12 of the most covetable gifts for international Mother’s Day

By Daisy Dawnay

April 27, 2023

From pampering products to engravable jewellery, these are the most meaningful gifts this Mother’s Day on 14 May.

Elemental bath and shower oils

This spoiling set is full of miniature Mandarin Oriental aromatherapy oils. Each has been carefully balanced according to the five Oriental elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Flourish with its blend of coriander and cardamom might aid digestion, whilst Bloom provides a mood-enhancing balance of ylang-ylang, rose and geranium. Add a few drops to the skin before a bath or shower according to your needs.

Rose and violet creams by Charbonnel & Walker in a dish

Charbonnel & Walker rose and violet creams

Madame Charbonnel opened her chocolate shop alongside Mrs Walker in London in 1875, bringing with her the fashionable flavours of Paris. Rose and violet creams were among these, and the oval chocolates topped with crystallised petals remain irresistible to this day. The red box with gold lettering makes a smart present.

Turquoise striped and tasseled slipper by Aquazzura from Shop M.O.

Aquazzura slippers

Handcrafted in Italy, these cotton and satin slippers are the perfect thing to slip into, even if you’re only sauntering around the house. Made by Aquazzura in partnership with Mandarin Oriental, they’re elegant yet playful, with sunshine stripes and colourful tassels that can’t help but make you smile.

The vintage Cartier Lady JC watch from Alex Eagle

Vintage Cartier watch

The greatest gift for a mother is time, and you can spend some together with this classic Cartier watch. The Tank LC (Louis Cartier) has been seen on the world’s most elegant wrists continuously since its creation in 1922. This pretty, vintage model in 18kt gold features a sapphire winder and a painted enamel dial with black Roman numerals.

A selection of phone pouches in various colours from Shop M.O.

Leather phone pouch

There’s no need to lug around a heavy bag on your next mini-break, this colourful pouch with an adjustable strap takes your phone as well as credit cards so that you can go hands-free. It would also make a good present for someone who regularly puts their phone down, only to lose it. Choose from orange, light blue, gold or grey.

Home fragrance warmers sets from Shop M.O.

Home fragrance warmer set

Burn the midnight oils with this wonderfully warming set of fragrances. There are five Asian-inspired aromas to enjoy, each carefully created by the experts at Mandarin Oriental to nurture a sense of love and wellbeing. This gift includes everything your mother will need, including an oil warmer and all five oils.

Loewe basket bag

This handwoven basket will be treasured summer after summer. Whilst it can be used for the beach, the brown leather straps mean it also works in the city, where it can either be thrown over the shoulder or carried in the hand. Customise your gift by adding Loewe’s playful leather charms such as the watermelon mini-pouch.

Peru: The Cookbook by Gastón Acurio

The colourful cover of this cookbook urges you take it off the shelf and open it up. Inside there are classic Peruvian dishes such as quinoa and ceviche, as well as more experimental tastes, such as amaranth and aji amarillo. For mothers who like to cook, this signed copy by celebrity chef Gastón Acurio makes the perfect present.

Missoma engravable locket

Personalise your Mother’s Day present by adding an engraving to the back of this sleek onyx pendant. As well as words worn close to the skin, the locket can be opened up and a small photo of your choice added. Slip the pendant onto a favourite gold chain to offer a truly unique token of your affection.

Bloom candle

Lighting a candle can be a calming ritual in itself, with the soft, warm glow easing away stress. What sets Mandarin Oriental’s Bloom candle apart is the scent. Ylang-ylang, rose, geranium, patchouli and wild chamomile combine blissfully to offer 60 hours of burn time promoting joy and emotional wellbeing.

Globetrotter carry-on case

Globetrotter cases whisk you back to a glamorous bygone age of travel, with their classic brown leather and polished brass detailing. Treat your mother to a marmalade orange carry-on case that’s perfect for shorter breaks. The bag will last a lifetime and can even be personalised with initials.

The jewelry travel case in two colourways by Shop M.O.

Jewellery Travel Case

Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and every other rainbow gemstone require some special attention. Keep all your trinkets and jewels safely stowed while you travel with this smart leather case. There’s even a little pocket on the top lid for gold studs or other particularly delicate jewellery pieces to rest in.

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About the Author

Daisy Dawnay

Daisy Dawnay is the former editor of A Little Bird, a weekly newsletter described by the Guardian as “Vogue meets Radio 4 – online”. She writes for publications including The Financial Times’ How to Spend It, Air Mail and World of Interiors.