Mum's the word

Mothering Sunday has long been a day for giving thanks for all the things our mothers do for us. We've rounded up some novel gift ideas to help you make her day

Breakfast in bed hamper
If you can't be there in person, the next best thing to making breakfast in bed for your dear mum is to send it to her. We've found some breakfast in bed hampers complete with bucks fizz, smoked salmon, all butter croissants and fine coffee and teas that will provide a relaxing start to her special day.
www.hamper.com
www.buyagift.co.uk

Buy a swarm of bees
OK, not for her but for people living in poverty in Africa. Your donation to Hives Save Lives can make a real difference to the lives of people living in poverty by giving them a means of creating a viable and sustainable livelihood. The charity will send a card with a personalised message to the person on whose behalf you are buying the gift. Visit: www.hivessavelives.com

Jewellery school
Jewellery designer Claire Aristides has an eye for beauty: her necklaces, earrings and bracelets mix 1950s glamour with cool new noughties textures. Her jewellery workshops are just the ticket for ladies looking to unleash their artistic streak and create something bespoke, and are an inspired gift for mum this year. For £125, clients get to keep the pieces they make and they receive a jewellery-making guidebook, too. For next workshop dates visit: www.clairearistides.com.

Flower arranging
If your mum is the artistic type and loves flowers, a flower-arranging course can be lots of fun and a great way to learn something new. There are many classes all over the UK that cater for complete beginners to those who dabble already.
www.jane-packer.co.uk
www.outofthebloom.com

Afternoon tea
Whether it's the Ritz in London or the Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow, what better way to treat your mum than with a proper afternoon tea? Indulge in a couple of hours' gossip over some smoked salmon sandwiches, dainty cakes and scones with clotted cream. If she likes a little tipple, many places do a champagne afternoon tea. For somewhere near you visit: www.tea.co.uk/topteaplaces.php

A cookery class
If your mum is a real foodie, why not treat her to a professional cookery class? From the famous Raymond Blanc cookery school at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, to a food and wine workshop with Delia to a fishy experience with Rick Stein, one of them is bound to win you brownie points.
www.rickstein.com
www.deliaonline.com/cookery-school
www.manoir.com

Spa day
It may not be the most imaginative gift but girls almost always appreciate a day of pampering at a relaxing spa. You can't go wrong enjoying some quality time and treats with your dear old mum. For a spa near you visit: www.spaseekers.com

Theatre
Whether it's an evening with a naked Harry Potter or singing along to the Sound of Music, there are hundreds of fantastic productions on all over the UK for mums to enjoy. If you can't take her yourself, why not buy her some tickets for something to look forward to? www.lastminute.com

Jewellery
A piece of jewellery is something she can treasure for always. If you are ordering it to be sent direct, make sure you leave enough time. For example, order by Tuesday 13 March for delivery by Saturday 17 at Tiffany's.
www.tiffany.com/uk
www.swarovskisparkles.com