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Our 2023 Mother's Day - sustainable gift guide!
Check out which local gifts made our top 10 this year...
You know what they say: "Big things come in small packages" - and this couldn't be truer when it comes to supporting small businesses for Mother's Day. Sure, you could go to the mall and get lost in a sea of generic gift options, but why not show Mom that you put some real thought into her present this year?
Not only are small businesses a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that will knock Mum's socks off, but you'll also be supporting the little guys - and who doesn't love rooting for the underdog? Plus, shopping small can be more environmentally sustainable, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that you're doing your part to save the planet.
So, skip the big-box stores and opt for something a little more personal this year. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite local shop in the process - and then you can be the one saying "I knew them when..."
One of my biggest gripes when purchasing anything online is the amount of plastic that comes with it that is completely unnecessary and it usually goes straight in the rubbish! I think it's sad that we are not in a position as a country to be accountable for our own rubbish. It gets sent offshore to become someone else's problem. So it is important to me, to shop plastic free where possible. As every piece of plastic that exists will continue to exist and that includes recycled plastic.
Hair Oil
So, number 1 on the mum's gift list is our Lusid Smoothing Serum. This serum is lightweight (no heavy oils to weight fine hair down), silicone free (so doesn't give a false shine which dehydrated your hair) and plastic free. Not to mention that it smells divine! Its lasts for ages too as you only need a drop of two. A perfect gift for mum's hair happiness when heading into winter. A self-care give that Mum will thank you for! Although Lusid gift vouchers are a great option to gift mum the hair treats of her choosing! This Smoothing Serum is made by Jen in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Pamper Cap
We are extremely bias - but we love these pamper caps. A real self-care treats that mum will love. These heated thermal cap gives the gift of lush hair and are perfectly paired with Lusid's Deep Conditioning Mask for a real sensory self-care experience at home. Pampercaps are made from cotton flannelette and rice. It is crafted with love by Amanda in Opotiki. Amanda has very limited stock available. I advise you to get these before they sell out. 
Beeswax wraps
We love Honeywraps. These beeswax wraps are reusable, environmentally friendly, sustainable, recyclable and offer a natural alternative to plastic food wrap. Each beeswax wrap is made in New Zealand from certified organic cotton and natural ingredients available in a range of beautiful authentic designs by New Zealand artists. Inspired by nature and have a passion for reducing the amount of single use plastic on the planet, to make a better world for the next generation. This small NZ led business is based in Hamilton and we absolutely love what they do.
For the new mum
We love these cute handmade bibs that are crafted by Sheeran at The Hive, Pirongia using 100% cotton knit on the front and super absorbent cotton toweling on the back. These bibs are perfect for keeping your baby dry even during drooling and dribbling phases. The bibs also come with two adjustable snap domes, making them suitable for infants to toddlers up to 4 years old.
Mama Relax Giftset
This giftset is perfect for an expecting mum. It includes a relaxing Aromatherapy Eye Pillow and a nourishing Belly Bar, and why we love them is that it's free from plastic, palm oil, and cruelty. The products are meticulously handcrafted in New Zealand, and the company takes pride in creating stunning bespoke packaging that will leave you in awe. The giftset is elegantly presented in a hinged lid rectangular kraft gift box, nestled into tissue and finished with a boutique Anoint wax seal and fabric stitched label on the lid. To make it even more special, you can add a personal touch by leaving a custom message at checkout, and they will include it on a complimentary gift card.
Handmade Polmer Clay Earrings to spoil mum with something new to wear
Personally crafted by Siera, these Polmer Clay Earrings are constructed with polymer clay, complemented by hand-painted features, and secured with hypoallergenic stainless-steel findings, which make them ideal for those with sensitive skin providing a playful way to gift someone with everlasting blooms, particularly for mums. What we love about them is that these beautiful floral earrings not only benefit the environment, but they also support the Mental Health Foundation, as 20% of the profits are donated to the cause.
For mum to unwind and relax with a Goddess candle
We love this goddess soy candle! blended with essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and lemongrass! It's just so satisfyingly to light a candle and to be able to relax and enjoy the aromas. Why not run a bath, pour some bubbles and light a candle to give the mum the gift of "me" time. This candle is made by The Remarkable Candle Company based in Alexandra.
Handmade Ceramics to embellish the home.
Nadine's eco-friendly handmade ceramics are not just beautiful, but also sustainable. With recycled and foraged materials, and eco-friendly packaging, your mum will love both the art and the ethos behind it. Handcrafted with love in Warkworth.
For the sensitive skin mum
Give your mother the gift of care this Mother's Day with these eco-friendly laundry powder, handcrafted with love and packaged in a special bundle with Haven and Co. Let's show our appreciation for all the love and sacrifices our mothers have made for us by choosing a thoughtful and sustainable gift.
A personalised tumbler
Hydrate mum with a personalised stainless-steel tumbler - keeps your beverage hot or warm for longer hours, or your refreshment cold effectively. Although we don't love that this comes with a bpa free lid, but we do love that you can show mum you care by designing something special to remind her of you. Made with love in Auckland by Mytrendlise. Go check them out an get your orders in early to give you plenty of time for your delivery for Mother's Day.
In conclusion, whether you prefer material gifts or non-material gifts, there are many ways to make Mother's Day special and meaningful for your mum. If you're looking for a unique and environmentally sustainable gift, the ten gift ideas mentioned above can be a great way to support small businesses while also showing your mum how much you care. However, if you're not a fan of giving material gifts, there are still plenty of thoughtful and meaningful gestures that can demonstrate your love and appreciation. Spending quality time together, cooking or baking something special, writing a heartfelt letter, giving the gift of service, or planning a fun outing are all great alternatives to material gifts. At the end of the day, what matters most is expressing your love and gratitude in a way that is authentic and meaningful to both you and your mum.