
Mother's Day gift guide: The best gifts for every budget
Mother's Day is coming up fast, and if you're still stuck wondering what to get the woman who raised you, don't overthink it. The best gifts aren't always the flashiest or most expensive – they're the ones that say, 'I know you, I appreciate you, and I put real thought into this.'
To make it easier, we've broken down gift ideas by budget- whether you're working with under R300, mid-range spending, or ready to splurge. Take a look…
If you're on a tight budget, you can still make Mom feel special without going generic. A little creativity goes a long way here.
1. A personal touch
Personalised mugs, keyrings, or small keepsakes with her name, a photo, or a sweet message can go a long way. NetFlorist offers local customisation options that are affordable and fast.
2. DIY pamper kit
Put together a small spa bundle with a face mask, bath bomb, and scented candle – easy to find at Clicks, Dis-Chem, or The Body Shop. Wrap it nicely, add a handwritten card, and you've got a gift that looks more expensive than it is.
3. Green gifts
A little potted plant or succulent in a cute pot is low maintenance and adds life to any space. Local stores and garden centres across the country have great options under R250.
4. Words that matter
Never underestimate the power of words. A jar filled with 'reasons I love you' notes, or a heartfelt letter, costs next to nothing but delivers maximum impact.
If you've got a bit more to spend, you can get her something polished, useful, and still personal.
1. Custom photo gifts
Put your memories to work with a high-quality photo book or framed collage. Many online photo shops make it easy to turn digital clutter into something she'll keep forever.
2. Spa or massage voucher
She deserves a break. Book her a massage, facial, or full spa treatment. Many have Mother's Day specials around this time of year.
3. Curated gift boxes
Artisanal boxes packed with gourmet snacks, bath products, and local goodies are a safe and thoughtful choice.
4. Kitchen tools that work
If she enjoys cooking, a quality pan, casserole dish, or even a new baking set from Yuppiechef or @home makes for a gift she'll actually use – without it feeling like a chore.
Ready to pull out all the stops? Here are the gifts that really say 'You deserve it all.'
1. Jewellery that means something
A personalised bracelet with her children's names, a birthstone necklace, or locally made fine jewellery makes a lasting statement.
2. Luxe comfort
A high-quality robe and slippers set from Poetry or Woolworths turns everyday downtime into a mini retreat. Soft, beautiful, and indulgent.
3. A Kindle for the book lover
If she reads a lot – or says she wants to – this is a game-changer. The Kindle Paperwhite is lightweight, glare-free, perfect for an avid reader. Add a voucher for a few books and you've nailed it.
4. Experience over stuff
Sometimes the best gift is time away. A night at a wine estate, a weekend in the Drakensberg, or even a high tea experience can give her what she wants most: a real break.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Eben Etzebeth and wife announce second pregnancy
Congratulations are in order! Anlia and Eben Etzebeth when they were expecting their first child. Picture: Instagram @anliastar Springbok star Eben Etzebeth and his wife Anlia have announced that they are expecting another baby. The pair welcomed their first bundle of joy in January last year. Taking to Instagram on Monday morning, the Etzebeth family shared that they are expecting another baby girl. 'Baby Etzebeth #2 on the way! Can't wait to welcome our little wildflower girl!' Anlia wrote. The announcement was shared by the couple in a joint post on Instagram on Monday morning. They wrote: 'Baby Etzebeth #2 on the way! Can't wait to welcome our little wildflower girl!' ALSO READ: 'Miss Education' star Buntu Petse and husband welcome their newborn Anlia Etzebeth: 'Thank you for making me a mummy' Anlia celebrated her first Mother's Day this year with a sweet post dedicated to her daughter. 'Motherhood – the best thing I'll ever do… Thank you for making me a mummy. Happy Mother's Day! Privileged to have two wonderful mums in my life… thank you for everything,' she wrote. In February this year, Anlia and Eben celebrated their second wedding anniversary. The pair tied the knot on 4 February 2023 at the beautiful La Paris Estate in Franschhoek, in the Western Cape. NOW READ: Thuli Phongolo lives it up in Dubai: 'A dreamy, yummy… funny experience' [PICS]

IOL News
17-05-2025
- IOL News
Celebrating Mother's Day: unexpected joys with my mom-in-law
In her column, Tracy shares experiences and lessons learnt as she navigates life and grows with her two boys. To share your views email Tracy on In her column, Tracy shares experiences and lessons learnt as she navigates life and grows with her two boys. To share your views email Tracy on Image: File Mother's Day was this past Sunday, and it came with its own kind of unexpected beauty. It wasn't the usual kind of celebration – no big family gathering with my mom, no hugs (this was the most difficult part), no time spent in her presence like we're used to – because, sadly, she came down with the flu just days before. Being the ever-thoughtful person she is, she insisted we stay away so the boys wouldn't catch it. Even while she wasn't feeling well, she was more worried about everyone else. That's just who she is. It was strange not seeing her. There's something about being with your mom on Mother's Day that just anchors the whole day. But life happens, and health comes first. Usually we would spend half the day with my mom and half with mom-in-law, but this year we headed over to my mother-in-law's for the day. And honestly? Girl delivered! She went above and beyond to make the most beautiful lunch, packed with all the foods us moms love. It was such a thoughtful gesture – the kind that speaks louder than words. I brought along a pot of akni (because it's basically tradition at this point), and of course, Big Boy's favourite meat. He takes his food very seriously, and I wasn't about to risk showing up without it! The reason I am called mommy, mama Image: Selfie by mom Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Now, let me tell you about Big Boy's reaction to Mother's Day. Let's just say he had questions. Mostly about why he didn't get a gift. He did make me the sweetest card – a real masterpiece complete with a drawing of a braai and the words, 'You I love mom.' My heart melted. I asked him, 'But are you a mother?' to which he confidently replied, 'No, I'm a brother.' Then, after a second of thinking, he hit me with: 'When is Brother's Day? Because I also want gifts.' I couldn't help but laugh. Kids are the best kind of chaos. After the meal, we sat around chatting – and naturally, the past came up. My mother-in-law and I both acknowledged how, just a few years ago, this kind of peaceful, lighthearted day together wouldn't have seemed possible. We've had our rough patches, no denying that. There were times when things felt tense, complicated, maybe even a little hopeless. But here we are now – having grown, healed, and found our way into something that feels steady and real. A mother-and-daughter bond that I honestly never expected to be so strong. Who would have thought we'd come this far? I was a bit sad that I couldn't spend the day with my mom, but my mother-in-law made up for that. Image: Throwback We cleaned up together, did the dishes (a little milestone of its own), and said our goodbyes with genuine warmth. The day already felt full in the best way – but the real gift came after we got home. I was just about to kick into mom-mode again when my husband gently suggested something I didn't even know I needed. He said, 'Why don't you go lie down with baby for a nap? I'll take Big Boy to the park for a bike ride.' I didn't argue. I just smiled (maybe cried a little on the inside) and headed straight for the bed. A peaceful, uninterrupted afternoon nap? On Mother's Day? That is what I call a spoil. Honestly, I think it's what every mom secretly dreams of – a moment of stillness, rest, and quiet. And I got it. So no, this Mother's Day didn't go exactly the way I'd planned. But it surprised me with joy in all the places I didn't expect – through family, healing, laughter, and a really, really good nap. And honestly, that sounds like the perfect way to celebrate motherhood. Weekend Argus


The Citizen
16-05-2025
- The Citizen
Forget flowers – this 70-year-old wants skydiving for Mother's Day
Forget flowers – this 70-year-old wants skydiving for Mother's Day Some moms want flowers for Mother's Day, some moms want chocolates, or a pair of fluffy slippers. Not Margaret Pretorius. This 70-year-old was treated to a tandem skydiving jump for Mother's Day. This thrilling experience marks the third time her son, local businessman Vernon Pretorius, has treated her with a skydiving jump. She also went skydiving on her 50th and 60th birthdays. When asked about future plans, Vernon jokingly said he would likely take her skydiving again when she is 80. Margaret laughed and said, 'If the Lord blesses me for another 10 years, I will be 80 and my son will be 60, and he will definitely take me again.' Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!