COST OF LIVING CONTINUES TO RISE AS AUSTRALIANS FEEL THE PINCH

Mother’s Day has quietly evolved. It’s no longer about last-minute flowers or safe department store buys. Instead, there’s a noticeable shift towards gifts that feel considered, personal and, increasingly, lasting. 

This year’s edit leans into that idea, bringing together pieces that balance design, purpose and a sense of story. 

At the more elevated end of beauty, Australian-founded skincare label  Bon Elliot offers a future-facing approach grounded in dermatology.  

Its Hydrating Performance Serum, priced at $220, is designed to support the skin’s natural balance, working across the microbiome, barrier and repair response for a more refined, luminous finish. 

It’s the kind of gift that feels indulgent, but also quietly practical. 

For something less expected, there’s a playful turn in the form of Tinned Candle’s handcrafted pieces.  

Inspired by tinned fish, the Atlanta-based studio has created candles that are as much design objects as they are functional.  

Importantly, they smell nothing like sardines, leaning instead into ocean breeze or champagne notes, depending on the piece . It’s a small, clever way to bring personality into a space. 

There’s also a growing appetite for gifts that give something back.  

Coral adoption programs  offer a more meaningful alternative, allowing you to adopt a coral in your mother’s name while supporting fragile marine ecosystems under threat from climate change.  

It’s less about the object and more about the gesture, which, in many ways, feels more aligned with the moment. 

Homewares continue to hold their place, particularly when craftsmanship is at the centre. 

Tanora’s collection, handcrafted in Madagascar, blends traditional techniques with a modern coastal aesthetic, spanning everything from woven totes to placemats and cushions.  

These are pieces that don’t just decorate a home, they add texture and narrative to it. 

For something more personal, Australian lingerie label  Cloud Blvd  offers soft, wearable luxury in the form of robes and camisoles. 

With options designed for comfort as much as elegance, they strike that rare balance between everyday use and quiet indulgence. 

And for the mother who loves to host,  Mesa Collections delivers a playful yet polished take on the table.  

Think colourful linens, sculptural silverware and small details that turn a simple meal into something more considered. 

What ties all of this together is a shift in mindset.  

The best gifts this Mother’s Day aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most obvious. They’re the ones that show thought, whether that’s through design, craftsmanship or meaning. 

Which, if you think about it, is exactly the point.