3 Cathay members on their best Mother’s Day gift

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we speak to three Cathay members for their reflections on what Mother’s Day means to them, how they choose to celebrate, and their tips for a memorable, meaningful celebration. 

Memories and mementoes

For Diamond member Peihao Huang, time spent together is the most precious Mother’s Day gift of all. Since Huang lives in Hong Kong with her family while her mother lives in Shanghai, she took the opportunity a few years ago to organise an unforgettable inter-generational trip to Okinawa. “We have many wonderful memories of spending a relaxing week together as a family,” says Huang. “We visited the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, went whale-watching, explored the Nago Pineapple Park, and joined a glass-bottom boat tour. It was extra special for my mum, who enjoyed spending every minute with her grandchildren.”

Other members find that simple, heartfelt gestures are often the most impactful. “Every year, I make my mother a handmade card with an accompanying letter,” says Cathay member Ethan Pang. “What makes this gift special is the emotional connection it creates. I love to see my mum’s smile and how much she appreciates it when I give it to her. She keeps an album of all the cards and letters that my brother and I have made for her since we were young.”  

This sentiment is echoed by Jane Young-Herries. As the mother of four adult children, the most meaningful Mother’s Day gift she’s received is an art print of her home, where she raised her family. It was less about the gift itself, and more the cooperation that went into organising it. “What was so wonderful about this present is that it was a collaboration. The four of them worked together as a team to produce it, which required forethought, planning and attention to detail,” she says.  

Magnificent meals

All our members agree that the most valuable gift of all is time spent together, particularly when one’s children have already grown up and left home. And what could be better than bonding over a home-cooked meal? “We often celebrate Mother’s Day by cooking or baking something for our mum,” says Pang. “Last year, my brother and I made her a colourful vegetable frittata for lunch – we chose the dish because she likes eating healthily. We were very happy when she asked for an extra portion – as did our dad. Thankfully we had made enough!”

Young-Herries also deeply appreciates it when her children do the cooking. “It’s amazing when my children cook for me on Mother’s Day. I used to work in food and was always the one cooking, so it’s a treat when it’s the other way around,” she says. “My mother is involved in these family gatherings as well, so it’s quite special to have three generations together.”

But what about when you live in different cities and aren’t able spend the day together? Huang’s solution is to organise an afternoon tea for her mother and her friends. This year she is booking a table at R.Manda at the Shanghai Centre. “I think that a get-together with her friends would bring my mother a lot of joy. R.Manda offers creative fusion cuisine and fairytale interiors designed by Lala Curio; it’s the perfect place for ladies who are young at heart,” she says.  

It’s the thought that counts

So, how else can we pick a gift that truly shows appreciation for our mothers? For Young-Herries, choosing something truly personal is key. “It’s lovely when my children give me my favourite perfume, Amyris Femme extrait de parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian , which I wear all the time. I think it’s the biggest compliment when someone shows an understanding of who you are.” Young-Herries also loves it when her children share their playlists with her; this gives them an opportunity to bond over a shared musical discovery. “My children often make playlists for me, so we can listen to the music they’ve compiled together,” she says. 

But the most special gifts aren’t always bought in a store. Huang recalls her favourite gift, which she received when her children were still in primary school: a treasure hunt. “I woke up one Mother’s Day and was presented with a treasure map my sons had made. I followed the map and, after navigating a few turns in our not-so-large flat, I finally found two handmade gifts: an origami rose and a colourful wooden jewellery box. It made my day and is still one of my fondest memories,” she says.  

Pang  advises not to overthink when deciding how best to honour your mum this Mother’s Day. “The most valuable gifts are those that come from the heart, not a store shelf. Many people procrastinate or overthink the gift, and end up not getting anything at all – definitely a bad idea!” He suggests preparing early and putting real thought into the note that goes alongside the gift, with inside jokes and personal messages about all the things you’re grateful for. “A gift that can make your mum laugh and cry at the same time is a pretty good one.”