“A mother’s love is evergreen” – 5 eco-friendly gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

Katie Preedy shares five eco- and budget-friendly gift ideas for Mother’s Day - from handmade crafts to days out in nature and beyond.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday 30th March), and it seems like shops both on the high street and online are fit to burst with the variety of gifts on offer! It’s amazing (if a little overwhelming) to have so many options available to treat the person you call “Mum” to. So, which one should you get?

Unfortunately, a large proportion of these gifts are manufactured and/or shipped in ways that are harmful to the environment, with many falling into expensive price brackets. Not to worry - below are five Mother’s Day gift ideas that will make mum, the planet, and your purse smile.

A hand holding out a yellow flower as a gift for Mother’s Day. Photo Credit: Lina Trochez, Unsplash

Here are five green, fun, and budget-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas to get you started:

1. Get your craft on with a homemade gift

Remember how you used to make cards and treats for Mother’s Day and other special occasions in school? Well, this idea is all about reigniting that creative fuse and unleashing your inner (or not so inner) crafter/maker to conjure up something truly unique for Mum.

As a starting point, you could try making:

●       a hand-made frame with a photograph, drawing, or painting of you and your mum together

●      an upcycled item, such as clothing, accessories, furnishings, or decorations. Think wall hangings, cushion covers, a hand-mosaiced coffee table…

●      hand-crafted jewellery, like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets

●      homemade sweet treats, such as her favourite cake or chocolates, or smellies like soaps, candles, and bath bombs

Where possible, use items or ingredients you already own, or purchase the bits you need from ethical and environmentally-friendly local businesses.

Not especially crafty? Ask a friend or relative with a more creative eye to lend you a helping hand. Or, consider the next idea…

2. Check out the presents provided by local businesses

Got a friend who makes jewellery for a living? Or know an independently-run flower shop in your nearby town? If not, all it takes is a quick online search to find local, eco-friendly, independent businesses that are selling beautiful items for Mother’s Day.

This is not only a great way of finding something for Mum that (most likely) no-one else will have thought of, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses – which is becoming increasingly important as the number of these in the UK declines.

Not sure what Mum will like the most from your chosen shop? Ask the shopkeeper if they offer gift vouchers that she can spend there on whatever she likes.

If your mum’s not a fan of material gifts, the next three ideas should help!

Take mum for a walk among nature for Mother’s Day. Photo credit: Jon Flobrant, Unsplash

3. Spend the day in mother nature

If your mum is typically one to answer the question “Is there anything you’d like for Mother’s Day?” with “No thank you, I don’t want anything,” then a day out in nature is a great “giftless gift” option.

Spending time among nature – whether that’s a nature reserve, arboretum, woodland, or similar – has consistently been found to have a positive impact on mental health, making it the perfect escape for mums in today’s super-busy world. It’ll also give you both the opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and - perhaps most importantly - make some time for each other, which is also essential for good mental health.

Plus, you’ll be giving something back to the planet by financially supporting those who work to maintain and enhance the area you’re visiting. Be sure to travel there in an environmentally friendly way too, such as walking, a bike ride, or via public transport. This will give you some extra time to spend together as well!

If you’re mum would like something a bit more interactive instead, try this next suggestion…

4. Book Mum on to an experience day

There are few greater gifts in life than experience, and the number of options out there for affordable, environmentally friendly, and memorable adventures are boundless.

Just a few options you could consider are:

●       a “make your own” experience, such as pottery, woodwork, or sewing (as a bonus, Mum will be able to keep what she makes as a memento)

●      a cooking class for her favourite cuisine, or one she’s been meaning to try

●      an out-of-the-box sport or activity, such as archery, water sports, or even bungee jumping!

●      something that will directly and positively impact the environment, such as treewilding or bee keeping

●      an animal feeding experience at your nearest nature reserve (just be sure to check that the organisation is sustainable and evidence their animal welfare practices)

On the subject of animals, we’ve reached the fifth and final Mother’s Day gift idea!

5. Adopt or sponsor Mum’s favourite animal

Animal adoptions and sponsorships – from elephants to penguins to whales to chimpanzees – are a wonderful way to support the world’s wildlife and the planet at the same time as gifting your mum something special for Mother’s Day.

The money you spend (there are often different options depending on your budget) will go towards making sure your chosen sponsored animal will receive the care it needs to thrive. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, as your mum will be sent updates on her adopted animal throughout the year. Plus, if you choose one from a local reserve, your mum might even be able to go and visit them!

Some great options to look into as a starting point are Fahlo, WWF, the UK Wild Otter Trust, and Wildlife Trusts.

A gentle reminder

Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for many people, including those who have lost or never known their mother, those who are unable to be mothers that want to be, mothers who have lost children, and those who have a difficult relationship with their mother or children.

If you know anyone who might be struggling this Mother’s Day, be sure to reach out to them to see if there’s anything they need.

Hopefully the above ideas have inspired your gift-finding journey for Mother’s Day.

Got any other suggestions that are great for Mum, the planet, and your pocket? Be sure to share them in the comments section below!

About the Author: Katie Preedy currently works as a content creator for a UK renewable energy company, combining her passion for writing with a desire for a happier, healthier planet. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, amateur dramatics, and sewing (including upcycling!).