The ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide

As Mother’s Day approaches, finding the perfect, all-encompassing way to express our love and gratitude can feel like an impossible task. Mums deserve the world, so a generic gift just isn’t going to cut it. 

With this in mind, I’ve curated a list of items that considers both their needs and interests, sure to put a smile on the face of even the most discerning of individuals. Keep reading for my top picks from the Cathay Shop and celebrate the special woman in your life this 12 May with a gift (or two). 

For her home:

A lifetime of buying gifts for my mum has taught me that it’s best to choose something I know she will get plenty of use out of, while ensuring the quality is top-notch. This Sheridan luxury towel set perfectly combines functionality and indulgence. Made from combed ring-spun Egyptian cotton, these towels will retain their fluffy softness even with regular use.

Alternatively, if your mum (like mine) is obsessed with home improvement, the Dyson purifying fan heater will go a long way to assist her on her quest for perfection. It captures dust, allergens and bacteria to keep air fresh and clean, and evenly diffuses hot or cold air for a consistent room temperature – perfect for staying cool during the day and feeling cosy at night.  

For her drinks cabinet

Show your mum you’ve inherited her impeccable taste by picking out a high-quality beverage. Magnolia Lab’s liqueurs are lovingly produced and come in gorgeous vintage-style bottles. They’re available in two flavours, but I recommend Roselle for its sweet, tangy and fruity flavour, achieved through its blend of roselle and jujube – with a hint of ginger for a warm and spicy finish. 

If your mum prefers a bit of variety, this tasting set from Hong Kong gin distillery Two Moons makes for an elegant gift. It features three of the brand’s trademark flavours: the Signature Gin is made with lemon, mandarin, coriander and cardamom for a citrus-spicy taste; the Calamansi is fresh and zesty; and the Five Flower Tea is sweet and soothing.

For her dressing table

When it comes to skincare, it seems our mums only really want two things: a clean fresh face and an uncluttered dressing table. Fortunately, the Pretti5 self-care set covers all the basics in just four items: a brightening cleanser to remove dirt and make skin more radiant, a hydrating toner to smoothen and moisturise, a repairing night mask to protect and nourish skin before bed, and a face roller for improving circulation. Even better, Pretti5 products are vegan and cruelty-free. 

Alternatively, you can say a lot with scent. The Lazy Sunday Morning eau de toilette from Maison Margiela’s Replica collection boasts the fresh and delicate fragrance of cotton and white rose petals. Let it be your mum’s sign from the universe to sleep in more often.

For her travels

However effortless your mum may make it look, being organised is hard work. A helping hand never goes amiss, especially when she’s heading on a much-deserved holiday. Gift her a hands-free travel pouch from NIID to store key items like her credit card, phone and passport, ensuring they’re within reach when she needs them. 

You can also help her feel fresh even after a long journey with an all-in-one toiletry set – it will make packing and getting through airport security a breeze, too. This Herbs’Oil travel kit features the brand’s best-selling essentials: a hydrating serum and booster cream for locking in moisture and protecting against harsh environments; a treatment mask and night serum for nourishment after a tiring day; a regenerating shampoo for keeping hair strong and healthy; and a vanilla honey lip butter for soft and crack-free lips. 

For her study

One thing I’ve learned from observing the women in my life is that a touch of glamour can transform everyday items into artefacts, and mundane tasks into events. Take this classic Montblanc notebook : bound in a pillar box-red cover and paired with a gold-coated rollerball pen, it makes planning and note-taking a more pleasant experience. 

Another item that is sure to spruce up your mum’s desk is a Muuto by Manks table lamp . Its sleek minimalist design and gorgeous copper colour make it a stylish yet unobtrusive addition to any setting. It also features a dimmer function for adjusting brightness with ease, and a rounded shade to evenly distribute light over the workspace for better visibility. 

For her pet 

My siblings and I all know who our mum’s favourite is – and no, it isn’t any of her (human) children. If your mum’s furbaby also holds a special place in her heart, why not treat them both this Mother’s Day?

A stylish leather dog harness could be just the thing: this sustainably sourced one from Boss is designed to be comfortable and supportive with adjustable straps, as well as withstand daily wear and tear. Pair it with the Boss travel bowl set , perfect for a dog’s day out. Featuring a bowl for food and another for water, it’s lightweight and collapsible, so your mum can zip it up and clip it to her rucksack for easy carrying.

What she really wants

When all is said and done, no gift beats spending quality time together. Surprise your mum with an afternoon of catching up and zen-ing out at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s world-class spa. We recommend booking the Pure Bliss treatment , which includes a 60-minute facial and 15-minute scalp massage. Once the stresses of daily life have melted away, you’ll find it much easier to connect with one another. 

If food is more your love language, opt for another experience from The Peninsula Hong Kong: afternoon tea on the harbour . On board a lavishly renovated Star ferry, you’ll cruise along Victoria Harbour while enjoying live music and being served an array of dainty treats. Choose a package for two, or round up your siblings and make a four-person booking for a truly memorable experience.