Wish List: Our super selections to gift the mother figure in your life

From thought-provoking reads to art for all occasions, Esther McCarthy checks out Mother's Day gifts from the practical to the pretty

Aida Austin's book 'Seized' reflects on the creative bond she shares with her daughter Iona, whose artwork graces the cover of 'Seized'. Picture: Chani Anderson

Moment of calm

Treat the mammy type in your life to a moment of calm with a visit to the new Rituals boutique at Wilton Shopping Centre, Cork. 

The immersive space showcases luxurious bath, body and home collections designed for everyday mindfulness. Foaming shower gels from €10.90, so it won't break the bank. Discover more at Rituals.com.

Everyday luxury

For the mother figure who deserves a little everyday luxury, The Luxe Edition’s Beyond Fabulous Candle is a beautiful pick. Housed in a vibrant glass vessel, it fills the room with notes of orange blossom, neroli, ylang ylang and soft musk. 

A chic, mood-boosting treat for cosy evenings. It’s €25 from Theluxeedition.com.

Coffee time

Know a mam who takes her coffee seriously? Nespresso’s ultra-compact NanoFoamer is the chic new accessory every latte lover needs. 

This portable, USB-rechargeable gadget whips up silky cold foam in seconds, whether she’s making a Greek frappé or Dalgona coffee. Small enough for a handbag... look, just buy her a handbag too, ok? It’s €45 at Nespresso.com.

Gift of comfort

Give her the gift of comfort with Limerick company Cayo’s luxurious alpaca slippers, handcrafted by skilled artisans in the Andes. Made from ultra-soft Suri alpaca fibre with leather soles, they’re warm and stylish. 

A thoughtful Mother’s Day treat she’ll slip into daily. Bring her a cup of tea, and you've nailed it, Favourite Kid 2026 award, and the winner is... you. It’s €170 from Cayo-brand.com.

Designer choice

Looking for something really special? Irish designer Caroline Duffy’s hand-painted silk garments blend fine art with fashion. 

Created in her Dundalk studio and inspired by florals and nature, each piece is designed to uplift and empower the wearer. We love her callout for real models, too. Aren't they just stunning? A meaningful gift for all shapes and sizes, from €199 at Carolineduffydesigns.com.

Say it like you mean it

Sometimes the simplest gifts mean the most. Irish greeting card brand Bold Bunny is celebrating 15 years with 30 new designs across its ranges, including thoughtful Mother’s Day cards from the Mama Robin collection. 

Expect witty, heartfelt messages and gorgeous design. Cards are priced from €3.95 at Boldbunny.ie and retailers including Avoca and Kilkenny Design.

Tell a story

For a meaningful gift that tells a story, Galway textile artist Karena Ryan creates striking embroidered artworks exploring memory, resilience and women’s lived experiences. 

Her piece Hold On Tight uses repurposed Irish textiles and delicate hand stitching, making it a keepsake for a mother figure who loves art. Find out more at Karenaryanartist.com.

Best book 

If you're looking for an inspirational read for your mum this year, we recommend West Cork writer Aida Austin's incredibly moving memoir. 

Aida Austin. Picture: Chani Anderson

It's about her daughter Iona’s lifelong epilepsy, and a parent's love — and fear — when a child is chronically ill. 

Aida's book Seized is available to buy in Kerr’s bookshop in Clonakilty, at the Irish Examiner shop on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, and on Instagram at @aidaaustinart and on Etsy.com.