The time for procrastinating on a great Mother's Day gift idea is almost gone. The second Sunday of May is only days away, which means you really need to get a move on. Don't worry, with so many retailers offering same-day, next-day and two-day delivery, you're not completely in the realm of gift cards, flower deliveries and haphazardly-bought experiences. Not that those aren't options mum will love, but there's still a bit of time for something more.
Despite Mother's Day being this Sunday, delivery options from JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Amazon and more, mean it's not quite time to panic. But, act now – we'd rather you weren't rushing around on Saturday or grabbing a digital gift card en route to Mother's Day brunch.
Mum deserves better than that, but we know you don't have all day to sit down and trawl through retailers to find the best Mother's Day gift. Luckily, from fantastic gift ideas to the latest Mother's Day deals and some last-minute options, we've got your Mother's Day covered.
We are TechRadar, so everything here's at least a little techy, but mum won't have to know code to appreciate them. While we don't need accolades in your card to mum, it would be appreciated.
Mother’s Day gift ideas
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Mother’s Day gift ideas: quick links
Here’s a quick look at which Australian retailers have curated products specifically for Mother’s Day:
- Adore Beauty: skincare, makeup, fragrances and bath and body gift sets
- Amazon: everything from books, fitness wearables, appliances and more
- Big W: shop fitness and wellness, home appliances and home decor
- Booktopia: books, ereaders, board games, puzzles and stationery
- Chemist Warehouse: deals on skincare, makeup, fragrances and more
- Dyson: everything from hair care and vacuums to headphones
- JB Hi-Fi: shop robot vacuums, headphones, tablets, ereaders and stacks more
- KitchenAid: up to 25% off selected stand mixers, blenders and more
- Myer: shop handbags, watches, fragrances, sleepwear and much more
- Nespresso: 25% off selected machines when you buy 100 or more pods
- Rebel: shop fitness wearables, massage guns, gym gear and more
- Sephora: spoil mum with skincare, haircare and makeup gifts
- The Good Guys: coffee machines, air fryers, health and wellness products
- The Iconic: shop clothing, sleepwear, handbags, wallets, watches and more
Last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas
Been busy? Left Mother's Day till the last minute? Well, whether you've been swamped at work, busy with a new baby or just getting back from a stint in the mines, there's still time to grab mum a great gift, even if it's not something tangible. Whatever the case, we don't judge. We wrote this guide weeks ago and still left buying our Mother's Day gift until the last minute, so don't worry, we get it.
Fortunately, last-minute doesn't mean bad or thoughtless. There's still plenty of awesome gifts that will get you well on your way to moving up the ranks in mum's will.
HelloFresh
If you asked mum what the most annoying thing she faces every day is, chances are, answering the question “what’s for dinner tonight?” is up there. Well, what better gift to get mum at the last minute than the ability to take away the guesswork and the inevitable takeout at the end of the week once she's too tired to answer? With HelloFresh, mum knows what dinner is going to be without having to think about it, and easy, healthy and delicious meals are just a few clearly-presented steps away.
In their HelloFresh Australia review, our colleagues at Tom’s Guide were fans of its simple delivery system and weekly menu that accounts for various dietary goals and needs. While they found the recipe time estimates weren't always accurate, prep time mostly comes down to cooking skill and experience.
Offering meal plans of up to five meals per week for as many as six or as few as 2 people, whether mum wants the majority of meals covered for the week or just a couple to ease her load, there's options for everyone. All told, HelloFresh can help save your mum time in the supermarket, and can be a more affordable and healthier option than your typical takeaway.
Audible
Whether mum is a new parent or an experienced grandma, everyone has their time struggles. An Audible subscription is a fantastic gift for anyone who’s either can’t find the time to read or doesn’t quite like reading. Sitting on the couch with bub in her hands, driving the car, doing the laundry, working at her desk, going for a walk or laying in bed, mum can "read" all her favourites without needing a free hand.
Providing access to an immense library of audiobooks that can be purchased outright or accessed for free through a monthly subscription, Audible is most popular source for accessing titles you can listen to. A subscription provides users with a monthly token, which can be used to purchase a title, no matter the cover price. In other words, a six-month subscription gives mum six free books – plus a library of freebies. A subscription costs AU$17.49 a month or an annual plan that saves you 20% and costs AU$174.99 per year. There is a 30-day free trial if you think mum would like to try it out first.
Groupon
If your mum’s not one for physical gifts, a shared experience is something she’ll truly appreciate. Groupon is a one-stop-shop for finding unique experiences, with everything from relaxing spa packages and whale watching cruises to cooking classes and ice skating sessions.
The best thing about an experience from Groupon as a gift is that it gives you and mum time together, and something to talk about for days, weeks or years ahead. While most experiences would be awesome for you and your mum, it's also a great gift to get mum so she can go with her partner or friends.
Currently, you can get 10% off your first purchase from Groupon by signing up with your email, but there are already numerous experiences seeing heavy discounts. Whether you're going to be delighting mum's adrenaline junkie side with a heart-pumping jet boat ride or a relaxing chocolate-moulding class, this is a wonderful idea for a Mother's Day gift, and it takes only seconds to snap up.
Amazon Gift Card
Not every gift has to have hours of thought put behind them. Obviously, that's a nice sentiment – but sometimes the best gift you can give someone is some spare change they can use to get themselves something nice. If she's really tough to shop for, then gift her the luxury of choosing her own gift. In which case an Amazon Gift Card is the perfect Mother's Day gift. You're basically giving her the entire Amazon catalogue and letting her choose anything she likes. Providing both physical and digital gift cards at any price you'd like, Amazon’s gift cards have the added benefit of never expiring, unlike most other gift cards we’ve come across which often only last up to one year. You can also opt for a gift card sent straight to her inbox, print one at home or get a physical one if you’d rather slip it into a card. See all Amazon gift cards available here.
Apple TV Plus
Looking for a last-minute gift that everyone in the family will love? We think a subscription to Apple TV Plus is a great shout. With high-quality shows like Slow Horses, Sugar, Franklin and Palm Royale, and movies like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, there's a lot to like. Now, you tell me one mum that doesn't love Harrison Ford. I bet yours does. Well, in Apple TVs Shrinking he's as lovable as ever. And, if she's the rare one that's not a fan, surely the star of the show, Jason Segal, makes up for it. It's also just a darn good show.
From Ted Lasso and Loot to Morning Wars and the upcoming Presumed Innocent starring Jake Gyllenhaal, there is plenty for mum – and the family – to love on Apple TV Plus. Of course, any subscription service like Stan, Binge and Disney Plus would get the job done, if you think she'd like their offerings more. She's your mother after all.
Best Mother's Day deals delivered quickly
Luckily, speedy delivery is no longer only something Amazon can be relied on for. While it usually comes at a cost, and Amazon is probably still king, same-day, next-day and two-day delivery is available, depending on your location, at retailers like The Iconic, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi and Big W. Which is perfect, because you only have a few days until Mother's Day.
If you’re after some discounted items that would make good Mother’s Day gifts, we've done the hard work. Just pick the best deal and wrap up your gift-hunting just in time.
Gifts under AU$50
JLab Go Air Pop in-ear headphones
Whether mum enjoys a daily walk, listening to music while she works or an audiobook while she makes dinner, she may appreciate a pair of earbuds. Retailing for just AU$49.95 at full price, the JLab Go Air Pop are incredible value. Look, we love getting into the nitty gritty of a thousand-dollar headphone design, but some people just want something that can play what they want and doesn't make their ears ache, without burning a hole in the gift giver’s pocket. These light, comfortable, reliable and shockingly good earbuds make a fantastic low-cost gift. We loved our time with them.
Shop the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds at JB Hi-Fi
Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker
If mum tends to misplace things, a Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker could be just the thing she didn’t know she needed. These neat little devices will help her reunite with misplaced or lost belongings, all she needs to do is attach it to any valuable item she doesn't want to lose. One thing we love about it is that the Tile Mate can be used with both iOS and Android phones, so it doesn't matter what device mum has. While the individual device comes in at AU$39.99, Tile also stocks the Mate in two and four-packs.
Read our full Tile Mate (2022) review
Shop the Tile Mate Tracker at JB Hi-Fi
Remington Pro Air Turbo hair dryer
You don't have to break the bank to get your mum, wife or grandma a thoughtful and useful gift. This hair dryer from Remington is a fan favourite for its output at its price point. With a diffuser attachment included, the Pro Air Turbo is ready to take on any kind of hair, no matter how thick or curly. Of course, you aren't going to get the performance of a Dyson Supersonic at less than 10% of its cost, but you will get more than your money's worth.
Shop the Remington Pro Air Turbo at Myer
Imou WiFi Indoor Security Camera
In this price bracket, I'm not sure you'll find better value than this indoor security camera and baby monitor from Imou. Capable of capturing a 360° field of view, this powerful little 2MP camera is ready for any task, be it watching the little one build their blocks, ensuring they sleep well or, in the worst case scenario, alerting you to an intruder. With a high 1080p resolution, 8x digital zoom and night vision, you can keep an eye on your loved ones no matter the situation. And, if just keeping an eye on things isn't enough, this Imou allows for two-way communication through its phone app. While it might not scream 'Mother's Day', mum will be glad to have it.
Shop the Imou Indoor Security Camera on Amazon AU
JBL Go Essential bluetooth speaker
Obviously, this budget portable speaker isn't going to crack our list of the best Bluetooth speakers of 2024, nor should it. It's half the price of our budget pick and, for 50 bucks, what mum gets is impressive. Whether she wants to listen to music at a picnic or add some excitement to bath time, this tiny water-resistant speaker is up to the task, as long as that task doesn't last more than five hours. It's a rare gem at this price.
Shop the JBL Go Essential at JB Hi-Fi or Amazon AU
Russell Hobbs Carlton Kettle
A kettle might seem too generic to make a great gift, but in a world full of fancy coffee machines, a good kettle is still an appliance worthy of gifting. Whether it's for tea, coffee, hot chocolate or faster pasta, even for someone who doesn't need hot drinks, the kettle will be used often. The Carlton Kettle from Russell Hobbs is a great option at just AU$49.95, with a clean stainless steel design that suits any kitchen.
Shop the Russell Hobbs Carlton Kettle at Big W or Amazon AU
Gifts under AU$150
Wacaco Nanopresso
A good coffee machine for less than 100 bucks? Yes, it’s possible. While it earned the title of 'best for travel' in our best coffee machines of 2024, the Nanopresso isn't exclusively for travelling. Of course, if the special woman in your life is often travelling, or you love to travel as a family, then the Nanopresso is the perfect gift. Even if that's not the case, Wacaco's handheld coffee machine is great for making those morning brews at home tastier.
The only drawbacks we found were that it requires water to be boiled separately, and a bit more manual work than other coffee machines. While it specialises in espresso and won't be frothing any milk, an espresso can easily be transformed into your coffee of choice with extra water or milk. If mum loves her morning brew, do her a favour and give her this handy little machine (and make the first cup for her).
Read our full Wacaco Nanopresso review
Sunbeam Pie Magic
We should all be doing our bit to help reduce plastic waste, and getting a reusable water bottle is an easy place to start. But as the name suggests, the Philips GoZero Smart is no ordinary water bottle. It uses UV-C LED light to keep water fresh and the bottle clean, so it shouldn’t get smelly like some reusable water bottles tend to do.
Philips promises the tech can eliminate up to 99.999% of bacteria from the water bottle, and it can be used as a water purification device. That makes it a nice companion if your mum likes to hike, or just travels a lot and wants the peace of mind of clean drinking water.
Nutribullet Pro 900
of a caramel thickshake, you can't look past the Nutribullet Pro 900. With a 700ml cup capacity and a package that includes two blades, two cups, an extractor blade and a milling blade, this powerful little blender is ready for anything from fruit to seeds and coffee beans; capable of making anything from dips and sauces to smoothies and acai bowls.
Surprising us by how quickly it made its way through our tests, the main drawback we found was that it wasn't quite big enough for large batches and needed some help (pausing the blend to spatula down the sides) to make thicker treats like dips and smoothie bowls. Easy to clean, fast and powerful, this is the perfect addition to any kitchen, whether it's providing healthy and delicious smoothies or sauces and milkshakes.
Read our full Nutribullet Pro 900 review
Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max
You won't find more value than what Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K provides. Amazon's most powerful streaming stick, you do is plug it into the HDMI port in mum's TV and voila, all of a sudden it's a smart TV with access to any streaming service or application she could ever need. Providing quick and easy access to Amazon's Prime Video and Prime Music, mum will also find Netflix, YouTube, Binge and most other streaming services, although each one will need to be subscribed to separately. Allowing mum to watch her favourites with the best picture possible, the Max is often found for less than AU$100, the regular Fire TV Stick 4K can often be found for close to AU$50.
Read our full Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max review
Amazon Echo Dot (Gen 5) with Clock
Whether mum is in need of a bedside clock or a smart speaker, you can give her both with the 5th Gen Echo Dot. One of the biggest problems we had with the smart speaker was that it isn't a giant upgrade over previous generations. If mum doesn't own one, though, it's a fantastic addition to the home.
The best sound quality of any Echo Dot, new tap gestures and the ability to sense the temperature of the room, it just makes life easier. This version displays the time through its display clock, but even the clock-less model will provide mum with easy-to-set alarms, weather updates and speedy information, as well as connecting to other devices so it can be used as a regular Bluetooth speaker. Clear vocals, Alexa integration and a handsome clock-face, there's not much to dislike about this Amazon Echo Dot.
Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) review – (clock-less model)
Gifts under AU$300
Breville The InFizz Fusion
The InFizz Fusion sparkling beverage maker from Breville is a fizzy-drink loving mum's new best friend. Unlike its competitors, the InFizz doesn't only turn water into soda water, but can carbonate almost anything else mum wants to add some fizz to. The InFizz Fusion adds carbonation to anything from juice to wine, cocktails, and even iced tea.
Whether mum is looking to curb her reliance on fizzy drinks or just wants to add some bubbly flavour to boring old drinks, Breville's InFizz Fusion is a wonderful option and it looks pretty darn good too.
Read our full Breville the InFizz Fusion review
Kobo Clara Colour
There are more expensive and powerful ereaders, but if you want an ereader that is just that – an ereader – then there is no better choice on the market. The most affordable colour ereader available, if mum is a true bookworm, she'll love it.
The only drawbacks we found in our Kobo Clara Colour review was that its 6-inch display might be too small for some users, and the black-and-white text can lack contrast. Okay, we've got that out of the way – here's what we love. We had absolutely no problem with its performance, from a speed, battery, audio or display viewpoint and while our reviewer prefers a larger screen, some users will love the compact, lightweight and portable size of the Kobo Clara Colour. Oh, it's waterproof too. Whether she will use the colour to highlight quotes, or read the latest comics, the Kobo Clara is the best ereader for mum.
Read our full Kobo Clara Colour review.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe
If mum likes good coffee fast, there are few better machines on the market better than Nespresso's Vertuo Next Deluxe, particularly at under AU$300 . There might be faster machines, and there are certainly more expensive ones that offer what might be a better coffee, but this pod machine has the perfect combination of taste and speed. Admittedly it needs a separate milk frother and there’s the ongoing price of the pods themselves to consider, it will have mum grinning from ear to ear when she opens it up and even more so when she takes her first sip.
The easiest coffee machine we have ever used, the most technologically challenged mum will have no problem making her Mother's Day coffee. Even without the extra milk frother that would be needed to make those frothy cappuccinos and lattes, froth-free milky coffee is delightful with this machine. If she needs it, a milk frother can be found for anywhere from AU$10 to AU$150, depending on her wants and needs. Fast, easy to clean and moderately priced, this could be the perfect gift for mum.
Read our full Nanopresso Vertuo Next Deluxe review
KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer
It's a hand mixer. It's made by KitchenAid. It's cordless. For the baking mums out there, those three attributes might make this the perfect kitchen gadget. While there is a slight power difference between the corded and cordless mixers, the loss in power is completely dwarfed by the ease of use provided with a lack of cords.
It just sits there, charged and waiting for the moment mum gets the urge (or a family member begs) to bake. She doesn't have to unplug the kettle to get a free powerpoint. She doesn't have to stop every few seconds to flip the cord out of the way. Mum just has to remove the charging cord, choose her desired speed and mix her ingredients. She's dreamt of such a thing and, often found for closer to AU$200, you can make her dreams come true.
Coravin Pivot
A great gift for wine lovers, the Coravin Pivot is a nifty gadget that’ll keep mum's bottle of wine tasting fresh weeks after opening. It’s a special bottle topper that can extend the life of your wine, and while Coravin says the device will preserve your drop for up to four weeks, one of our colleagues at T3 found their vino lasting for up to three – which is still quite impressive. It’s an especially good present for those who enjoy a glass or two every now and then, so they’ll be able to enjoy a full bottle rather than pouring it down the drain after a day or two.
Gifts under AU$500
Apple Watch SE
Smartwatches are on every wrist these days, and whether you think mum wants the fitness features or be able to call and text from her wrist, there's a lot to love about the Apple Watch SE. Most enticing, though, is its price. In no world is the SE, ranging from just under AU$400 to over AU$500, cheap, but in the world of smartwatches – and Apple products – under AU$400 is quite the bargain. What the SE provides makes it even more so.
Comfortable, seamlessly communicating with other Apple devices and water resistant up to 50m, this watch is the perfect addition to anyone's wrist. Coming in a variety of colours with almost never-ending band options, the SE is a viable option no matter the use case (unless mum's a mountain climber, in which case the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might be more applicable).
Read our full Apple Watch SE review
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Sports Set
The only thing that mum's love more than capturing and holding family moments in a photo frame, is the enjoyment found in the actual time together. While that could be backyard cricket, a back-stabbing game of Monopoly or coffee and a chat, the family huddled around the TV playing Nintendo Switch Sports might be the best Mother's Day gift idea we've had.
Remember those days playing Wii Sports, mum dominating somehow despite having barely touched a video game controller in her life? You can bring those times back with the Nintendo Switch Sports bundle. If mum's more of a gamer, or you think she'd like to be, there are plenty of single-player adventures to be had, and she can even undock the Switch and play her games on-the-go.
It's worth mentioning that the Nintendo Switch Lite is considerably less expensive, though it is purely for solo gaming.
Read our full Nintendo Switch review and our full Nintendo Switch Lite review
Shop this specific bundle at Amazon AU or JB Hi-Fi
Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe
If mum likes good coffee fast, there are few better machines on the market better than Nespresso's Vertuo Next Deluxe, particularly at under AU$300 . There might be faster machines, and there are certainly more expensive ones that offer what might be a better coffee, but this pod machine has the perfect combination of taste and speed. Admittedly it needs a separate milk frother and there’s the ongoing price of the pods themselves to consider, it will have mum grinning from ear to ear when she opens it up and even more so when she takes her first sip.
The easiest coffee machine we have ever used, the most technologically challenged mum will have no problem making her Mother's Day coffee. Even without the extra milk frother that would be needed to make those frothy cappuccinos and lattes, froth-free milky coffee is delightful with this machine. If she needs it, a milk frother can be found for anywhere from AU$10 to AU$150, depending on her wants and needs. Fast, easy to clean and moderately priced, this could be the perfect gift for mum.
Read our full Nanopresso Vertuo Next Deluxe review
ghd Helios hair dryer
Is this a lot of money for a hair dryer? Sure. Is it more than half the price of a Dyson Supersonic? If you can catch it at a discount, it's considerably cheaper than that.
While it might not quite reach the heights of Dysons premium hair dryer, it comes close, and the price difference is too much to ignore – which is why it was our best overall hair dryer. Drying your hair quickly and leaving it shiny and frizz-free, the ghd Helios is everything you want from a hair dryer without the exorbitant prices of some others out there on the market.
Read our full ghd Helios Hair Dryer review
Therabody Theragun Prime
The Therabody Theragun Prime is not just for gym junkies and athletes, they can help anyone feel and move better. What sets this massage gun apart, besides its supreme performance, is its ergonomic triangle handle. Making it far easier to reach and stay in those hard-to-reach areas, there are no tight or aching muscles that the Theragun Prime can't reach. Actually there is – but it allows you to reach 80% of your body much more comfortably than competitors – meaning mum can hit all her sore spots on her own.
Not stopping there, the Theragun Prime comes with four unique attachments to better attack sore spots in different ways – reduce aches and pains, increase circulation, reduce soreness and ease tightness – and is easy to travel with, though there is a smaller travel-specific version if that better suits mum. If mum loves to run or hike, has some general aches or just loves a massage, the Theragun Prime is a great idea for this Mother's Day.
Read our full Therabody Theragun Prime review
Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook Dual Air Fryer 8L
Most Air Fryers aren't big enough to cook for the whole family, which makes them not the greatest gift for Mother's Day. However, while we didn't love how expensive this air fryer was in our Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer review – it more than makes up for it.
With two 4L baskets, they're both as big as most competitors single basket, meaning they're more than up to any cooking task – whether it's one big main meal or multiple side dishes. Using up to 80% less energy than traditional electric ovens, using 95% less oil than deep frying and being able to roast, bake, reheat, grill and dehydrate, this is the perfect air fryer for mums with families of more than four.
Read our full Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer review
First Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Whether the new bubba is almost turning one, barely a month old or still waiting patiently to enter your home, a mum's first Mother's Day is an incredibly special occasion. To mark that, of course, you want a gift that symbolises and recognises that special occasion. More than that though, while sentimental and heartfelt gifts are always a winner, something mum (and dad) can get plenty of use out of is just as good an idea.
While many of the gifts above would suit, be it a coffee machine to make mum's coffee fix that much faster and tastier or an ereader so she can unwind while her baby sleeps in her arms, here are two great first Mothers Day gift ideas
1. Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Ultra UV Steriliser, Dryer and Storage
We know, not every gift for mum has to be baby-related. While treating mum like her own individual human, and not just a baby-maker is crucial, the one thing mum's value above all else – or they will value once bub comes along – is making life as easy as possible. It can be hard to stay on top of storing milk, bottling it and worrying about whether they have been sufficiently sterilised. All while trying not to burn yourself. The Tommee Tippee 3-in-1 Ultra UV Steriliser, Dryer and Bottle Storage take care of all of that.
2. Digital Photo Frame
While it might be a little painful to see the little one growing, there are few things mum will cherish more than photos of her, her baby and her family during the first year before her first Mother's Day. Whether you've captured the moments right up until the baby is ready to come out or the majority of her first year with bub, a digital photo frame is the perfect gift to go with all those lovely photos that have been taken. Whether you're looking for a higher-end frame like the Google Nest Hub Max and Aura Mason Luxe digital frame or a more budget-friendly frame like the Jackson Frameo, there's plenty to choose from. As long as mum can throw her favourite photos on there and watch them slide through intermittently, she'll love it
Check out our guide to The best digital photo frame
Mother's Day FAQs
When is Mother’s Day 2024?
Mother’s Day in Australia and New Zealand is traditionally observed on the second Sunday of May each year, and in 2024 that's May 12.
It’s a day to celebrate the women who have cared and do care for us and our loved ones, whether that's our mothers, stepmothers, unrelated guardians and caregivers or the mother of our children. It's a chance to remind them how much you appreciate them and make them feel extra special, be it with a heartfelt card, a thoughtful gift, tidying the house, a day out or a home-cooked meal.
If you’re planning on shopping online, we’ve got some excellent Mother’s Day gift ideas right here. Just keep in mind you’ll need to have it ordered and shipped in time for May 12, so be sure to double check those delivery estimates.
