Mother’s Day always feels a little loaded, doesn’t it.
There is love, of course, but there is also expectation. The expectation to feel appreciated, to feel seen, to feel like all the invisible stuff you do every single day has somehow been noticed. And while breakfast in bed is lovely in theory, in reality it often comes with crumbs, cold tea and at least one child announcing they are hungry again.
Still, there is something incredibly special about Mother’s Day when you have little ones. Especially when the gifts come from them, even if they needed a lot of help choosing. Those gifts tend to land differently. They feel softer. More emotional. More real.
This blog is about thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts under £30 that little ones can give to mum. Not things that feel rushed or last minute, but gifts that acknowledge where mum is right now. Whether that is deep in the newborn stage, navigating toddler chaos, or juggling school runs, work and everything in between.
I wanted this to feel honest, warm and useful. No fluff. No unrealistic ideas that require hours of spare time. Just genuinely lovely gifts that mean something, without costing the earth.
Gift 1: Self care (the realistic kind)
For new mums especially, remembering to look after yourself can feel like an afterthought. When your days revolve around breastfeeding or bottle feeds, sterilising everything in sight, endless nappy changes, night wakes, outfit changes after sick and the occasional discovery of poop where poop absolutely should not be, self care slips very far down the list.
That is why self care gifts only work when they are realistic. Things that can be used quickly, easily, and without needing a babysitter, a bath that stays hot, or a whole evening to yourself.
A little gem from The Body Shop
This is where The Body Shop comes in. Their body butters are one of those products that genuinely feel like a treat but still fit into real life. They are rich, deeply moisturising and comforting, especially when your skin feels dry, tired or like it has not belonged to you for a while.
The textures are indulgent without being heavy, the scents are familiar and soothing, and they actually do what they promise. You can use them straight after a shower, quickly before bed, or even during a rare quiet moment in the day, and it still feels like you have done something just for you.
This particular one is usually around £25, but it is currently on sale at £17.50, which makes it an absolute bargain. For a Mother’s Day gift from little ones, it is perfect. It says, please look after yourself, even if only for five minutes at a time.
A nail varnish set that feels grown up
Alternatively, if mum is more of a nails person, a nail varnish set can be a really thoughtful option. There is currently a brilliant deal at Nailberry, where you can pick up a beautiful four piece collection.
These are breathable, oxygenated polishes, which means they are kinder to nails that are constantly being washed, sanitised and generally put through it. The shades are soft, neutral and timeless, rather than bold or trend led, which makes them easy to wear regardless of season or outfit.
The set is usually £47 but is currently £35, which technically takes it over the £30 limit. That said, this deal is genuinely very good, and if nails are mum’s thing, I would absolutely recommend it. It feels like a proper gift, not just a nice extra.
Gift 2: Handmade and personal
These are the gifts that tend to hit you right in the feelings, often when you least expect it.
Hand and footprint keepsakes
Something that would be really sweet is a hand or footprint of your little one. I have one from when Darcey was six months old, and it makes me quite emotional now to look back and see how unbelievably teeny tiny she once was.
I love her infinitely just the way she is, but I also miss her being that small, permanently glued to me, needing me for absolutely everything. Having something physical that captures that moment in time feels incredibly special.
You can do this very cheaply by ordering some nice thick card and a set of baby safe inks, then popping the finished print into a simple frame. It does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.
If you want something a bit more refined, brands like Olive and Pip offer inkless print kits, which are ideal if mess makes you nervous. You can then choose a beautiful framed option, such as a rose gold handprint, which feels timeless, elegant and like something you would happily keep on display for years.
Jewellery with a mum twist
If handmade is not your thing, jewellery with a personal touch is always a lovely fallback. While you can stretch your budget as far as you like, staying within the £30 limit does not mean compromising on meaning.
The Mother and Child Birthstone Charm Necklace is a great example of this. When you choose the silver necklace option, it comes in at £27 and feels incredibly thoughtful for the price.
The design is delicate rather than chunky, with a small charm and birthstone that represents your child. It is subtle enough to wear every day, but still holds so much meaning. This is the kind of gift mum will reach for without thinking, because it quietly reminds her of the person who made her a mum.
Gift 3: Plants
Plants make such lovely Mother’s Day gifts because they last. They grow. And they quietly become part of the home.
Money tree from Beards and Daisies
Beards and Daisies are one of my favourites, and I was lucky enough to receive a gorgeous money tree from them last year. It is still going strong and always makes me smile when I look at it.
Money trees are said to bring good luck and positive energy, which feels like a lovely sentiment for Mother’s Day. They are also very low maintenance, which is important when your mental load is already full.
These are often on sale for around £25, and you can usually apply a discount voucher when signing up, which keeps things comfortably within budget.
Flamingo flower from Hortology
If you are more of a plant enthusiast, Hortology have the most beautiful flamingo flower, also known as the Anthurium Joli Pulse.
It is bold, glossy and full of colour, making it feel like a proper statement gift. At £30 it sits right at the top of the budget, but it feels worth it. You can also push the boat out slightly and pair it with one of their gorgeous pots.
There is something incredibly sweet about imagining your little one proudly delivering this to mum, dirt under their nails and all.
Gift 4: Memories
This one comes from personal experience.
I have been meaning to write things down for years. The funny phrases, the half sentences that only I understand, the moments that feel ordinary now but will mean everything one day. I want my girls to be able to look back and read about the amazing things they did, and how happy they made me.
And yet, I have still not managed to do it consistently.
A journal that removes the pressure
That is why I have been very openly hinting that a cute journal would make me very happy this year. My personal favourite is Mum’s One Line a Day: A Five Year Memory Book.
It is simple, unintimidating and realistic. One line a day is all it asks for, which feels achievable even on the busiest days. Over time, it becomes something incredibly special, not just for you, but for your children too.
A photo album filled with moments
If you are feeling creative and want to go the extra mile, creating a photo album is such a thoughtful idea. You can do this in a blank journal with printed photos and handwritten notes, or you can opt for something more polished.
Blush and Gold are a personal favourite. Their photo albums and memory books are beautifully designed, thoughtfully laid out and feel like something you will treasure forever. My favourite sits at £29.95, which keeps it just within budget while still feeling really special.
A final thought
Mother’s Day does not need to be expensive to be meaningful. The gifts that tend to stay with us are the ones that reflect who we are, where we are, and how much we are loved.
Whether it is a small moment of self care, a handmade keepsake, a plant that grows alongside your family, or a book filled with memories, these gifts all say the same thing.
I see you. I appreciate you. And I love you.
And really, that is more than enough.
