26 Affordable and Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for your mum and the other influential women in your life. But finding unique Mother’s Day gifts that are meaningful and budget-friendly can sometimes be a challenge.

During the build-up to Mother's Day in 2024, spending reached an estimated £1.6 billion, which shows just how highly we value treating our nearest and dearest. Yes, a good ol' box of chocolates and a bunch of spring flowers always go down well, but there are ways to give a thoughtful and unique gift without having to spend a fortune. From personalised keepsakes to incredible experiences, there are so many great ways to make her feel special without overspending. Before deciding on the perfect gift, you should always take a look at your budget and ensure it aligns with other expenses. If you’re not sure how much you can afford to spend, you can use Savoo's Household Budget Calculator to see how much is right for you.

How to find a unique Mother’s Day gift without overspending

With the cost of living increases meaning UK consumers are becoming more budget-conscious, many are looking for ways to celebrate Mother’s Day without spending too much. In fact, last year, 41% of consumers planned to spend under £20 on Mother’s Day gifts due to rising costs.

This just shows that you don't have to spend more than you're comfortable with to show Mum you care. Shirlene Tsang, eCommerce and luxury expert, and Co-Founder of OBJKTS Jewelry says, 'You don’t have to spend a lot to find a meaningful Mother’s Day gift. The best gifts aren’t about price, they’re about thoughtfulness and making sure it’s something she’ll actually enjoy. I see this all the time running a jewellery brand that focuses on affordable luxury. People want something that looks and feels special without overspending, and there are plenty of ways to do that.’

My colleague Louise Holder understands the importance of quality over quantity, saying:

"The gifts I cherish most are the ones that my children have made, these include handmade cards, candleholders, dinners, cakes (my favourite and the quickest way to my heart!) Regardless of the price or effort, it is always the thought that counts and most importantly feeling appreciated and loved."

26 affordable and unique Mother’s Day gift ideas

If you're on the hunt for a gift that's both affordable and a little outside the box (or it could be inside a box, depending on what you want to give - no one will hold that against you) here are 26 ideas to give you a little inspiration.

Handmade gifts are a thoughtful way to show your appreciation while keeping costs low. Here are some affordable yet meaningful ideas:

1. A memory scrapbook filled with handwritten notes, photos and keepsakes, which you can pick up from stores like Photobox and Snapfish.
2. Personalised mugs, keyrings or calendars featuring family pictures. Funky Pigeon has a great range of stuff that you can save money on by using voucher codes.
3. A homemade spa kit with DIY bath bombs, candles and skincare for the ultimate at-home spa session. Body Shop has some perfect pampering products.
4. A custom recipe book featuring her favourite dishes and recipes.
5. A breakfast-in-bed experience with a handwritten menu so she can choose from all her favourites. You could cook something at home or order her favourite treat (you could even save money by using Just Eat voucher codes).

For something a bit more personal, consider these one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift ideas:

1. Engraved jewellery featuring initials, coordinates or a sentimental date.
2. A framed star map of the day she became a mother. TK Maxx has some great affordable frames.
3. Hand-painted or embroidered clothing with her name or a special message.
4. Custom fragrance or candle blends tailored to her taste buds. Check out The Fragrance Shop and find something she loves to wear.

Experience gifts are a perfect way to create lasting memories. Consider these fun and quirky ideas:

1. A pottery-making class where she can craft her own masterpiece. There are also plenty of pottery painting studios around the UK where you can choose a ready-made pot and customise it with your own design.
2. A chocolate-making or wine-tasting experience, a twist on simply giving her favourite box or bottle.
3. A Mother & Me photoshoot so you (and your siblings if you fancy it) can have something your mum will definitely want to hang on the wall.

Louise Holder at Savoo says:

"Sharing the experience with your siblings not only allows you all to create beautiful memories for your mum but also helps you save money. Remember, it doesn't have to be boring. Strike a pose and make fun memories for your mum to treasure!"

1. Afternoon tea, which can be as fancy or affordable as you like. Many local garden centres offer an affordable afternoon tea experience. Browse Trip Advisor to find great low-cost afternoon tea options near you, and check out Groupon or similar sites as they often have vouchers to help you lower the cost.

Like the thought of treating her to an experience but you're not quite sure what? Browse up-to-date days out and experience voucher codes for ways to save money so you can do something fun.

Secondhand shopping offers a unique way to find the best gifts that are like little treasures from the past with a unique story behind them. Just imagine where a particular item has been as it's handed down throughout history! Not only that, but it's a great way to keep on top of underconsumption and save money on something that might otherwise be rather pricey.

Sustainable shopping is becoming increasingly common, too - data shows that 55% of the UK population have purchased a pre-loved item online in the past 12 months. And just because something is secondhand, doesn't mean it lacks in quality - there are some real bargains to be found if you keep your eyes open. Popular options include:

1. Vintage jewellery and handbags.
2. Rare, out-of-print books or first editions.
3. Retro home decor pieces like antique vases and ceramics.
4. Upcycled accessories or refurbished keepsakes.

Explore charity shops like Oxfam, Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation, or shop online on platforms like eBay, Depop, Etsy, and Vinted. It's also worth checking out flea markets and car boot sales in your local area.

Subscription gifts ensure Mum isn't just treated one day of the year, but all the time. Consider:

1. Monthly flower subscriptions from florists like Bloom and Wild.
2. Self-care boxes featuring beauty products from the likes of LOOKFANTASTIC.
3. Gourmet snack or food boxes for some tasty treats - HelloFresh offers great options and you could spend an evening cooking together, too.
4. Personalised letter-writing or tea-tasting subscriptions.
5. An audiobook or streaming service subscription so she can finally listen to or watch all those things you've been telling her she'd love.

Something doesn't have to cost money to be thoughtful and memorable. There are plenty of ways to have a super low-cost Mother’s Day while still making sure it's extra special. All it takes is a little planning. And as Shirlene Tsang says 'It’s not about how much you spend... It's about making the effort. A well-chosen gift always means more than a high price tag.'

So, you could do something like:

1. A home cinema night featuring her favourite films.
2. A scavenger hunt with sentimental clues.
3. Writing and performing a personalised poem or short play.
4. Hosting a themed picnic with delicious homemade treats.

What are UK mums’ favourite Mother's Day gifts?

As well as being conscious of how much you're spending, make sure you think about the type of gift she might want to receive. She might be in for disappointment if she's after a new car or a week in the Maldives, but in all honesty, most mums have far more humble tastes. Here's what British mums love to receive on Mother's Day according to data from YouGov:

Finding exclusive deals and discounts for unique gifts

Mother’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive to be special. Whether you opt for a DIY present, an experience she’ll cherish or a personalised item, the best gifts come from the heart. And you don't need to worry - she'll definitely feel the love, no matter how much you spend.

If you’re ready to spoil your mum and make her feel truly loved, I’ve put together a group of my favourite Mother’s Day vouchers and offers so you can shop smart, impress her and save big.