Flowers, chocolates or lunch at a country pub? We all think we know how to treat our mums on Mothering Sunday - but this year, we decided to ask them. Courtesy of mothers from our discussion boards, here are five great ideas to make Mother's Day really special
- Mum wants... a day off
- Mum wants... a new look
- Mum wants... a personal touch
- Mum wants... some inspiration
- Mum wants... a night at the movies
1. Mum wants... a day off
'I would like a day in bed while someone else takes care of the house and family. I'd have breakfast in bed - fresh bagels with a variety of preserves and a glass of Bucks Fizz - with the Sunday papers. Then I snooze until lunchtime, at which point I'd like a smoked salmon sandwich and a glass of white wine. Then I'd read a good book, have a nap and watch TV. And to round the day off, I'll have a big Chinese meal please!'
Lee
Even if the kids have grown up and flown the roost, chances are your mum could do with a day just for herself - and it's a chance for you to say thank you for all the years she cared for you as a child.
One way to give her that much-deserved break is to treat her to a day at a spa. And if you fancy getting some rest and relaxation of your own, you could always go with her. Use our spa locator tool to find one that suits.
Need suggestions? A pampering day at The Sanctuary in London's Covent Garden costs from £75 and includes full use of facilities including pools, steam room, sauna and colour relaxation studio. Visit www.thesanctuary.co.uk for more details. Alternatively, treat your mum to a day at a Champneys Health Resort, from £59.95. To find out more, visit www.champneys.co.uk.
Spa days a little too pricey? Give your mum time off in her own home by making sure she doesn't lift a finger all day. That means breakfast in bed, Sunday lunch, a long soak in the bath - and an assurance that she won't set foot in the kitchen for 24 hours. Admittedly, this is easier to enforce with some mums than it is with others!
2. Mum wants... a new look
'I'd love to wake up and find out we'd won the lottery. Failing that, I'd really like to have a personal shopper create a new look or style for me.'
Madcatlady
It could be time to take Mum shopping and let her choose her own present - with a little help from the experts. Most big department stores offer a free personal shopping service. For example, Selfridges' style experts in London, Birmingham and Manchester will even do the legwork for her, while your mum relaxes with a glass of champagne in the luxurious personal shopping suite. Then she can pop down to the beauty hall for a free makeover: call 08708 377 377 to make an appointment.
For more information on both services, go to www.selfridges.com
3. Mum wants... a personal touch
'As it's my first Mother's Day as a mum, I'd love something unique to remember it. Maybe a personalised plate, mug or bowl from my son with his date of birth and handprint on it.'
Redcrx72
There are lots of ways to give your mum something that's unique to your relationship - and it doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the pottery cafe to make a hand-print plate! You could try something as simple as framing an old photo of you and your mum together - or get a new one taken by a professional.
Alternatively, why not get her a photograph or painting of a favourite place, such as somewhere you used to go on family holidays.
4. Mum wants... some inspiration
'I've started getting a bit more adventurous with my cooking, thanks to Ready, Steady, Cook. So I'd like something practical this year: I've told my son I want a griddle pan that can be used on a ceramic hob and goes in the dishwasher.'
Paula
OK, so not every mum would be overjoyed to be presented with a kitchen utensil on Mother's Day (!) - but the trick is to find out what would really allow your mum to further her hobbies and special interests. So if she's inspired by Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, don't just go for the obvious celebrity cookbook option. Find out if there's a particular piece of equipment - or even speciality ingredients - she'd like. Or get her some expert tuition: Prue Leith's School of Food and Wine, for example, runs one-day workshops and short courses from £40. Go to www.leiths.com/courses/allcourses for more details.
Alternatively, if she enjoys visiting stately homes and castles, you could buy her a National Trust membership, from £40.50 (discounts available). Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details. Is she an amateur art buff? A gift membership for the Tate, price £49, will allow her unlimited entry to all four Tate galleries: go to www.tate.org.uk/members. Is she interested in tracing your family history? Give her a 12-month subscription to www.ancestry.co.uk. Price £69.95. It will give her access to a number of online research facilities, including the complete 1850-1901 England and Wales census collection.
5. Mum wants... a night at the movies
'I'm not expecting much as my birthday is three days after Mother's Day - but I would really like Lady and the Tramp or Cinderella on DVD.'
Louise
'I'd like to watch my choice of movie - a romantic chick-flick while having a foot-rub!'
Vicky
Forget the latest releases: what's your mum's all-time favourite film? If it's an old classic, chances are you'll be able to get hold of a special edition DVD. For example, The Sound of Music is currently available as a two-DVD box set, with extra trailers, interviews and features. Or how about her favourite TV programme on DVD? Try a TV classic such as Poldark or Upstairs, Downstairs - or if she goes swoony over Clooney, she'd probably appreciate one of the early series of ER. Your next step? Sit back on the sofa and watch it together.
Alternatively, treat your mum to a night - or afternoon - at the movies by buying her film gift vouchers, available from most big cinema chains. For more details, visit www.uci.co.uk or www.showcasecinemas.co.uk