Mothering Sunday is the second Sunday in May in the US but in the UK we celebrate Mother's Day in March. (2009 date: Sunday 22 March 2009.)
If you are visiting London in March you will need to know how to spoil mom so read on...
1. Mother's Day Card
Your mother may tell you not to worry about buying her a card but do you want to take the risk? For the the best greeting cards in London head to Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road. Paperchase is the brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK. The range is constantly changing which makes return visits more fun. They also carry an unbeatable range of unusual papers and art materials as well as all the more widely available stationery, greeting cards, gifts, and gift packaging.- Paperchase, 213 - 215 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PS
Nearest tube stations: Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road
2. Chocolates
Hotel Chocolat produce luxury chocolates and have many gift ideas to help you choose. Hotel Chocolat is a British-owned company who has been committed to producing real, authentic chocolate for over ten years. Hotel Chocolat's success has a lot to do with the quality ingredients they use – they even have their own cocoa plantation, Rabot Estate, in the West Indies.Why not sign your mom up for the Chocolate Tasting Club so she can enjoys chocs all year round?
3. Afternoon Tea
© Grosvenor House
Afternoon tea is a wonderful tradition and I've enjoyed this pastime at many venues. Here are my favorite afternoon tea locations with reviews to help you choose where to book.
4. Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair offers the chance to buy artwork for between £50 and £3,000 so there's a huge choice that's really reasonably priced. If mom is with you, you could take her along and let her choose her present, or just enjoy a day out together admiring painting, sculpture, photography, and prints.2009 Dates: Thursday 12 March - Sunday 15 March 2009
5. Chelsea Antiques Fair
Chelsea Antiques Fair is held at Chelsea Old Town Hall on King's Road in Chelsea. This a wonderful area for shopping and dining so either treat mom to day out or enjoy yourself while choosing her a unique gift.2009 Dates: Wednesday 25 - Sunday 29 March 2009
6. Country Living Magazine Spring Fair
© Country Living Fair
The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair is another shopping opportunity for you or another chance for a bonding session with mom. The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair has great ideas for decorating your home and inspiration for the garden.
2009 Dates: Wednesday 11 - Sunday 15 March 2009
2009 Dates: Wednesday 11 - Sunday 15 March 2009
7. Ideal Home Show
The Ideal Home Show is exactly what you would expect - everything you need for your/your mom's perfect home. Again, plenty of shopping to be done so take a big empty bag.2009 Dates: Friday 20 March - Sunday 13 April 2009
8. London Sightseeing Pass
© London Pass
The London Pass offers free entry to over 55 London tourist attractions including The Tower of London and Kensington Palace. With the savings you will make, why not buy two passes and go with mom?
9. Visit Buckingham Palace
© Laura Porter
Buckingham Palace is open to the public from the end of July to late September each year so this is one mom will have to wait for but you could purchase the tickets now so she's got something to look forward to.
If mom can't visit London in the summer but is here now then take her to see the Changing of the Guard outside the front of Buckingham Palace at 11am on even days in March 2009.
If mom can't visit London in the summer but is here now then take her to see the Changing of the Guard outside the front of Buckingham Palace at 11am on even days in March 2009.
10. Spa & Pampering Sessions
Lastminute.com always have great gift ideas and they won't let you down for Mother's Day. Mother's Day gift ideas include a day at the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden or a pampering session for mother and daughter. Now there's a thought - you could be spoilt too.11. London Eye Flight
© Laura Porter
Quality time together is the greatest gift, so why not treat mom (and yourself) to a ride on the London Eye? You could choose a Champagne Flight or even Chocolate Tasting on the London Eye. The London Eye River Cruise is a fun interactive 40 minute cruise on the Thames taking in some of London's most impressive architecture. Conveniently located on the London Eye pier, this circular cruise includes a live commentary on London landmarks. If you can't make up your mind (there are a lot of options!) you could choose London Eye Gift Vouchers and let mom decide.
