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

Whether your mum’s a retiree happily spending your inheritance seeing the world, a travelling career queen or simply an eternal wanderer, ensure Mum’s travel is practical, streamlined and organised with a cosmetics travel bag, featuring several different compartments and hanging capacity. After all, while mothers don’t want to sacrifice their beauty regime while travelling, nobody wants their moisturiser to explode inside their suitcase either. $29.95

If there’s one thing mums know how to do, it’s whip up a memorable salad or two. Don’t let her gourmet creations be diminished by the same lack-lustre salad servers she’s been trotting out year after year! Bring joy and pizzazz to the table with these wonderful melamine salad servers from Warlukurlangu Artist Aboriginal Corporation, a fully Aboriginal owned art centre famous for its art and fine limited-edition prints. The range also includes tea towels, teaspoon sets and mugs, with all royalties from the products benefitting the artist and their community. $14.95

Let’s face it, mum has made more hot dinners for the family than… you’ve had hot dinners. You know what we mean. This is for those nights when she just wants to whip up a simple delicious meal for herself with a minimum of fuss. With this copper pro double grill, she can just pop in her favourite food and close the lid to enjoy a tasty, tender and flavoursome meal of anything from steak and veggies to a delicious omelette. And no, you can’t have a bite. $49

If your mum has gone gaga over Bradley Cooper and that singer in A Star Is Born, wrap her up the movie in DVD form so she can relive her favourite moments over and over again. “In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low, in the sha-ha-la-la-la-la-looow…” Don’t pretend you won’t be joining in. $24.95

Can’t decide get mum a crisp white shirt or a cool relaxed top? Get the best of both worlds with this stylish “twofer” (think about it!). Available in a range of gorgeous striped designs, this 2-in-1 stripe shirt (in case you hadn’t figured it out) features a woven blouse insert at the neckline, sleeve cuffs and hem. Not only will your mum look classy and elegant, she’ll save herself having to iron an entire shirt. Mums are busy enough, as you’ve probably heard. $64.99

Not enough time to exercise? Can’t afford gym membership? Dodgy knees? There are many reasons mums give for not exercising enough – many of them pretty legit. But most would be banished should she be presented with this strider. A heart-pumping exercise machine that won’t put pressure on her joints, in just a few minutes a day mum can tone her legs, lower abs and glutes as she works through exercises such as basic gliding, leg circles, skating and squats. $249

Yes, we know, eyesight diminishes as we get older. So, help mum out would you, with this rather legendary magnifying lamp – which makes reading small print or enjoying an intricate hobby with a choice of warm or cool light. And what? Either use the stand or clamp it to a table or bedhead, and power it up with a USB cable plugged into a computer or desktop. Now you’re just showing off! $39.95

There’s nothing like a bit of ambient lighting to set a warm and cosy mood, but these enchanting mood lanterns take it one step further, showing off gorgeous silhouettes of either birds or dragons and butterflies. Mum will be thrilled that her indoor or outdoor space has been beautifully enhanced by these traditional-style lanterns that can be placed on a table or suspended from a hook or tree. (Plus we all know that mood lighting is highly flattering!). $29.95

Got a mum who feels the cold keenly? Keep her warm, toasty and snug throughout winter – while emanating a zesty zebra magnetism – courtesy of this heated throw. Luxuriously soft thanks to its fleecy fabric, it heats up like an electric blanket, with nine different settings to ensure she’ll stay comfortable on the chilliest of nights. $99