Including a 'Parenting The Sh*t Out Of Life' guidebook...
Though it’s obviously Father Christmas that’s the figurehead of the festive season, let’s not forget about the millions of ‘Mother Christmases’ putting in the ground work so all is merry and bright. Because, let’s face it, they’re usually the ones making sure the presents are wrapped, the turkey’s basted, the Bailey’s is on tap, and everyone else is having a wonderful time. Frankly, they deserve to be spoiled.
Here’s a handful of gifts sure to put a smile on their weary faces come Christmas morning. (Head’s up: These suggestions are especially well-suited to those sleep-deprived, time-starved ladies heading towards their first Xmas as a mum).
Mother Like No Other sweater
Recognise the mum in your life that’s doing things her own unique way with this fun sweater, which is guaranteed make her feel brighter, even on the hardest of parenting days. Super soft and in a practical-yet-pretty heather grey shade, it’s just one of many mumming-related slogan tees, jumpers and bags available from this ace independent retailer.
£28.99, Mother Like No Other
Space Masks
What’s the one thing that every single mum on the planet wishes they could have more of? Sleep. So with these incredibly clever self-heating relaxation aids, you’re essentially giving her the best gift of all. Each pack contains five beautifully-scented eye masks that provide soothing relief to tired eyes and help you drift away for 15 minutes of utter indulgence. Ahhhhh…
£15 for five, Space Masks
Refuge Nightsky Flannel Pyjama Set
Then on the subject of bedtime: the husband’s scratty old t-shirt and Primark PJ bottoms might be comfy, but they’re not exactly decadent-feeling. These pretty pyjamas are super cosy and, for each set sold, hush will donate £52 to Refuge – that’s the equivalent of one night in a refuge for a woman and her children, which means that they’ll be at least three people who will benefit from your generosity, rather than just the one.
£60, hush
An afternoon at barn//it
There’s nothing more luxurious to a new mum (or, let’s face it, almost any mum) than a few hours away from the baby. The cocktail bar/nail salon on the first floor of barn//it is the perfect place to while away a child-free afternoon, or, if you know she’s in the market for a new ‘do, there’s also a hair salon downstairs. Or maybe just book her in for both – she’s worth it.
Treatments start from £10, barn//it
‘Parenting The Sh*t Out Of Life’ by Mother Pukka and Papa Pukka
Mother Pukka (aka Anna Whitehouse) has become quite the Instagram phenomenon thanks to her straight-talking style and her motherhood-championing campaigns. Less ‘advice manual’ and more ‘musings from the frontline’, this hilarious book – penned in collaboration with her husband Matt – charts the ups and downs of family life, the challenges of trying to conceive a sibling for their first-born, and the struggle of being “less than perfect parents”.
£11.89, Amazon
‘Mutha Hustler’ pin
Every day, she hustlin’… Trying to get the weekly food shop done online while also cleaning the bathroom at the same time as supervising a toddler who’s overly interested in biros – the juggle is real when you’re a mum. She can stick this pin on her denim jacket as a daily reminder that she’s killing it (even when she feels like she’s not).
£6.00, Muthahood
Membership to ‘The Mothership’
If you know a mama who’s looking to make some life changes and take on new challenges in 2018, then this one might well be for you. The Mothership is an online members club designed for working mums who want to “skill swap, problem solve and share ideas”. Launching in January, this Manchester-made hub is set to be a space where women can go for inspiration and stimulation, all from the comfort of their sofa.
£15 per month, Guilty Mothers Club
‘Mama’s Got Your Back’ print
Show her you’ve got her back by recognising how fiercely she loves her little one… This lovely, colourful print celebrates that protective, ‘mother tiger’ bond we have with our babies, and, thanks to the graphic, grown-up print, it’d look good in just about any room of the house.
£7, Woody & Florence
Yesmum cards
These fabulous cards are billed as “tiny fist-pumps for amazing mums” – and that’s exactly what they are. She can draw one from the pack whenever she’s feeling low or in need of a pep talk (there’s one card for every day of the month), and she’ll receive a positive affirmation designed to help her instantly feel better and more capable.
£10.50, London Hypnobirthing
Elwood Backpack Goth Floral
Tiba & Marl have become the cult nappy bag brand over the last couple of years. Just like every other bag in their fab range, this stylish backpack is both fashionable and practical thanks to the wipe clean lining and multiple pockets squirreled away behind the gorgeous flower print. Plus sling the padded straps over your shoulders and you’re hands-free, which definitely makes baby wrangling a lot easier.
£120, Our Kid
