Ah You Shouldn’t Have – Our Top Five Alternative Mother’s Day Gifts

She'll probably tell you "ah, don't bother" and "don't be wasting your money on me" but she's lying.

All mammys want to be spoiled and pampered on Mother's Day and let's be honest, imagine the face on her if you rocked up sans card or box of chocolates on the day. 

So, if you do want to shell out that little bit extra and treat your mum to something special, this year we're proposing that you clear a date in your diary and do something together instead. From weekend spa breaks to a one-day cookery course, we've selected our top five. 

Shop til you drop:

If you and your mum have a shared passion for fashion and love nothing more than hitting the shops and indulging in a spot of girly lunch before hitting the shops again, then why not make a day of it and head to Kildare Village. Their exclusive Mother’s Day package includes a return ticket on the Shopping Express, a two-course lunch in L’Officina Restaurant, Hands Free shopping, a €25 Kildare Village Gift Card and an exclusive Kenneth Turner gift. Oh, and did we mention you will also receive a VIP card which entitles you to a 10 percent discount on all purchases while you’re there? 

The Mother’s Day package at Kildare Village costs €49 per person. For bookings visit www.kildarevillage.com

Pamper palace:

If you really want to get away from it all and indulge your mum with a luxurious spa package, then the Farnham Estate & Spa in Cavan is the perfect destination. Featuring a stunning thermal suite and spa, you can enjoy tailor made spa treatments, take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and even eat lunch in your fluffy white robes! It’s the ultimate get away and is sure to make your mum feel like a pampered queen.

The March Spa Offer includes a facial massage, followed by a full body Aromo Luxe massage and costs €99 per person. Visit www.farnhamestate.ie for more information.

Tea for Two:

Sometimes you just can’t beat a catch up with the mammy over a cuppa so instead of popping the kettle on yourselves, treat her to a spot of afternoon tea complete with dainty sandwiches, pretty pastries and lots and lots of cake instead! And, some places even offer a glass of champers for that extra special touch! We love The Merrion Hotel in Dublin for its cosy yet ultra chic feel.

Afternoon tea for two at The Merrion Hotel from €36 per person. Check out www.merrionhotel.com for more information.

Ooh, pass the cucumber sandwiches!

Best face forward:

Fancy feeling like a celebrity for a day? Why not treat your mum to a Dr. Murad signature facial at one of Therapie’s clinics nationwide. Designed by Dr. Murad, a US based dermatologist who boasts a host of celebrity clients including Lisa Snowdon and Kim Cattrall, this luxurious treatment mimics the effects of a chemical peel but without the flaking, redness or drying out and is particularly effective at combating the signs of ageing.

The Dr. Murad Signature Facial costs €100 for one hour at Therapie Clinics nationwide.

Cook up a storm:

From complete novices to Darina Allen wannabes, one-day cookery courses are the perfect gift for foodies. And, no matter how good a cook your mammy is, even the best can learn a thing or two from the professionals. From baking to making sushi, the Good Food Ireland website is bursting with information about the cookery schools dotted around the country and has info on current special offers.

For more information check out www.goodfoodireland.ie