A quick Mother's Day gift guide: Suitable picks for 9 different kinds of mums
Meanwhile, if you're still wondering what to gift mum – besides a nice meal or a quick getaway – here are some ideas for different kinds of mothers.
Fans of botanicals
Unconditional Strength (S$268) table arrangement. PHOTO: FRIDAY'S GARDEN/DAWIN HO
When just any bouquet won't do for Mother's Day, try Friday's Garden. Founder Clare Lee's slightly wild, organic floral creations have been described as 'evocative' and 'a quiet celebration of life and beauty' that 'seamlessly fuse practical design with abstract ideas'.
Always and Forever (S$138) hand bouquet. PHOTO: FRIDAY'S GARDEN/DAWIN HO
Herself an adoptive mother, the former creative director and copywriter in the branding industry now unleashes her talent on floral designs for celebs and top brands alike. Opt for Lee's omakase-style hand bouquets and table arrangements which are never identical, or her Mother's Day designs, such as Unconditional Strength (S$138 for hand bouquet, S$268 for table arrangement) and Always and Forever (S$138 for hand bouquet, S$328 for table arrangement).
Branded bag lady
A low-key leather bag from a high-key brand. PHOTO: LOUIS VUITTON
When mum digs her branded bags but still wants to go a little under-the-radar, Louis Vuitton has just the right gift. Its Low Key Cookie MM (S$5,450) is an understated design that still carries the maison's DNA in terms of quality, craftsmanship and heritage. Made from soft calfskin that will develop a refined patina over time, it's accented with aged gold-toned hardware, including a signature padlock. Functional and elegant, the bag also comes with a removable Monogram pouch.
Jewellery-lover
The Serpent Boheme ring, in white gold with aquaprase (S$3,560). PHOTO: BOUCHERON
There are options aplenty for mums who love bling from French luxury jeweller Boucheron. For instance, its Serpent Boheme ring, featuring a pear-shaped stone, is an ultra-feminine classic. Pick from aquaprase in white gold (S$3,560), or rose quartz (S$3,140) or rhodolite garnet in pink gold (S$3,460).
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The iconic Quatre Classique bracelet (S$14,750) in pink and yellow gold with brown PVD coating. PHOTO: BOUCHERON
The Quatre Radiant Edition hoop earrings (S$6,800) in yellow and white gold with diamonds. PHOTO: BOUCHERON
For something more graphic and contemporary, there's the iconic Quatre Classique bracelet (S$14,750) in pink and yellow gold with brown PVD coating and the Quatre Radiant Edition hoop earrings (S$6,800) in yellow and white gold with diamonds.
Hostess-with-the-mostest
Hermes' delightfully sunny Kaorumi porcelain dessert plates (S$340 each) and cake dishes (S$770 each). PHOTO: HERMES
Bring a cheerful touch to mum's table with these delightful Kaorumi porcelain dessert plates (S$340 each) and cake dishes (S$770 each) from Hermes. Japanese artist Ryo Takemasa drew the fruits that appear on each design by using a compass and ruler before composing their delicate colours and textures. The result? Lovely, perfectly symmetrical details which look like a cross between botanical drawings and fruit fantasy. Their colours are so fresh that the sliced kiwi, peeled oranges and pomegranate wedges give 'the aroma and flavour of the fruit' or, in Japanese, 'kaorumi'. Trimmed in a gold fillet, these are happy gifts mum will be proud to put to use.
The crafty (in a good way) mummy
Send mum to pottery class to make a breakfast set (S$140). PHOTO: UN STUDIO
Does mum enjoy working with her hands and is into slow, functional craft? If so, then the gift of a pottery workshop (S$140) at Un Studio makes perfect sense. Beginner-friendly, these sessions focus on creating practical, everyday ware that bring handmade charm into the home.
She could also attend the matcha set workshop (S$140). PHOTO: UN STUDIO
Each two-hour session comes with all necessary materials. There are themed classes such as its bestselling breakfast set (a cup, bowl and plate) and matcha set (two cups, a matcha pourer and snack plate) workshops. The studio takes care of the cleaning, glazing and firing, so participants can simply enjoy the thoughtful, creative process. Plus, it doesn't hurt that there's an ongoing promotion, with a 10 per cent discount for pairs and 15 per cent discount for groups of three or more.
When a little, daily TLC matters
Omno's Solace Ritual trio of body care favourites (S$45 to S$63) are designed to bring calm and comfort before bedtime. PHOTO: OMNO
Singapore-based Omno is a personal care brand rooted in the belief that care is an everyday ritual – and that the best body care should be as thoughtful as what we put on our face. That sounds like the kind of tender loving care that mothers will appreciate.
Omno's body products use gentle yet effective facial-grade ingredients while its formulas are tailored for our humid climate. Get mum the Solace Ritual trio of body care favourites designed to bring calm and comfort before bedtime. These are the gentle, naturally scented Solace Hand & Body Cleanser (S$45), preservative-free, vitamin E-rich Solace Salt & Sugar Body Scrub (S$63) and facial-grade botanical oil-infused Solace Body Lotion (S$56). Gift-wrapping is available.
Seeking a (new) luxe spa experience instead
Mum could do with some new, cutting-edge spa and fitness experiences at Grand Hyatt Singapore's Damai Spa. PHOTO: DAMAI SPA, GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE
Is mum up for some spa pampering? Let her try the new, cutting-edge spa and fitness facilities at Grand Hyatt Singapore's Damai Spa. Its recently launched Mind Body Wellness treatments include The Recovery (S$448++ for 120 minutes) for a restorative blend of heat, ion and light therapy to induce deep rest and revitalisation; The Waves (S$438++ for 120 minutes) which detoxifies, relieves tension and clears the mind using sound frequencies and therapeutic vibrations; and The Awakening (S$218++ for 60 minutes) – a neuro-wellness therapy designed to promote restful sleep and enhance mental clarity.
St Regis Singapore has refreshed and rebranded its award-winning spa. PHOTO: ST REGIS SPA
Alternatively, how does 'a warm, restorative treatment that promotes deep relaxation and soothes tired muscles' sound to her? Said pampering is at the revamped St Regis Spa, previously known as the dreamy, award-winning Remede Spa.
The spa's Mother's Day package (S$265++) includes a 90-minute Himalayan Salt Stone Therapy massage plus other treats. PHOTO: ST REGIS SPA
The luxuriously updated and glamorous premises now sport refreshed interiors and new enhancements. The spa's Mother's Day package (S$265++) includes a 90-minute Himalayan Salt Stone Therapy massage carrying the aforementioned description. Throw in a 30-minute Volcanic Lava Polish (S$150++) for a mineral-rich exfoliation and radiant glow.
The revamped spa has rejuvenated interiors and new enhancements. PHOTO: ST REGIS SPA
Post-treatment, mum can unwind with a flute of chilled lemongrass tea and bring home a box of handcrafted chocolate pralines. A gift of St Regis body oil infused with bergamot, geranium and ylang ylang is also available while stocks last.
Mums keen on the latest longevity skincare
The value proposition of Lancome's Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream (S$270 for 30 ml, S$539 for 60 ml) may be hard to resist. PHOTO: LANCOME
Mothers who follow the latest skincare trends would have heard of PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotides, a skincare ingredient derived from the DNA of salmon sperm cells. Used in medical aesthetic treatments, the substance took off in South Korea and is currently trending because of its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
If mum is averse to invasive options, get her Lancome's newly launched Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream (S$270 for 30 ml, S$539 for 60 ml and S$459 for 60 ml refill). The product contains its patented Absolue PDRN ingredient – which utilises cutting-edge cell renewal technology and DNA extracted from roses – and claims to reduce five years of ageing signs in one month. Does this mean mum will look 10 years younger after two months? We don't know, but we're sure she won't mind giving it a shot.
(Very) busy mummies
The Philips Hairdryer 8000 Series (S$299) is its fastest yet. PHOTO: PHILIPS
Of all the things mum has to do, you can bet she hates spending time blow-drying and styling her hair. Which is why Philips' fastest hairdryer from its new 8000 Series (S$299) is literally a handy gift. Launched this year, the compact device can dry short hair in as little as 45 seconds, shoulder-length hair in two minutes and long hair (30 cm) in three.
Compact and lightweight, the device is easy to handle, store and even travel with. PHOTO: PHILIPS
This is possible because of a motor that delivers airflow speed of 228 km per hour, while being (surprisingly) quieter than expected. The hairdryer comes with four preset options (such as fast or ThermoShield to prevent heat damage), a cold air mode with three speed settings, and a manual selection for both temperature and airflow volume.
The pretty hairdryer in brushed champagne finish is light – weighing just 395 g or about the same as a can of soda – so mum can even take it on her next trip if she likes. Available at https://amzn.to/42UVzxn
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PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO 'I'm not only alone and lonely on set, but this is also the first time I'm the oldest among the cast,' he says in Korean. Emotions ran high when Lee had the opportunity to watch them film their scenes. 'Like an older brother, I felt responsible for them, so I needed to do my best. They did a great job and I felt so proud of them.' Lee Min-ho as Yu Jung-hyeok in Omniscent Reader: The Prophecy. PHOTO: GOLDEN VILLAGE Standing at 1.87m tall worked in Lee's favour, as he needed to 'look cool and strong' on-screen . But for Ahn, his height of 1.88m became a hindrance of sorts. 'The director wanted me to look ordinary and not stand out in the crowd,' Ahn explains, adding that he frequently needed to learn to 'act smaller than I am'. Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy plays out like a video game, where humans need to 'level up' different skill sets in their fight against monstrous creatures. K-drama stars Ahn Hyo-seop (left) and Lee Min-ho at a press conference for the movie Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO When asked what abilities they wished to improve on to make themselves better, Ahn chooses wisdom, saying: 'I believe wisdom is essential for achieving happiness, which is one of the main purposes of living.' Adds Lee with a laugh: 'I want a God-given voice so that I can be an R&B singer.'
