There are two types of mothers in this world: the kind who love every gift their child gives them (from macaroni art to a cashmere scarf) and the kind who are impossible to please. This post is in honour of the latter: the mum who has such specific tastes that shopping for her is a bit of a nightmare. But you can’t just not get her a present – particularly on Mother’s Day. No, it’s still good form to purchase something to show your appreciation, maybe this year you shy away from jewellery or sweaters (so personal).

Instead, choose gifts that you would be happy to receive yourself. Candles, books, sweet little home accessories – these are things that your mother can enjoy immediately or tuck away into a corner of her home never to be seen again. Or, even better, she might regift them to you. All the more reason to choose neutral gifts and let your own tastes be your guide.

So, even if social distancing means that you’ll be spending Mother’s Day on FaceTime instead of some actual face time, make sure you send her a gift.

There’s a school of thought that says that candles are a cop-out gift. But we disagree – especially when the candle comes from a scent maestro such as Diptyque or a legendary homeware brand of Fornasetti’s standing. In both instances (but particularly in the case of Fornasetti) the vessels in which the candles are housed are half the gift. Once mum has gone through her beautifully fragrant candle, she has a second gift ready to go – a lidded ceramic cup to hide sweets in, perhaps. A two-in-one, if you will – she’ll love the resourcefulness. 

There’s little to no chance that if you give your mother a tub of La Mer’s famous Crème de la Mer she will give it back to you. So, this is a safe one (sorry). It’s also the perfect gift for a woman who perhaps doesn’t treat herself to things she deserves, including a 100ml pot of moisturiser that costs the same as a cashmere sweater. Another good example of this is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s serums – take your pick, they’re all good, and a guaranteed hit of a gift for anyone with a face.

You may not know this, but we have quite the collection of books here on MR PORTER. So, go take a look at our selection of tomes and choose something your mum might like – we’ve got all the topics covered, from wine and beer to art and music. Anything from Assouline, Phaidon or Taschen is usually a good bet, and the worst-case scenario is she doesn’t really care to look through it and instead uses it as a gorgeous coffee table centrepiece. We’re not here to tell her what to do with her gift.

It is a rule, universally acknowledged, that mums get cold. That’s why they’re always bringing an extra sweater (just in case) and encouraging you to do the same. Lush, luxurious blankets are a splendid gift for keeping toes toasty and warming up chilly evenings at home. Acne Studios makes famously great fringed throws that can double as massive scarves in a pinch. Or go ultra-luxe and present her with an oatmeal-coloured cashmere blanket from cashmere-king Brunello Cucinelli.

Looking to really blow her mind this year while showing your appreciation for the woman who raised you? If the option is available to you, why not go all out on a splurge gift? We love a woman in a man’s watch, so that’s one way to say: “I love you more than any son has ever loved a mother.” A Cartier Santos with an interchangeable strap gives her some options. Or maybe mum loves to document memories everywhere she goes. Get her the Bentley of cameras – a Leica digital camera and lens is the gold standard for professional photographers and mothers everywhere.