You don’t have to spend a fortune on Mother’s Day to show your mum you care

Mother’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to arrange something to show how much you appreciate your mum – and there are lots of things you can do even if you are on a tight budget.

Photo by Rich Page

The obvious choice is taking your mother to lunch but many restaurants like The Heathfield Tavern are already fully booked.  There are still places at Herstmonceux Castle for  afternoon tea with Prosecco on Saturday 30th and lunch on Mothering Sunday. The Wheel at Burwash Weald has some availability after 3pm on Sunday and all mums get a free glass of wine.

Going out for a meal is wonderful but with a little lateral thinking you can make Mother’s Day a bit different. Herstmonceux Castle is open for the season and there are daffodils galore as well as other Spring flowers that would make for an uplifting family walk. It’s nice and local too.

You could buy some delicious treats for lunch from Cuculo Deli and either invite your mum over or take a feast to her. They also sell wonderful chocolates by H & R. In Mayfield there is the Middle House Deli which offers incredible bread made by the chefs at The Middle House Hotel and restaurant as well as many cheeses. If you want to cook a meal and lack culinary skills there are lots or ready meals made by the Middle House team that are guaranteed to be delicious. Both delis stock an extensive range of wines. If you are quick look on Groupon and there may still vouchers you can buy for afternoon tea at a later day which give you around 50% off the normal price.

Mothers always love a bunch of flowers a plant. Pop into Cuckoo Flowers in Horam. They have a superb range to suit any budget you can order a bouquet to collect. They stock other gifts too like candles and jewellery.

If your mum likes gardening you could buy her a selection of seeds from Heathfield Ironmongers or some new tools. They also stock gifts like interesting mugs and tableware.

Or, if the mother in question is a grandmother, you could book a portrait session with award-winning Sarah Tate. There is a portrait competition running at the moment which means for a donation of just £10 you can arrange for your child to be photographed in the studio. You’ll also be raising money for Children with Cancer.

You might have a photo already that you can get printed using one of the many on-line photo printing services. Put it in a frame from the huge selection at Trading4U and your mum will be delighted. There are lots of other gift options at Trading4U – it’s definitely worth popping in.

A pampering session is also a perfect present. You can buy a voucher from Beauty Therapy by Emma Smith for a range of treatments including a relaxing massage from £25.

The Tasting Room at Hidden Spring Vineyard

If you didn’t know already, we have two local vineyards that are producing award-winning wines. Both Hidden Spring near Horam and Off the Line in Hellingly sell vouchers that include a tour and winetasting.

If your mum is sporty and loves tennis you could book her a lesson with the brilliant coaches at Elevate Tennis at Cross in Hand Tennis Club or even a year’s membership.

Finally, nothing makes a girl feel better than a good blow dry. Cuckoo Hair has a great team and sometimes offers blow dries with trainees for just £10. Sister Styling in Broad Oak is also a great place for mum to go for a little pampering. Both salons sell lovely products, as well as gift tokens, that would make excellent and much appreciated gifts.