I don't think I just speak for myself when I say there are a lot of special women in my life. They are all around us - mothers, aunties, sisters, grandmothers, neighbours, strong female role models… and how can I forget the mother of us all - Mother Nature!
Mother's Day is coming up on sunday May 9, so it's time to get thinking about how to make sure our mothers and our grandmothers, etc. feel appreciated! And don't stop at your mother - Mother nature has been working hard all year providing us with food to eat and air to breathe. We can thank her by always living with the earth in mind, fighting the climate crisis and practicing gratitude whenever we can.
No matter how little or big you celebrate it, there are many things you can do (or say/make/buy) for the special women in our lives to let them know we couldn't live without 'em!
Avoid cut flowers: give a pot plant instead!
While it's a traditional gift for mothers around the world, a bouquet of flowers isn't exactly a planet-friendly option.
According to Alternet, "The cut-flower industry is a short-cycle production process that requires the extensive use of agrochemicals which have a negative effect on the air, soil and water supply." Sadly, flowers are just as much a commodity as any other crop, and their non-food status means that farmers can use significantly more pesticides on their plants than edible crops, meaning that more chemicals end up in the soil, air and water.
A great alternative to florist flowers is a potted display of affection, such as a delicate orchid for mum's workspace, or a thriving tub of herbs for her windowsill. A growing gift won't just be kinder on the planet, but will also be a reminder of your love for many months to come!
This DIY herb garden is what your kitchen is missing!
How indoor plants can help to purify the air
Make her something to soothe her soul (and her body!)
DIY gifts tend to carry a bit of stigma (maybe it's those piles of ice cream sticks and craft glue that we presented to our mums when we were kids as "gifts"), but a well-executed homemade gift from the heart can be a great way to let your special women know that you want them to feel pampered.
Give the gift of relaxation with these 15-minute facials that you can make from items in your kitchen, or surprise a lucky lady with these DIY bath bombs to help them relax after the stress of a long week.
For something thoughtful to surprise Mum with on Sunday morning, try one of these great homemade gifts for a packaging-free and all-natural alternative to store-bought items:
Homemade Citrus and Green Tea Body Scrub
Craft a delicious surprise for your favourite woman (or women!)
The women in my life all love to cook, and are big fans of homemade edible delights.
Basically anything that can be stored and eaten can go in a jar and become a beautiful gift. Check out our recipes for homemade pickled onions , homemade superfood balls, preserved cherries, preserved mangos, DIY raw hazelnut spread, just to name a few! Give this 10-Minute Chocolate Peanut Butter that will create weeks of breakfast happiness!
For an extra special someone, put together a mini hamper of your best goodies (along with some fresh bread from your local bakery or farmers' market) and take the recipient out to the park for a picnic lunch.
Treat her to something from our LoveEarth Marketplace
Check it out here!
We've gathered a whole bunch of amazing brands, community groups and charities who care about the planet and are committed to doing good! Have a look for gift ideas on there or if you know she'd prefer to pick something out, We also have LoveEarth Marketplace Gift Cards. They are the perfect gift that supports critical climate action and gives someone who cares deeply about our planet the chance to indulge.
Feel Good Ink have a range of Mother's day cards which are 100% digital so there is no waste involved (huge!) Each card includes a $2 donation to a charity of your choice, including 1 Million Women. By partnering with charities with incredible causes and adding on donations, they transformed the humble card into a vehicle for change. You can send your card instantly or schedule it in to send to anyone, anywhere, anytime - how cool is that?
Give her your time instead of a gift
Making time to catch up with mum over a cup of coffee or a fancy picnic is a great way to let her know how much you appreciate everything that she's done for you. In our increasingly busy lives, dedicating an afternoon to her will serve as a reminder that you're never too busy for the people that you love.
Make it a group occasion by getting together for a ladies' morning tea!
Say "thank you"
When was the last time you thanked the women in your life for all the things they've done for you?
You could get them all the presents in the world, but nothing quite matches the gift of sincere gratitude. Whatever you do, make sure that this Mother's Day you say "thanks".
Now, excuse me while I go and call my mum.
Images: Shutterstock