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Hit a dead end in your search for the best Christmas gifts for Mum? We’ve all been there. While it’s tempting to resort to sub-par presents, Mums deserve more than pyjamas – and science says the same. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, experience gifts improve relationship strength between recipients and gift-givers more than material gifts. So, in an effort to help you and Mum become closer than ever, we’ve pulled together a quick gift-giving quiz. The perfect gift for her is just minutes away!
1. The one drink she can’t live without is…
A - Sparkling water
B - Red wine
C - A glass of bubbles
D - Coffee
E - Herbal tea
2. Her restaurant of choice serves…
A - Modern cuisine in a beautiful setting
B - Generous and authentic meals, made with love
C - Bottomless brunch
D - A selection of exotic dishes from far-away places
E - An abundance of locally-sourced produce
3. She’s often seen in…
A - Blue jeans and white sneakers
B - An apron
C - A fluffy dressing gown
D - Loose linen pants
E - Blundstones and a wide-brimmed hat
4. Her ideal weekend looks like…
A - Window shopping for new home décor
B - Whipping up a recipe she saw in the paper
C - An at-home mani with a glass of Malbec
D - Planning the itinerary for her next trip
E - Repotting plants and watering the garden
5. Your mum has…
A - An eye for beautiful objects and interiors
B - An insatiable love for good food
C - An epic collection of lotions and potions
D - Visited more countries than a Qantas pilot
E - More plant babies than actual babies
Mostly As: Christmas gifts for design-loving mums
If Mum’s house is full of beautiful objects and art, you likely have a design lover on your hands. Rather than buying her a photo frame or fancy salt and pepper shakers, opt for an experience that takes her behind the scenes. Treat her to her own “I made this!” moment at a wheel-throwing workshop, where she’ll learn to make one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces for her home. Minimalist Mums will appreciate an ikebana floristry workshop that promotes space, balance and harmony, while those with a “more is more” philosophy will treasure a rug tufting class. Perfect for Mums who appreciate maximalism, this trending craft breathes life and texture into any space.
Gwendah Cahill gifted this Beginners’ Pottery Wheel Workshop to her mum, and said:
“I arranged a pottery wheel class workshop for my mum and I and it was so much fun! Janine guided us through each step with patience and kindness and we made three bowls which we'll go back and glaze in a couple of weeks. It's such a beautiful space. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us – we can't wait to come back!”
Mostly Bs: Gifts for Mums who love cooking
Preparing epic meals is a favourite activity for this foodie, who loves nothing more than experimenting in the kitchen. With an ever-growing cookbook collection, she’s always ready to entertain and put on a spread for family and friends. Rather than buying her (another) Ottolenghi, treat her to an experience you know she’ll love: a cooking class. From pasta-making in Sydney to vegan Indian cooking classes in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of culinary delights awaiting Mum this Christmas. If she’s more into sweet treats than savoury bites, a baking class is a foolproof gift idea for her. Bon appétit!
Courtney Carpenter was gifted this Native Australian Cooking Class and said:
“This cooking class was a Christmas gift, and it was such a fantastic choice! We prepared a variety of dishes, honing our techniques and exploring delicious flavours. I really enjoyed learning more about native Australian ingredients. The quality of the materials provided was great, excellent kitchen equipment and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in refining their cooking skills in a relaxed yet supportive environment.”
Mostly Cs: Presents for Mums who love to be pampered
Face mask? Check. Candles? Check. Glass of wine? Check. Sounds like Mum has her self-care routine sorted. Lucky for you, this makes it easy to brainstorm thoughtful Christmas gift ideas. Steer clear of the usual suspects like fragrant creams and fluffy slippers – this beauty-lover has her favourite brands and knows *exactly* where to find them. Instead, spoil her with a self-care experience that will leave her feeling relaxed and refreshed. Skincare classes and bath bomb-making are two of the most popular gifts for Mum on Christmas, while perfume-making and DIY candle classes are thoughtful ways to soothe her senses.
Cath Carr received this Candle Mixology Workshop and said:
“I received this voucher for Christmas from my son and daughter-in-law. Had a great afternoon relaxing with a glass of bubbles, smelling scents and shared a table with a lovely mother and daughter. Our teacher was beautiful, friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to pick up my candle.”
Mostly Ds: Gift ideas for Mums who love to travel
Finding meaningful gifts for globetrotters is no easy feat. Limited space and baggage restrictions eliminate plenty of potential presents, leaving very few options on the table. Thankfully, there’s one gift for Mum that won’t take up any suitcase space: a gift experience. If she dreams of seeing Kyoto in spring, feed her sense of escapism with a Japanese cooking class or kintsugi experience. Maybe Rome is her dream destination? Treat her to a taste of la dolce vita with an Italian culinary class. (No airport necessary.) If Mum’s in her grey nomad era, a First Nations experience is a thoughtful gift idea, helping her deepen her appreciation for Aboriginal culture as she travels through Country.
Claudia Amayo gifted her mum this French Cooking Class and said:
“I took my mum with me and we had a great time together. The class and environment were relaxing and having drinks available was spot on! Our teacher was very helpful, friendly and easy to follow.”
Mostly Es: Christmas presents for plant Mums
If Mum’s plant babies are her pride and joy, give her the gift that keeps on growing in 2024. From kokedama classes to terrarium workshops, a gardening class will nourish her love for all things green and glorious. If she’s at home in the great outdoors, consider a bee-keeping experience or pick-your-own floristry workshop like this one. If she’s curious about foraging or permaculture, a mushroom growing masterclass is the pick of the crop. Maybe Mum has an eye for beautiful blooms? There are hundreds of floristry classes in Australia that make meaningful gifts for Mum on Christmas.
Celia Fabbri gifted her mum this Floristry Design Workshop for Beginners and said:
“Jemina and her son Jarrod were absolutely wonderful! They made the class so fun and full of energy. Bought it as a present for my mum and we both had the best time. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend it.”
