If you’re lucky enough to be living with your mum during lockdown, be sure to give her a big hug on Mothering Sunday, as the pandemic has taught us how precious those are.
However, if, like most of us, you are living apart from your mum for yet another Mother’s Day, you might need to get creative to ensure she has a special day. Here are a dozen ideas for starters.
1. Go for a socially-distanced walk
If you live close enough to each other you could always arrange a socially distanced stroll on Mothering Sunday - there’s nothing like a leisurely walk around Lydiard Park, Coate Water, Stanton Park or takeaway coffee at the Town Gardens café.
2. Say it with flowers
Letterbox deliveries have stepped up in recent years, and you can get the most gorgeous blooms in the post. Send mum a bunch of her favourite buds to brighten up her day – independent Swindon florists include purple-orchid.co.uk, georgelesleyflowers.co.uk, theguelder-rose.co.uk and rosyleaflorist.com.
3. Write her a letter
Keep the art of letter writing alive by penning a heartfelt message to your mother. We may think lots of wonderful things about our loved ones, but how often do we actually tell them?
4. Host a virtual movie night
If you’ve got that one chick flick that you always watch together, or you’ve both been meaning to watch something new, why not do it on Mother's Day? Best of all try 'Teleparty', a Chrome extension that allows you to sync up your Netflix stream remotely and also gives you a chat room to type in while you watch.
5. Fabulous fizz
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a glass or two of champagne. Old Town’s ace wine shop Magnum is open for business Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm and is also taking orders for delivery in Swindon.
6. Bake a cake together
Send the ingredients in the post so that on Mother’s Day you are both set to make Mary Berry proud. You can link up on Zoom and sync up your steps to bake something beautiful together.
7. Arrange a spa day
A UK spa trip is off the agenda right now, but that doesn’t have to bring a halt to a pamper day. Gather up must-have products for an at-home spa session and send them to your mum so she can totally chill on Mother’s Day. A Jo Malone bath oil or body lotion would be a luxurious touch.
8. Send her a fancy dinner
Bring that restaurant experience to mum with a gourmet meal delivery. Among the many restaurants that will be open for Mother’s Day business (takeaway and in some cases delivery) are Los Gatos (12.00 - 22.00), Helen Browning’s Royal Oak (lunch and dinner), The Biplob (17.00 – 22.00), Fratello’s (12.00 - 22.00), Greek Olive (14.00 - 20.00) and The Jewel in the Crown, (12.00 - 14.00 and 17.00 - 22.00).
9. Share your favourite photographs
Collate all of your happiest memories and put them together as a thoughtful gift. Or book a post-lockdown session at one of Swindon’s professional photographers like ferrisphotographics.co.uk, trphotography.co.uk or insight-photos.com.
10. Get crafty
There’s nothing quite like a handmade gift, and we’re sure your beloved mother would agree. From a macramé plant hanger to a clay jewellery dish, get creative!
11. Afternoon tea at home
Chiseldon House Hotel are offering a divine Afternoon Tea at Home box that you can collect between 11am and 2pm on Mother’s Day for only £20pp - chiseldonhouse.com.
12. Order mum a gift online from Swindon’s funkiest boutique
Kapada Vintage is Swindon’s go-to destination for vintage clothes but also has a wider range of gift ideas. Check out their funky Desert Palm Pyjamas at £38, a Midnight Meadow Candle at £12, a Labradorite Crystal Necklace at £18, or a Coffee and Orange Body Scrub at £16. See kapadavintage.co.uk for lots more ideas.