My gift guide for Mothers Day - celebrating local, female led, small businesses full of heart.
My daughter and I - and of course, my fluffy child, Dougal.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a meaningful gift that supports local businesses, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re celebrating your mum, grandmother, or a mother figure in your life, these handpicked gifts from independent businesses in our area are sure to make her feel loved and appreciated.
Every business I’ve chosen to include here is a business that inspires me personally in some way - some of them I’ve worked with before, others I’ve bought from and some have bought from me (some of them, all three!). I think it’s really important to support local - I know without a shadow of a doubt that if you order or buy from any one of these ladies, it will mean something to them. Not only this, but of course - they are just the best at what they do and I think they are all fantastic! Enjoy shopping!
PS: I am in no way getting paid for this - I just think it’s important to share these lovely businesses.
1. A Candle from Whist
I first came across Kerry on Instagram and it turns out we actually have more in common than you’d think - it’s a small world! I fell in love with Kerry’s story and honesty about the highs and lows of running her small business and how she keeps it totally real. Her candles are simply gorgeous - all hand poured, nature inspired and ethically created. The candles come in a variety of soothing scents, made with sustainably grown rapeseed wax and essential oils. A beautifully packaged candle is a wonderful way to encourage your mum to take a well-earned moment of calm. I treated myself to one of her refillable ceramic candles recently, in the scent New Hope - it’s delicious. This Mother’s Day, Kerry recommends her special gift sets - containing tealights and hand thrown ceramic tealight holders.
2. Jewellery from Elizabeth Caroline
I have known Elizabeth for years (I rented a treatment room from her when I first came out of uni in my osteopath days!) and have watched her businesses grow and evolve over that time, as she has mine. Elizabeth hand makes all her jewellery using ethically sourced materials, her expert eye for style and her deep spiritual practice. Every piece really means something with the precious gemstones used bringing their unique properties in health and well being. I remember Elizabeth’s mala beads from waaay back in the day before this brand became an ‘actual thing’, but now you can compliment the beautiful necklaces with bracelets as well.
📍 Explore Elizabeth Caroline here:
3. A Creative Experience with Imogen's Painting Workshops
If your mum loves getting creative, why not treat her to a painting workshop with local artist Imogen Partridge? Whether she’s a complete beginner or an experienced painter, these sessions provide a relaxing and inspiring environment to explore art. Her next workshop is on the 12th April in Surrey - you’ll get to create your own spring bouquet and then capture it in watercolour. I love Imogen’s approach - she really gets across how any one can paint and find their creative side and is a fantastic, extremely kind teacher. This would be a wonderful gift to treat your Mum to and spend the day together doing. If you can’t make this date - Imogen hosts plenty of other workshops, in a variety of locations throughout the year.
📍 Find out more about the workshops
4. A Coffee Date with a Ridings Café Voucher
Sometimes, the best gift is simply spending time together. A coffee voucher from Ridings Café in Hildenbrough makes a lovely, thoughtful present—especially if it comes with the promise of a catch-up over a great cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Jen took over Ridings a couple of years ago and has created a wonderful, cosy space for the community to enjoy - whether you pop in to grab a takeaway or sit in for a delicious lunch. Dogs are also always welcome too so a walk in the surrounding countryside first always goes down well. You can purchase a gift voucher, or simply pop in!
5. A luxurious facial with Karen Alexandra
Originally created out of necessity during lock down, Karen’s ‘At Home Facial Kit’ has remained a bestseller and is a wonderful gift for a Mum who loves and deserves a bit of a pamper. The kit contains everything you could possibly need for 3 complete, organic facials - including a candle, chocolate and tea so you can really relax, unwind and set the tone! Sounds like heaven to me. Karen has been running her business in Tonbridge for over 20 years and is a huge champion of other local businesses herself, I loved her recent campaign against the new parking charges in town and how she has introduced a refund scheme when you buy from her - a real community spirited business owner.
And of course don’t forget… a beautiful bouquet from Delilah & Herb
Flowers are a timeless way to show love and appreciation. This Mother’s Day all of my gorgeous designs will be made with only the very best of British seasonal, spring flowers. Scented, fresh and simply gorgeous. I have a range of larger bouquets which can be ordered for delivery, or I will also be at North Cottage with ‘Flowers from the Porch’ across Mother’s Day weekend for you to pop by and pick a special gift up (these can also be pre-ordered). I can’t wait to get creating!
Support Local, Gift with Love
By choosing gifts from independent businesses, you’re not only giving something special but also supporting the talented makers and creatives in our community. Whether it’s a bouquet, a candle, some jewellery, an art class, a coffee date or a luxury facial - these gifts are all about showing appreciation in a really thoughtful way.
Wishing all the wonderful women out there a very Happy Mother’s Day!
P.S. Don’t forget to place your flower orders early to avoid disappointment!