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Collage of unique gift ideas for mum

Unique Christmas gifts for Mum

Updated 5th Nov 2024

Of all the people to buy for, you’d think Mum would be the easiest. But with Mother's Day, birthdays and Christmas each year, the older you get the harder it is to think of something original.

To make life easier we’ve pulled together our 17 favourite unique Christmas gift ideas to suit every kind of mum. You’re especially in luck if she happens to be doing Dry Jan, prefers experiences over products or has a sweet tooth.

Our 17 favourite-child-worthy ideas

The list at a glance

Scroll down for details

  1. Virgin Experience Days voucher

  2. Red light face mask

  3. Knife-sharpening voucher

  4. Artisanal chocolate buttons

  5. Non-alcoholic wine case

  6. Weighted blanket

  7. Specialist at-home massage voucher

  8. Glass vase

  9. Apple watch

  10. Babysitting gift card

  11. National Trust membership

  12. Cashmere loungewear set

  13. Virtual cooking class

  14. Personalised photo book

  15. Guided journal

  16. Gourmet loose leaf tea set

  17. Plant subscription box

For Insta-worthy interiors

Glass vase, from £15

For a stylish gift she’ll be proud to display, heading to the homeware section is always a safe bet. You can’t go wrong with something from Oliver Bonas, with on-trend and unique pieces from cushions to candles, vases to tableware.

Take a look at how Mum likes to decorate, and go from there. Our eyes are on the vase collection, with options to suit all styles. Or why not brighten up the darkness of winter with a new table lamp? Find one in her favourite colour or one that suits her current decor.

For the serious foodie

Knife-sharpening voucher, from £65

If she's into cooking, you can safely assume she's already got a knife set to be proud of. But did you know good knives need professional sharpening every one-to-two years? It's one of those chores that can easily fall off the to-do list, so sorting it for her will make a thoughtful gift.

London-based Kitchen Provisions offer sharpening by post for just £46 for three knives, as well as vouchers for in-person tuition. They teach the basics of sharpening with a whetstone, with a discount on any tools she might be inspired to buy afterwards. Intrigued? There are group options too if you want to tag along.

For something you can enjoy together

Virgin Experience Days, from £10

Creating long-lasting memories is like an investment for your relationship, they’re the things you’ll speak about for years to come. Plus, you get something fun out of it too.

What we love about Virgin Experience Days is that there are so many types of unique activities to choose from. You can go all out with a luxurious staycation, a fancy meal at a five-star restaurant or a trip to the theatre. Or keep it fun with a cookery class, flying lessons or – for the brave – a chance to swim with sharks.

For a wellbeing boost

Red light face mask, £303.49

If your mum never has the time to put herself first, she’ll love the gifts from Healf. It’s the hub for all things wellbeing, stocked with some of the best brands to keep her feeling her best. You’ll find everything from supplements to skincare, yoga must-haves and comfy neck pillows to the more obscure products like shower water filters.

If she’s a fan of facials, go all out and bring professional skincare technology home with the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask. Red light therapy is hailed for supporting collagen production, boosting the skin renewal process and reducing redness.

The best stocking filler

Artisanal chocolate buttons, £8.95

If your mum is a real chocolate lover, we’re sure she’ll appreciate this brand in particular. Islands Chocolate is the go-to for Michelin-starred chefs including Tom Kerridge and Phil Howard, as well as baristas like Black Sheep Coffee. 

Their ethically-produced chocolate starts with beans grown in their own farms in St Vincent and partner farms in the Dominican Republic. It’s perfect for the conscious consumer, and someone who loves things that are a bit different.

You could go one step further and use the chocolate to bake her something special from their recipe handbook, and of course mention that it’s Michelin star-worthy.

If she's doing Dry Jan

Non-alcoholic wine, from £33.99

If Mum’s planning to ditch the drink in the New Year, or she is teetotal, show her she doesn’t have to miss out. Wednesday’s Domaine is a unique non-alcoholic wine brand that caught our eye with its funky branding and deliciously-sounding red and white options.

Using de-alcoholised Airen Blanco and Tempranillo wine, Mum can still enjoy the flavours, just without the added tipsiness and a ‘how long do hangovers last?’ headache. Most of the fun of drinking comes from popping the bottle and pouring it into a fancy-looking glass anyway.

Also, here’s a fun fact. While there’s still a trace of alcohol in Wednesday’s Domaine, there’s no more than would be found in a ripe banana or a glass of orange juice.

For help getting to sleep

Weighted blanket, from £139

When life gets stressful, our sleep suffers. And without good sleep, it’s easy to feel more stressed and the cycle continues. So if Mum struggles with drifting off once her head hits the pillow, there’s probably no better gift she’d rather unwrap than the ticket for a good old rest.

Aeyla is a one-of-a-kind brand we love for breaking the stress-sleep cycle. Get Mum to take this quiz to help you both understand the best remedy. Or shop the selection yourself – they have everything from weighted blankets to help hot sleepers keep cool, quality pillows to deal with neck pain and sprays and candles to encourage a sleepy setting.

For new mums, or a mum-to-be

Specialist at-home massage, from £74

Whether your mum has just blessed you with a baby brother or sister, or your friend is soon to become a parent, give them the thoughtful gift of relaxation. With all the changes they’re going through, a slice of calm will be truly appreciated.

Take your pick of our range of Urban pregnancy treatments to best suit her needs, from our prenatal massage, full-body postnatal massage or something more indulgent like the pregnancy glow facial. She can then choose which therapist she prefers and what time she’d like, and then all that’s left is to wait for self-care to knock on the door. 

Know a new mum? Read our detailed gift guide.

To track her next personal best

Apple Watch, from £399

If you've got siblings, this is a great group gift idea. The latest Apple Watch has everything your mum needs to stay on top of her health. With a skin temperature sensor, ovulation cycle tracker, improved compass app for easier navigation around the city and heart rate notifications, it’s a lot more than just a way to track your steps.

It also has a swim-proof casing, automatic crash detection and fitness tracking (from daily runs to long weekend cycles), so she can enjoy her favourite sport with peace of mind.

For the mum with no time

Babysitting gift card, from £30

Every mum needs time to recharge, and giving the gift of childcare can be priceless. With a Bubble babysitting gift card, Mum can book trusted, experienced babysitters for a few hours of peace, whether she’s heading out for a date night, a yoga class, or simply some much-needed alone time.

It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you care about her well-being and understand how valuable a little extra support can be.

For the nature lover

National Trust Membership, from £91.20

Does Mum find peace in the great outdoors? A National Trust membership is the perfect way to make her Christmas special. With access to historic houses, lush gardens, and scenic nature reserves across the UK, she can enjoy serene walks and cultural visits whenever the mood strikes. It’s a gift that encourages relaxation, exploration, and new family traditions.

For a touch of luxury

Cashmere loungewear set, from £190

Give the gift of comfort with a cashmere loungewear set. Perfect for winter days at home, this is a present to wrap Mum up in softness while she reads, unwinds, or enjoys a quiet cup of tea. Brands like The White Company and Chinti & Parker offer a range of stylish, cosy options.

For culinary inspiration

Gordon Ramsay cooking class, from £60

Whether she’s already a pro chef or just loves trying new things, a cooking class at Gordon Ramsey's Academy makes for an exciting and interactive gift.

Sign her up for a session focused on her favourite cuisine — think authentic Italian pasta-making or fragrant Thai dishes. It’s the ideal way to spark creativity in the kitchen, and maybe even score a new recipe for family dinners.

For memory-keepers

Personalised photo book, from £10

If your mum loves reminiscing about special family moments, then a custom photo book is the perfect way to display them. Compile her favourites from recent holidays, family celebrations, or candid everyday moments.

Services like Mixbook and Blurb make it easy to design something personal and meaningful.

For mindful relaxation

Guided journal, from £26

If she enjoys journaling or is after a new self-care practice, a guided journal is an inspiring gift. Choose one with prompts designed for gratitude, reflection, or creative expression. It’s a simple way to encourage her to take time for herself and gain a little mental clarity after the hectic holiday season.

This Papier wellness journal is perfect.

For tea lovers

Fortnum and Mason mini leaf tea set, from £29.50

Tea enthusiasts will appreciate an upgrade from their everyday blends with a gourmet loose-leaf tea set. Curate a collection that includes unique options like Queen Anne, afternoon blend, and smoky earl grey. Pair it with a stylish infuser or an elegant teapot to make it a gift set she’ll love.

For the plant-obsessed

Beards & Daisies subscription, from £30 a month

If she has a green thumb or dreams of one, a plant subscription box will be useful all year round. Each month she’ll receive a new plant with care instructions, perfect for adding life to her indoor space. Companies like Beards and Daisies offer easy to look after options for both beginners and seasoned growers.

Unique Christmas gifts for Mum: FAQs

For an older mum, why not choose a thoughtful gift that either makes them comfortable, or makes memories? An afternoon tea experience, or a custom DIY hamper with her favourite treats, can make a wonderful present. For an even more unique angle, you could consider a massage treatment

Perfume can be a lovely Christmas gift for mum, especially if you choose a scent that suits her personality. Choose a fragrance that feels personal, whether it’s her long-time favourite or a new, carefully chosen scent. Pairing it with a beautifully wrapped box adds an extra special touch. 

For mums who have everything, you can take more of a meaningful angle. Try a personalised gift like engraved jewellery, a memorable experience day, or a wellness treat such as a luxury spa voucher. Thoughtful options like a premium subscription box or a bespoke photo book also add a personal touch. 

Consider unique gifts that create lasting memories. An Urban massage or wellness treatment at home offers relaxation without leaving the house. A cooking class, wine-tasting experience, or theatre tickets also make memorable gifts. These thoughtful experiences let her enjoy quality time or indulge in well-deserved self-care.

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