Happy Birthday, Mum

All right, all right, we all know the usual gifts for mum…

• flowers: her favourite, or birth month flower
• sweets: delightful chocolates, cakes, stickies
• homewares: flower vases, collectables
• perfume: old favourites, or latest obsessions
• breakfast in bed (dishes included!)

While these gifts have become classic favourites every year, if you’re up for something different, read on…

The Tender-Hearted Mum

The mother with the soft heart loves romantic and humorous things. While annoying at times, you have to admit, she’s always been there for you. Her unlimited compassion has always been a comfort to you, so now’s the time to appreciate it. Pick a gift that will make her cry and laugh at the same time.

Put together a personal Mum’s Movie Night pack. Pick up the latest romantic comedy DVD, or buy her a box set of a tear-jerking drama series. Complement with a stylish pyjamas set (cotton for summer, flannel for winter) and a box of chocolate bonbons.

A good book can’t go wrong for the mum who loves to read. Skip the Mills & Boon, and go for something with a little more quality. Jackie Collins, or a classic Jane Austen. Or for heavier (and possibly raunchier) reading, pick up a good Anne Rice/Anne Rampling novel.

Picking a cake: Go for something round with peaches and cream. Or a fresh, tropical fruit cheesecake for something easier on the hips.

The Power Mum!

No one on earth is stronger than a Power Mum. She’s the one who gives 110% in every endeavour. Career woman and home-maker in one, with heaps of patience and love to spare! She irons with a smile, and cooks with relish.

But just like every woman, she will always welcome a break! If you don’t think you can afford a 7-day holiday this year, get her a 1-day holiday instead. Book her a day spa package, including full-body massage, facial, heat wrap and aromatherapy. Purchase a ticket for two so she can bring a friend (or if you’re lucky, she might take you!).

Not all Power Mums exercise, but many may like to. A gym membership is a good way to help her get started. And if you want to give a little more, a pair of sneakers and an offer to do the chores twice a week for the next year will provide her with the time and tools she’ll need to get into the routine.

Picking a cake: Find something light, sweet and a little unconventional. Maybe a fluffy, crispy apple strudel or a fruit flan. Let the candles represent decades, asserting her invincibility.

She Loves Luxury

A little luxury goes a long way. The best pamper gifts are soft, clean, nice-smelling and full of rich, aromatic flavours.

For the mum who loves her food, hunt down a dinner at a deliciously reknowned eatery in your city. Pick somewhere fancy, and it gives her an excuse to get dressed up. Finish the night with a token gift to symbolise the giving; one of the traditional mum-ish gifts will do nicely.

Find some fancy sleepwear, and match up with fluffy slippers and a bottle of her favourite beverage. To up the luxury factor, include a stylish drinking glass in the package. For best presentation, use a plain coloured box and a satin ribbon.

Picking a cake: Nothing beats a light sponge with fresh cream (eg. Black Forest cake), or the ultimate mudcake (chocolate on chocolate). For a lighter flavour, she may even enjoy a carrot cake with oodles of icing.

Busy Bees

There’s nothing a Busy Bee Mum needs more than time. Time to find herself, time to assess her goals, and time to enjoy life. While most of the year, you find yourself criticising her time-management skills, now’s the time to give her a break from your whining!

As the Busy Bee Mum needs an excuse to take time out, get her a chick-flick DVD with a light and entertaining story. Lavender oil in a warm footbath will relax her mind and body while watching. Make her a healthy snack and empty the house of people to give her some peace.

Go the extra mile by doing the chores the night before so her day is free. Before you leave the house, put the telephone beside her in case she feels like a chat. And so she doesn’t have to get up to take notes, put a pen and notebook next to her as well.

Picking a cake: Help with stress relief by choosing something with crunch, like a nut torte. Keep appearances simple but elegant, with one candle in the centre of the cake, and a ribbon around the knife.

Simple Tastes

It’s always tricky to find new and interesting gifts for the mum with simple tastes. But this year, what you don’t blow on budget, you make up for with sincerity and good times.

Get mum to put her feet up, while you plan a family picnic. Keep the day smooth by remembering everyone’s allergies and tastes. A little kitsch never killed anyone, so rally the troupe for a singing performance (don’t worry, we won’t tell!); it could bring back some special memories on her special day.

For working mums who don’t have the whole day to spare, arrange a delivery of balloons to her office, with an invitation to lunch (with dessert!).

Picking a cake: The mum with simple tastes loves a simple cake. Most any flavour will do, so long as presentation is neat. Use a stylish solid-colour cake tray, or place on a doiley.