Motherhood, Reimagined: Celebrating All Kinds of Caregivers
Mother’s Day can be one of those beautiful-but-tender times of year.
For some of us, it’s not about breakfasts in bed or tiny novelty handprints on greeting cards. It’s about navigating complex emotions—grief, longing, loss, love—and redefining what it means to mother in a world that doesn’t always see you.
I’m an aunty to two cheeky, energetic rascals. I’m a dog mum to a needy-but-adorable little creature who thinks I’m a treat factory.
I show up. I care deeply. I love loudly.
I also can’t have children of my own, a choice taken away from me due to my complex, often misunderstood health status.
And on Mother’s Day, I often feel like I exist in the margins.
But what I’ve come to realise is that the essence of motherhood—nurturing, guiding, and prioritising others who depend on you—isn’t bound by biology or tradition.
It lives in the acts of care we offer daily, whether that’s helping raise a niece, comforting a friend, or lovingly scooping up dinner for a four-legged furball.
So this year, I’m reclaiming Mother’s Day in my own way.
Not with cosy slippers or breakfast in bed, but with little gifts of gratitude that say “You matter too.”
If this sounds like someone in your life, here’s some thoughtful, home-grown gifts I’m sure they’ll (read: I would) love.
Hommey Merino Alpaca Throw, $299 from Hommey
Shop: Hommey Merino Alpaca Throw
While my love language is unquestionably ‘physical touch’, there’s something so cosy and comforting about being cocooned in a cloud-like blanket.
Lofty, thick and oh-so-plush, it can also double as an ultra-warm scarf or pashmina for those ‘leave the house in a duvet’ kind of days.
Made from hypoallergenic Australian Merino and Peruvian Alpaca wool, it’s a timeless investment that will last throughout the years, just like the love they give you.
2. kit: Sleep Discovery Bundle, $68 from kit:
Shop: kit: Sleep Discovery Bundle
For any mother—biological or otherwise—there is no kinder present than the gift of sleep.
While bundling up the physical act may seem slightly impossible, the next best option is the Kit: Sleep Discovery Bundle, formulated with dreamy (literally) ingredients like Tasmanian Lavender, Tea Tree and Magnesium.
Finding the right way to catch some ZzZ’s differs for every body, so this curated collection is a great option, giving your loved one a balm, mist and powdered sachets to trial in their sleep routine.
3. Odesse Deep Orchid Perfume 50ml, $89.95 from VAMS
Shop: Odesse Deep Orchid Perfume 50ml
A perfume. For ‘Mother’s Day’. Groundbreaking.
Okay, okay… hear me out.
Odesse Perfumes are all IFRA-approved, 100% vegan free from phthalates and harsh chemicals, and made in Melbourne.
Basically, they tick all the boxes. What more, because of their curated offering, you’ll rarely find someone in the room wearing the same scent—hello new signature fragrance!
My pick is Deep Orchid: a sultry floral, warmly supported by bergamot, musk and patchouli.
Their packaging has recently had a glow up, making it highly gift-worthy too. (Bonus Points: Grab it from VAMS and pick yourself up some other fab female-owned goodies while you’re there.)
4. Raaie Cocoon Ceramide Cream, $145.00 from RAAIE
Shop: Raaie Cocoon Ceramide Cream
Dare I need say anything further after looking at this exquisite, sculptural jar of goodness?
No, but I will.
Nestled in this ‘gram-worthy vessel is a creamy, moisture-rich formula, filled with ceramides, plant-transforming growth factors and fermented minerals. Fantastic for sensitive skin, it nurtures and strengthens the skin barrier while also promoting collagen formation (via Manuka Honey—yum!).
If they end up loving it, they can also purchase a carbon-offsetting refill for $20 less: a win for nature, a win for the wallet. This one’s a safe bet, while still being a little bit special.
5. Conserving Beauty Hyaluronic Cleansing & Conditioning Cloths Artistry Set, $200 from Conserving Beauty
Shop: Conserving Beauty Hyaluronic Cleansing & Conditioning Cloths Artistry Set
If you really want to spoil a beauty-lover in your life, chances are this is already in their cart, but they can’t justify checking out.
These dissolvable, multi-purpose wipes prep the skin with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and swipe off at sundown as a makeup remover too.
Co-created with Isamaya Ffrench (aka MUA to Taylor Swift, Rihanna & Bella Hadid), the wow factor for this gift is the vanity-worthy chrome canister that disperses the wipes—it’s like a piece of art in itself. Trying to keep your budget on track?
You can also purchase the Hyaluronic Cleansing & Conditioning Cloths (or even the OG Gentle Oil Cleansing Wipes) separately to suit your price-point.
6. The Somewhere Co. Marshmallow Midi Tote, $100 from The Somewhere Co.
Shop: The Somewhere Co. Marshmallow Midi Tote
From a distance, this perfectly puffy tote bag looks almost good enough to eat. Look a little closer, and you’ll see that it’s actually an ideal size for holding wallets, trinkets, lipglosses and even a laptop.
Its drawstring cord and cushion-like construction add a touch of functional whimsy, and the colourful gingham design just makes me happy.
Designed in Australia by the clever folks at The Somewhere Co., it even comes with an in-built smile embroidered in the corner. Day. Made!
Final Thoughts
This Mother’s Day, let’s broaden the spotlight. Let’s say thank you to the aunties, the mentors, the besties who pick up the pieces, the dog mums, the childless-by-circumstance-or-choice.
You are seen. You are essential. You deserve the fragrance, the flowers, the moment to exhale.
Because nurturing is enough. And you are too.
