Jou Ma Se Mothers Day

Mother’s Day gifts with a difference. Over clichés? Here are fresh ways to say “I love You” to that special lady

Tired of high tea? Got a mom who’s got it all? Here are a few unique (and unusual) ideas for Mother’s Day in the Mother City, on 8th May 2011. This goes out to all the mothers, step mothers, godmothers and mommy’s boys...

My mom, she’s one of a kind

If I bring her flowers, she looks to see if they have roots so she can plant them.  If she complains of being a bit bored, and I take her out for lunch, she mumbles about how peaceful it actually is at home. The only thing I can’t go wrong with is chocolates. But since when were chocolates enough to say: “You’re amazing. I love you. Thank you,” to the woman who gave you life? Sometimes you have to apply a little imagination. We put together a guide for spoiling all the mother figures in your life this Mother’s Day.

It’s not about being drastically different

It’s about approaching universal symbols and gestures in a fresh way. So, yes, flowers ARE good, as are lunch outings and the ever popular chocolates. But how about giving it a little thought and tying those gestures and symbols into other aspects of mom’s life?

Appreciation by empathy

All of us are here because somebody helped us at some stage. Give something back by taking your mom along to support other moms. Like Monkeybiz. They’ve been marketing beadwork created by Xhosa women in Khayelitsha Township for ten years.  The project enables women to remain independent and solvent without leaving home. They welcome volunteers and a visit will enrich you and your mom’s experience of Cape Town.

43 Rose Street | Bo'Kaap | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 0145

*What if your mom’s got no free time? Get her the coffee table book, “Bead by Bead”.

Got a mom who’s hard to surprise?

Take her for a tattoo. Metal machine (49 Shortmarket Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 0688), Sins Of Style (22 Hope Street | Gardens | Cape Town), and Wildfire (4a Buiten Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 551 5722) will be happy to add some art to the lady of your heart. Read our 10 top tattoo studios.

*And if your mom’s not into permanence? She can still make waves in her social circles with a temporary henna tattoo. Just remember they take two weeks to fade.

A rose amongst the thorns

If she loves roses, she might enjoy choosing her own at Chart Farm. The Wynberg farm boasts beautiful views, a quaint coffee shop, and acres of blooming roses. This is especially helpful for active moms who’ve already run five kilometres by breakfast time.

Chart Farm | Klaassens Road | Wynberg Park | Wynberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 761 0434

*What if she’s over roses? If that’s possible, try a bonsai. Visit Gail and Lionel Theron at the Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery and choose a mini oak for her to love and cherish (and show off). Remember, though, they’re not pot plants, they need to be kept outdoors.

Victoria Road | Hout Bay | Cape Town |+27 (0)21 790 3478

She taught you to love; teach her to fight

We're talking self defence here, not another squabble about family relations. Learning the art of physical self defence can be a revelatory experience, and doing it together can be a bonding experience. If you don’t punch each other in the face, that is.

Chinese Martial Arts & Health Centre | 85 Station Road | Observatory | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 448 2594

At a loss for words?

Soulshine Cards are a set of 36 Affirmation Cards designed and written by graphic designer, Tatum Cochrane. They may “undo negative thought patterns and beliefs, and replace them with inspirational ideas and ways of thinking”. The inspirational messages are a cheerful handbag companion to the first woman you ever met.

Klooftique | 87 Kloof Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 9458

Pamper, pamper, pamper

For moms that don’t really like surprises, bath products still make a trusted way of showing you appreciated her, especially if she’s a hard working mom in need of some soothing. Try to go for something new, like Cleopatra’s Lavender and Milk Bath Salts from the new organic African Philosophy range. Book her into Librisa Spa.

Mount Nelson Hotel | 76 Orange Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 483 1000

And lastly, make your chocolate and eat it

Great way to be traditional and bond anew, Lindt chocolate courses are simply delicious.

By Jess Henson

We have plenty of Mother's Day restaurant specials, read through our Yummy Mother's Day lunches in Cape Town. We also have restaurants that aren’t doing a Mother's Day lunch, but will still make her feel special, read our restaurants celebrating Mother's Day, every day of the year.  And, we have plenty of Mother's Day events and outings, read through our Mother’s Day in Cape Town overview.  Find out Why Cape Town is known as the Mother City.

Head to our Events Section for other amazing events that are happening throughout Cape Town this Mother's Day.

You could be on the winning end of some absolutely fantastic Mother’s Day prizes if you join our Facebook Giveaways Group now. Interested? Read about our Mother's Day Giveaways !