Make Mother’s Day!

Shower your mum, Mother Nature and Mother Earth with love to make Mother’s Day extra special!

Here are some suggestions for an eco-twist on traditional gift ideas, or why not go for something unique to the beautiful area we live in.

It’s no surprise that flowers, chocolates and toiletries are always popular choices for Mother’s Day, but they often come with a hefty carbon footprint, are over-packaged and of course don’t last very long.

Buy local or Fairtrade

Source seasonal options, choose an experience you can enjoy together, support a charity or make something for your mum. There are lots of ways to say “Thanks Mum, I Love You” which Mother Earth will love you for too!

Aside from the present itself, ensure cards and gift-wrap are FSC-certified and can be recycled, or better still make your own. A colourful headscarf from the charity shop or a square of fabric tied with ribbon from Tracey’s Sewing Room or Putty Cakes is a wonderful finishing touch to wrapping and can be reused, repurposed or worn.. They make wonderful finishing touches to wrapping and can be reused, repurposed or worn.

Forever Flowers

A bouquet is a lovely way to tell your mum she is blooming marvellous, but wildflower seeds, bulbs, indoor or outdoor plants and herbs are all great longer-lasting “grow your own” alternatives. If your mum loves being outdoors gift her a visit to a flower show or sculpture garden, pack up a picnic and go for a walk together, or make a bug hotel or bird feeder for her garden.

For seasonal British grown blooms visit Kingfisher Flower Shop in Abinger Hammer or head to PlantPassion’s flower farm in the Surrey Hills which also offers workshops and “pick your own” experiences. 

Why not branch out and plant a tree in your mum’s garden or sign up for a carbon offset subscription where trees will be planted for you?

Family portrait, plant and gardening in a park with trees in nature environment, agriculture or garden. Happy volunteer woman and child planting for growth, ecology and sustainability of community.

If toiletries are more her thing, there are lots of planet-friendly natural options to be found in Dorking’s array of shops. You can buy a selection of smellies and make your mum a pamper hamper. Add something tasty with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of local fizz or gin to create an at-home spa experience. Or buy a voucher from the Mayflower Spa in West Street for a really lovely spa treat.

For delicious food gifts, look no further than the amazing artisan producers in and around Dorking and the Surrey Hills. Local farm shops, markets and Dorking’s very own Foodfloat offer a great selection of local produce, or you can of course bake a cake, cook a meal at home or take your mum out for a special brunch, lunch or dinner in one of Dorking’s fabulous coffee shops, bars, cafes or restaurants.There are so many gorgeous gifts to spoil your mum with that won’t spoil the planet.

Whilst it’s lovely to give and receive gifts, their monetary value is not the most important thing. Spending time together, rather than spending money, is often appreciated and valued more. Whatever you choose for Mother’s Day, knowing the thought and effort which has gone in to choosing it will make your mum’s day.