No offence to bath bombs and body butter... But if you’re about to buy your mom another scented candle this year, we’re here to help you out.
Mother's Day falls on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and this year, we asked real moms what they actually want for Mother’s Day... and built a guide around that. Some fun, some effortless, and a few dream gifts worth saving up for (if not this year, then next). Whether you're shopping for your partner, your mom, your best friend - or yourself - consider this your shortcut to stress-free, last-minute gift genius.
1. The Gift of Relaxation
A luxe day off from motherhood, book her a spa treatment:
- Cape Town: Babylonstoren Spa
- Joburg: Saxon Spa
- Durban: Oyster Box Hotel Wellness & Spa
2. The Personalised Keepsake
Something that keeps her little ones close, even when they're not in her arms. Famke's handcrafted initial necklaces, made with love in Cape Town. Choose her children's initials in sterling silver, gold vermeil, or solid gold, and create a piece unique to her.
3. The Me-Time Reset
Gift her time for herself with sessions at her favourite workout studio
- Cape Town & Joburg: Breathe Barre
- Joburg: Nuru House
- Durban: Kaya Shala Yoga
4. It's-On-Me Coffee
Because some days, parenting is just a series of hot sips between cold chaos. Treat her to a never-ending cup of delicious Plato Coffee, with a gift card to one of their 85 stores countrywide.
5. The Wellbeing Moment
If she's craving more zen, and stepping away from tension and stress, book her a package of sauna sessions:
- Cape Town: Labrisa Spa at the Mount Nelson & HotHuts Mobile Saunas
- Johannesburg: Four Seasons Spa at the Westcliff
- Durban: Mangwanani Spa Zimbali
6. The Gift of No Decisions
The ultimate luxury? Not being asked what's for lunch or dinner. Sign her up for a week of pre-prepped meals from:
- Babylonstoren - Meal Solutions
- UCook - Dinner Made Easy
- Frozen For You - Restaurant Quality Ready Made Meals
7. The Week Long Parisian Shopping Trip She Dreams of
For the ultimate girls' getaway, Condé Nast Traveller's 28 Best Places to Shop in Paris is your go-to guide. From vintage gems in Le Marais to luxury flagships on Rue Saint-Honoré, and charming boutiques in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this curated list offers something for every style and budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your mom, or your mother-in-law, it's the perfect itinerary to make those Parisian dreams come true.
8. A Trip She Doesn’t Have to Plan
A surprise lunch with her girl friends - booked, paid for and kid-free.
- Joburg: Saint
- Cape Town: Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd
- Durban: The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box
9. A Retreat Away from it All
Something to centre her outside of being a mom, and reconnect with herself. Whether it's a local weekend away or a full international break away, nothing says you deserve to take up your own space quite like a yoga retreat.
- Yoga, Breathwork & Silent Retreats near Cape Town: Bodhi Khaya
- Yoga & Wellness Retreats in Knysna: Vala House
- Wellness Retreats in Thailand: Kamalaya Koh Samui
- Yoga Retreats in Portugal: Six Senses Douro Valley