 seconds thought” than rocking up on Mother’s Day with a predictable card and some cellophane-wrapped flowers that scream BP’s finest. While few mums expect anything overly grand, a little thought will definitely be appreciated. The trick is matching your mum with the right gift. With this in mind, our list of 53 gifts has ease of buying and variety of choice among its top criteria. You’re guaranteed to be the favourite child this year. And for more brilliant gift ideas for Mum, check out the full range of Innovations Mother’s Day Gift Ideas here.

Fact: Your mother’s joy at receiving breakfast in bed is significantly diminished when she spends the next week finding croissant crumbs between the sheets. Avoid this problem and make her feel like she’s living in luxury’s lap with this handy lap table, which thoughtfully comes with a groove to support a book, tablet or phone (there’s even a hole to allow recharging). Watching cute cat videos all morning while luxuriating over brekkie and a cuppa? M. Day nirvana. $19.95

Show your cheese-loving mum – and that’s pretty much everyone – that you respect her sophisticated palate and connoisseur needs with this stylish cheese board. Made from sustainable bamboo, at 34.5 x 29.5 cm it’s plenty big enough to house a veritable cheese feast, and features a pull-out drawer holding four stainless steel cheese knives, suitable for attacking, er, serving everything from a firm cheddar to a gootastic brie. Mmm, brie… $49

You’ll no longer have to hear Mum’s complaints about over-enthusiastic air-conditioning or the large crack under the front door “that lets the cold air straight in”. She’ll be warm and stylishly patriotic in this gorgeous scarf adorned with Australian flora. Note: also ideal for mums who are feeling self-conscious about their encroaching “neck wattle”. $29.95

It’s time to free up mum’s dining table, taken hostage by her constant jigsaw-in-progress. Solve her dilemma with this practical, portable wooden jigsaw organiser, featuring pull-out drawers for sorting through the different colours and shapes (found you, pesky last edge bit!). From $119

If your mum’s catchphrase is “I’ll just put the kettle on”, save her the time and electricity with this handy hot water dispenser. Simply fill it with up to 3.5 litres of water and hey presto! Hot water – and endless cuppas – at the press of a button for the entire day. Scotch Finger bickies optional. $99

One Size Fits All to the rescue! This trendy reversible shawl in soft and warm microfleece will see your giver of life through many a chilly winter’s day. Available in a range of fashionable colours including blue and ivory, grey and ivory and olive and taupe, your mum can change her shade to match her mood. Women’s prerogative and all that… $39.99

Yes, it might well be true that jewellery is the way to a woman’s heart. And this stunning gold-plated locket, featuring a detailed filigree design and Swarovski Elements will certainly warm the cockles of your matriarch’s ticker. But go that extra mile and pop a teeny picture of yourself inside to guarantee that hallowed position as the closest to her heart for years to come. (Bonus: if you have siblings, they’ll be totally miffed.) $79

Make your garden-loving mum’s life easier with these practical gardening gloves, which allow her to dig, plant and rake without hand tools, simply by using the plastic claws built into the fingers of one glove. Note: also useful for threatening disobedient children, dragon dress-up parties and intense back scratches. $14.95

With winter approaching, your mum needs to feel cosy as she settles in at night to watch The Bachelor or The Block, or read Lee Child’s latest crime thriller. This chunky, soft jersey knit throw – which doubles as a lounge or bed throw – is just the ticket. And at 100cm x 150cm, it’s big enough for two. But don’t think about that. $149