6 gifts your mum actually wants for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day comes but once a year. So don’t upset your mother (or wife, partner, etc) with another lacklustre attempt at a gift. We couldn’t bear to see her cry. Get her a gift she actually wants, starting with these suggestions.
Consider this your annual reminder that you need to get mum a gift for Mother’s Day. Sure, you could do the usual last-minute flowers and chocolate combination, but if you really want to take out the Favourite Child Award for the year, and avoid looks of disappointment, we recommend you take our advice and book one of these experiences. They’re also great ideas for surprising your mum for her birthday, or perhaps your wife, partner, housemate or colleague if you’re after something which shows you care.
If you’re in Sydney (or soon to be visiting), here are some experiences that go beyond the usual suspects that will make Mother’s Day extra special.
1. Arrange your own flower bouquet
Buying flowers is nice and all, but have you thought about sourcing and arranging a beautiful bouquet yourself? Book a flower arrangement workshop run by Setsuko Yanagisawa at Yuga Floral Design in neighouring Glebe. Not only will you learn how to curate flowers with insider’s tips from an expert but you’ll also get a bouquet to gift to your mum at the end. Win-win! Classes are small and set in Setsuko’s fragrant flower shop.
2. Share a Sydney sunrise via kayak
You’ve walked past the Sydney Opera House, perhaps even had a drink in the shadow of its sails or seen a show inside. But have you seen the sunrise bursting out from behind it at sunrise while bobbing along on Sydney Harbour sipping a warm cup of coffee? Sydney by Kayak runs a range of guided kayaking tours on the harbour at sunrise before the rest of Sydney wakes up for the day. Our favourite is their signature “Sunrise Kayak and Coffee” experience, great for sharing with a loved one. They also run “Kayak and Ice-cream” tours during the warmer months. A truly a magical experience and a tick off the bucket list for sure. They launch from beautiful Lavender Bay just across the harbour, easily accessible by public ferry or car.
(Image credit: Maddie Durso)
3. Create your own glass blown gift
If you’ve ever watched Netflix’s Blown Away and thought “I could do that”, then now’s your chance. Glass blowing is an artform involving blowing and sculpting glass in fire. Now it’s not the sort of thing you should try at home… so best start off with a beginner’s workshop with glass artist Mark Eliott. Mark will take you through the basics of glass blowing in this two-hour introduction in his Redfern studio.
You will make at least one glass object, which could be a small glass animal, pendant or abstract creation, to take home at the end (or gift it to your mum). Not only is this experience different, we think it would make for one epic Mother’s Day gift.
4. Learn how to shake up classic cocktails
Sydney has some of the best bars in the world, home to cocktail masters perfecting the art of mixing excellent beverages. And some are even willing to share their cocktail-making secrets. From making a mean margarita to the art of rum, a cocktail making class is a perfect way to bond with your mum over a couple of drinks. If you’re looking for one close by, we recommend Planar Bar & Restaurant in Darling Harbour, teaching you the basic essentials of mixology like barware, tools, and mixing tips, with nibbles on arrival and an after class meal to enjoy with your cocktail creations.
5. Picnic and cruise Sydney Harbour
If you’re looking to treat mum to the finer things in life, you can’t go past a private luxury cruise on the Sydney Harbour with a picnic lunch. Sydney Luxury Cruise runs a one-hour sightseeing cruise aboard 28-foot luxury vessel, the MV Bel. Enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine upon embarking at Circular Quay, before meandering the harbour on your cruise, followed by a two-and-a-half-hour picnic at Lavender Bay, organised by picnic extraordinares, Graze and Gaze, complete with picnic table, flowers, a table throw and personalised message board. Stay cosy with luxury cushions and soft rug, and music of your choice. Loving life!
6. Cook up a storm and dine on the waterfront
If your mum is the foodie type, take her to visit our neighbours at Sydney Seafood School at the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney Fish Market. Here you can choose from a range of different cooking classes and workshops to create dishes like black pepper crab, Malaysian laksa, gnocchi and more! Enjoy welcome drinks and canapes before viewing a live cooking demonstration, then it’s over to you to give the dish a try before savouring your own creation in the dining room over a glass of wine or beer. And even if seafood isn’t part of your preferred palate, Sydney is home to an impressive range of the best waterfront dining spots and drinking venues with a view . From fancy venues set atop a wharf to sophisticated fine dining overlooking the harbour, this city delivers unforgettable experiences, just walking distance from our hotel.
And a bonus idea…. escape the everyday and stay
Turn your Mother’s Day experience into an overnight getaway with a stay at Aiden Darling Harbour. Buy mum a gift voucher so she can redeem it for a time of her choosing. And maybe she’ll even take you with her? Or you can book her in for the Mother’s Day weekend. Keep it short and sweet with our Bed & Breakfast package with overnight accommodation and breakfast in our Wayfarers Bar & Café. Or stay longer and be rewarded with our “Three Nights Or More” package with 10% off accommodation. Book now.