A Fresh Bouquet
It might be a bit of a cliché, but you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous set of blooms to brighten up the room. And if you swing by the Covered Market, you’ll find not one, but two fabulous independent florists to prepare your posies.Jemini features some vibrant Mother’s Day arrangements (including cards and/or chocolates), as well as a beautiful selection of vases and glassware. The Garden of Oxford, meanwhile, boasts a beautiful selection of florist’s choice bouquets, plus subscription offers for a weekly or monthly wrap of seasonal flowers. Both offer made to order bouquets too, so if you want to surprise Mum with a custom arrangement, just give their resident florists a call!
Magical Botanicals
If a bouquet feels a little on the small side, why not explore a bounty of horticultural delights at the Oxford Botanic Garden? The garden plays host to over 5000 different plant species from every climate, from delicate roses to towering succulents, as well as a tranquil walled garden and fishpond for you to sit and collect your thoughts. This trip is a must for any green-fingered mum.
The Great Outdoors
For those who like their nature a bit more hands-on, Fat Squirrel Outdoor is offering a Mother's Day afternoon of woodland activities perfect for a family day out. With events like axe-throwing, fire-lighting, soft archery and crafting, plus some downtime to lay back in a tree hammock and enjoy a soft drink, cuppa or locally brewed beer and wine, you’re bound to leave as happy campers.
Brew-Ha-Ha
While some might prefer a brisk outdoor excursion, others might want to stick to their creature comforts. If your mum likes nothing more than to put her feet up with a good cuppa, you can treat her to an artisanal tea or coffee - try Cardews Tea Shop in the Covered Market, the oldest established supplier of fresh coffees and fine teas in Oxford (I highly recommend their Lapsang Souchong). Or pop into Bird and Blend to consult their tea mixologists for the perfect brew, including their signature Oxford blend, the Oxford Comma.
I Should Cocoa
Nothing beats a classic box of chocolates to satisfy the sweet-toothed mums out there. Montezuma’s Chocolate offers a decadent selection of Mother’s Day treats, from classic truffle collections to extravagant gift boxes. Or pop to Hotel Chocolat for a touch of luxury - as well as their sumptuous chocolates, you can treat Mum to a tipple of gin, wine, or one of their signature Velvetised Creams.
Don’t Mind if I (Hair)Do
To show Mum she’s a cut above the rest, a fresh salon haircut is the perfect gift. If you’re looking for a striking modern cut a la Vidal Sassoon, try the award-winning Mahogany on Turl Street or Little Clarendon Street, where she’ll be in the hands of an experienced stylist who’ll customise her ‘do to suit her. For a pop of new colour with spa-style service (including a super relaxing hair wash), look no further than Matthew Cluelee. Or for a custom cut with sustainability at its core, swing by Kelly’s Hair (formerly Anne Veck) on St. Clements; a member of the Green Salon Collective, expect expert styling and service that’s both friendly and eco-friendly!
There’s the Rub
Let’s face it - being a mum is a stressful job, and sometimes you need some extra help to work out the aches and pains. For some heavy-duty relaxation, a spot at Thy Spa is just the ticket. As well as their extensive range of traditional Thai massage and beauty treatments, they’re currently offering two Mothers’ Day packages, the Super Mum (Thai, foot and head massage), and Happy Mum (oil, foot and head massage). Just lie back and let the tension melt away.
A Slap-up Meal
An indulgent brunch or an elegant dinner is a perfect way to say thank you to the mums in our lives. The Ivy is offering a Mother’s Day brunch menu featuring a ham hock Eggs Benedict, a mouth-watering Mothering Sundae dessert and a sparkling selection of apéritifs; or indulge in an evening of French cuisine at Brasserie Blanc, where all mums will receive a complimentary Elderflower Collins cocktail. Make sure to book soon to avoid disappointment!
Silver Screen Sensations
Whether you’d like to spend Mother’s Day with the young tots or get a little break from them for the afternoon, a trip to the cinema covers all the bases. The Phoenix Picturehouse has a set of picks for family outings or film connoisseurs - take in Kurosawa’s acclaimed classic Seven Samurai, entertain the little ones with an autism-friendly screening of Moana, or indulge in the brilliance of 2023 Best Picture Oscar-winner Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.
A Bit of the Bard
Prefer treading the boards to the big screen? There’s still time to enter our Mother’s Day competition with the RSC, to win tickets to their adaptation of Cymbeline in Stratford-upon-Avon. Simply tell us your favourite literary or theatrical mother to treat Mum and a friend to Shakespeare’s spellbinding take on Celtic folklore and fairytale; find out more here.