*AD – this Mother's Day gifts post is in collaboration with Boots UK, but all thoughts are my own

The last year has been tough on families – whether you've been separated by lockdown, or you've been trapped under the same roof. It's been a stressful time for everyone, but it's also made those family bonds stronger than ever. So many people won't get to hug their mum this Mother's Day and may have to celebrate virtually, which is why I think it's more important than ever to really make the effort to spoil our mums.

Normally travelling on the other side of the globe, my mum and I are used to being separated by thousands of miles for celebrations – we've mastered the art of the video chat! But one great thing to have come out of the pandemic, is that we've spent lockdown under the same roof. For someone who has spent most of the last six years travelling and living abroad, spending so much quality time with my parents is a real luxury.

Ideas for celebrating Mother's Day in lockdown

If you're struggling for ways to celebrate Mother's Day this weekend, I've got some great ideas for how you can spoil that special lady in your life. While lockdown may be a rather uninspiring time – it doesn't have to take all the fun out of the day! It just takes a little extra creativity to make your mum feel extra special with the perfect choice of Mother's Day gifts. Remember – it's not about spending a fortune – it's about choosing thoughtful gifts that really show them you care.

Whenever I'm in the UK, my mum and I love to plan a spa day but sadly due to lockdown, that hasn't been possible for a long time. But who says you have to go to a spa to pamper yourself? This Mother's Day we're planning to have an at-home spa day – it will be the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. I'm thinking scented candles, face masks, body scrubs and hair treatments, maybe even a glass of bubbles! Remember – even if you don't get to spend Mother's Day with your mum, there's no reason you can't have a virtual spa day or take your favourite activity online. You could send your mum a hamper of goodies to treat herself with and catch up over a video call and a cuppa.

Or, if your mum doesn't fancy a spa day – what about:

  • Share an afternoon tea – lots of tea and cake
  • A surprise meal of all her favourite things – or order her favourite takeaway!
  • Plan an activity – maybe a walk to her favourite place, or a fun, creative virtual class

Mother's Day, Absolutely Lucy and her mum in matching green jumpers and jeans on bed with flowers and mother's day gifts of love hamper. Mother's Day Gifts guide

Inspiration for lockdown Mother's Day gifts

Remember – Mother's Day is this Sunday so don't forget to pick up your Mother's Day gifts, or order something online! If you're struggling for inspiration, I've got you. Choose the best gifts of love for Mum and spoil her with that signature scent, luxury treats that won't break the bank or the perfect gift to help her unwind.

Pick out the perfect parfum

There's nothing like a hug from mum, as we all know they love to spritz themselves with their favourite fragrance. Why not treat your mum with your Mother's Day gifts and surprise her with a bottle of her favourite bouquet. For my mum, her favourite perfume is Calvin Klein One – so I treated her to a bottle after I clocked she was getting close to the end of her stash. With notes of bergamot, cardamom, fresh pineapple, papaya and jasmine, it's a light scent but one that instantly reminds me of my mum. But if that doesn't sound like the right scent for your mum, why not check out the full range of women's perfume?

Get that glow with Mother's Day skincare

My mum and I love nothing more than a great skincare product and adore an at-home facial. Great skincare products are so accessible these days and even with premium brands it's easy to find great deals on cost-effective gifts. So if you're shopping on a budget, it's still possible to treat your mum to a taste of luxury that suits your wallet. After the last year of stress and worry, it's a real self-care treat that you can give your mum to remind her to look after herself. I treated my mum to Liz Earle's Instant Radiance Collection – it's got everything you need to hydrate and get that healthy glow. Her products are so luxurious and make you feel as though you're really at a spa (even if you're just i n your bathroom at home!)

Mother's Day Gifts from Boots, Gifts of Love hamper with pink flowers

Recreate your favourite spa experience

Nothing says spa like that heavenly combination of scents – so why not recreate that instant relaxation by using scented candles? The Sanctuary and Champneys will always remain some of our favourite brands for bodycare and recreating that spa feeling at home. It's that gorgeous fusion of fragrances that instantly transports you back to the spa. I picked up the Sanctuary Spa Tri-wick Candle to surprise my mum with, so when we have our at-home spa day, we can close our eyes and pretend we're really there.

Boost your bathroom routine with body care

If you're looking to recreate the spa experience at home, why not treat your mother to some luxury body care? Perhaps a body scrub, body oil or a thick body butter to keep her skin super soft and hydrated. After all, we've had months of being locked inside in loungewear but the summer is swiftly approaching. Now is the time to start prepping for that summer glow and to get your skin glowing. You could even treat her to a pedicure – feet always get forgotten but they deserve to feel beautiful too. I picked up Boots Coconut Oil Moisturising Foot Socks for the perfect budget-friendly treat for my mum's feet.

 

Refresh your hair with Mother's Day haircare

After a year of long lockdowns, we're all desperate for a haircut and colour to refresh our roots. Many of us have been on real hair journeys during this time – finally taking the opportunity to let our manes grow untouched. But the longer the locks, the more upkeep they need and when we can't get our split-ends trimmed and tamed, it's important to ensure your hair is staying hydrated. You may be used to your mum's glossy bob or well-maintained cut, but after lockdown we're all looking a little scruffy. Why not give your mum a hair boost with a luxurious hair mask to bring back that shine? We love all-natural products in this house, so I went for Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil intensive hydration hair masque.

Whether you get to spend Mother's Day with your mum this year, or you're being kept apart by lockdown restrictions, I hope this gift guide has given you a little inspiration for some fabulous presents. The best gift you can give is your time – so find a way to be present with your mum this Mother's Day, even if you physically can't be there.

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