Janet Gordon is married, retired, obsessed with her Westlake Terrier, Rollo – and books are her passion. She reads multiple books a week across all genres and reviews them for Rest Less.
In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, Janet has handpicked and reviewed a selection of gifts.
Note: Prices can change often, so you may notice some variations on the providers’ websites. Prices and availability are accurate as of the 18th of March, 2025.
Just to remind you, Mother’s Day is on Sunday 30th March 2025. It’s a bittersweet day for many of us. I lost my mum back in 2006 at the age of 80; she had dementia and I’m just thankful that she went downhill very quickly. Quite regularly, she’d do a disappearing act and we spent a great deal of time driving around North London hoping we’d find her. We’d taken her car away from her so she was forced to get the bus. This is such a terrible part of the illness, and so frightening for all concerned.
So I don’t have anyone to buy a Mother’s Day card and present for, but since I consider myself the mother of my dog, Rollo, I’m sure he’ll dig deep into his bone box to get me a little something! My son and grandchildren normally produce a handwritten card for me and we always have Sunday lunch at theirs.
It’ll come as no surprise that I’ve found some super reads that would make welcome gifts this year. And I’ve also discovered a few other lovely ideas, perfect for mums and grandmums everywhere…
Same Time Next Week by Mille Johnson (Kindle £11.99, Amazon £9, Simon & Schuster UK £16.99)
Why not buy your mum Same Time Next Week by Millie Johnson? Johnson is such a fantastic author – her wonderful books read as if you’re having a chat with good friends.
Here, we meet a group of friends who get together once a week. Amanda is a carer for her elderly mother and works for a male-dominated company. Mel has been married to Steve for over 30 years – until he goes to a school reunion. Erin’s had a traumatic loss, whilst Astrid needs a new challenge. Meanwhile, Sky patches up not only well-loved teddy bears, but their owners’ hearts, too. It’s during their regular meetings at their new favourite café that the magic happens.
Moving On by Roisin Meaney (Kindle £8.99, Amazon £9.99, Sphere £15.99)
Or, you could go for Moving On by Roisin Meaney, who’s a very talented Irish author. I’ve read and loved all her novels.
Ellen works in my favourite type of shop – yes, of course it’s a bookshop! It’s here that she meets the new manager, Ben. But as in all good love stories, Ben is set to go travelling and Ellen moves to London where she meets Leo. He’s a beautifully groomed and caring banker who’s everything Ellen always thought she wanted. But, somehow, Ben is always in her heart. Do they get together? Is there a happy ending? You’ll have to wait and see…
The Samsung Smartphone That Just Feels Right.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Easology, is a sophisticated yet more comfortable smartphone. Perfect for those who want the best tech without hassle!
Enjoy intuitive navigation, uncomplicated information presentation, as well as large fonts, icons and pressing areas. This smartphone has lightning-fast 5G connectivity and impressive specifications, yet feels just right.
Guess candle
Don’t want to buy a book for your mum? How about a candle? Guess have produced the most gorgeous candles which come wrapped up in a black box inside a velvet pouch. They smell heavenly. While they aren’t the cheapest of candles, you can certainly make them last.
Monarchs’ crackers
If your mum is diabetic, or just looking for a healthy snack option, I’ve discovered the perfect savoury treat. My husband is diabetic, as is my cousin who lives just one street away and was blue-lighted to hospital last week after a heart attack. Thankfully, they’re back at home now having had two stents fitted.
Both my husband and cousin love cake (well, who doesn’t?), and these cheese crackers make a good alternative as they’re not only diabetic-friendly, but also gluten-free, high in protein, low in carbs, and contain no artificial ingredients.
Monarchs’ Pure Cheese Crackers are so crunchy, moreish, and good for you, that I’ve decided not to buy cake ever again! It’s difficult to choose which flavour is tastiest, so you might like to try their best-selling selection box (produced in Wales) to try a variety.
Rest Less members can save 15% on their order using the discount code RESTLESS.
Socks
I know we’re putting winter behind us, but my feet are always cold so socks are something I love receiving. If you cast your mind back to past holidays, there was always time for browsing the Sock Shop outlets at the airport.
Sadly, there aren’t as many Sock Shop shops (try saying that after a Mother’s Day drink!) about anymore, so your best bet is to browse online. The range of socks is enormous and they sell the most gorgeous and comfortable bamboo socks.
I also love Heat Holders’ ‘Best Mum Ever’ socks which may just make the perfect gift.
Ark Skincare
Let’s move up the body from the feet to the face – and what mum doesn’t like a gift of skincare? Ark Skincare’s Age Defy range is formulated for the over 50s and would certainly fit the bill. Products are formulated to combat the signs of hormone loss, such as skin dullness, dryness, uneven tone, and loss of elasticity. They’re crammed with intensive collagen-boosting and skin-brightening ingredients to help repair mature skin.
The Age Defy range was initially developed for professional use in salons, however, all products are now available online and there are special offers running for Mother’s Day. Their products aren’t just confined to your face – I tried out the Body Beautiful Conditioning Body Serum and my skin is positively glowing.
The Samsung Smartphone That Just Feels Right.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Easology, is a sophisticated yet more comfortable smartphone. Perfect for those who want the best tech without hassle!
Enjoy intuitive navigation, uncomplicated information presentation, as well as large fonts, icons and pressing areas. This smartphone has lightning-fast 5G connectivity and impressive specifications, yet feels just right.
Gaia Skincare
If you’d like to splash out a little more, you might like to treat your mum to the Gaia Skincare Crystal range. I tried out the Crystal Cleansing Oil and the Crystal Purifying Toner. Packed with gentle ingredients that are perfect for sensitive skin, products are hydrating and aim to provide a radiant and healthy complexion.
I also loved the Crystal Everglow Serum which is infused with rose quartz crystal and has hints of hibiscus. If you opt for a gift set, it comes with a Jade gua sha stone. This is a traditional Chinese tool that you stroke gently over your face. It felt quite odd but was definitely cooling and relaxing – it aims to soothe and reduce puffiness in the skin. You could happily do this whilst watching television. The set comes beautifully packaged in a giant box (which I’m sure you’ll find dozens of uses for afterwards!).
For further inspiration, head over to the gifts and products and books, literature, and writing sections of our website.
Are you planning to use any of these gift ideas? What have you purchased this Mother’s Day? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!