She changed your nappies, fed you, clothed you and for years spent way more time on you than she did on herself. She’s your chauffeur, a shoulder to cry on, a nurse, a housekeeper and world’s best sounding board. What can you do to show Mum you appreciate all she does? Sort through our list of creative gift ideas and see if any inspire you!

• Take any piece of work you’ve done – a drawing, a photograph, a poem, or a painting and go to the frame store to have it matted and framed. No matter how old you are, mums love the gifts her children make for her.

• What does your mum do for fun? Does she play a sport, knit, read or bake? Create a gift basket using her hobby as the theme. For example if she plays tennis, give her a new water bottle, a book on new techniques and a pair of socks.

• Buy a blank diary. On each page write a message of thanks for something your mum has done through the years. She can then reread the book to be reminded of how much she is loved and appreciated.

• Chip in with other family members to treat your mum to a day at a spa. Put together some pampering services that best suits your mum.

• Does she have a favourite performer who might be coming to town? Do some research and buy her tickets for an evening out.  
The most thoughtful ideas work best. Just think handmade, luxury or pampering and you can’t go wrong!