What do you get to the one person who means most to you? It feels like an impossible task, doesn't it? And it's even harder when you want your gift to be kind to the environment too. At Eco Chic, we understand you want to give your mum a present that reflects how wonderful she is, but you want to be environmentally friendly at the same time. That's why we've created the ultimate eco-friendly Mother's Day gift guide. We're sharing four incredible gift ideas that are guaranteed to put a smile on your mum's face and have a positive environmental impact at the same time.

Organic flowers

There's something about flowers. They brighten up the home, fill the room with fresh luscious scents, and never fail to show someone how much they mean to you. But, there's a dark side to the beautiful stems proudly displayed on your dining room table.

Environmental impact of flowers

Flowers require high quantities of water to grow and bloom into the beautiful plants we're proud to showcase in our homes. Half the water in Kenya has been drawn off for growing flowers.  And the people and local environments we grow flowers in are exposed to dangerous fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals contaminate local waterways and can cause serious illness and even death. Plus, transporting and housing flowers demands large quantities of energy and CO2. The growing process of your shop-bought bouquet is not environmentally friendly, but it can be.

What are organic flowers?

You can still use flowers to symbolise your love with organic flowers and floristry services. Organic flowers don’t use chemical growth aids, use clean and nutrient-rich soil, prioritise rainwater for growth and ensure the safety of local communities and employees.

You can purchase organic flowers from designated brands such as Organic Blooms and Bloom and Wild. Or, to be even more eco-friendly, you can source flowers locally from farm shops and greengrocers or grow your own (although this might be a bit tricky when it comes to giving your mum a beautiful bouquet this month. Maybe start preparing for next year?)

A once in a lifetime experience

This Mother's Day, say no to material gifts and give your mum an experience instead. Purchasing a day out or tickets to something special is a meaningful gift that allows you to spend quality time together (the best gift of all).

What experience shall I gift?

No one knows your mum better than you, so spend a bit of time thinking about an experience she would truly love. Does she love shows? How about tickets to the West End? Is she an explorer? Why not find a hiking trail and plan out the perfect day-long itinerary? Perhaps she's desperate for a holiday, and you know the perfect destination. Decide on your special day and print tickets, or add clues to your upcoming adventure in your Mother's Day card.

Add something extra.

You've decided on the ideal once in a lifetime experience for you and mum to enjoy together, but you want to add something a little extra. After all, it's always nice to have something to unwrap on the day, isn't it? Why not purchase her a few eco-friendly accessories that will accompany your adventure? Pick up a picnic blanket and cool bag with nature-inspired prints for your packed lunch during your day in nature. Add a water bottle for hydration as you explore the wonders of a new city. And add a mini umbrella and rain poncho if spring still hasn't arrived!

Reusable coffee cup & a stash of her chosen hot drink

My mum is a tea-fiend, is yours? I never see her without a cup of tea in hand. And enjoying a hot drink at home or out on a walk is a treasured activity we enjoy together. This year, rather than spending money and wasting energy on a gift she might not use, I'm taking a safe bet and buying something I know she'll love. Often simplicity is key (and the most eco-friendly option), and that's exactly what I'm going for.

Picking the perfect reusable coffee cup

Purchase your mum a reusable coffee cup and a stash of her chosen hot drink. She can enjoy these while pottering around the house, sitting in the garden, or out and about. I'm opting for a selection of loose-leaf teas and Eco Chic's solid black thermal coffee cup (my mum is all about simplicity). But perhaps yours might like sunflowers, butterflies, or adorable green sheep?

Cook a delicious meal full of seasonal veg

And finally, I think there's one thing we can all agree on: there's no better gift than food. Indulging in a slice of soft cake with a cuppa, biting into crunchy toast on a weekend morning, and getting lost in the flavour sensations of fresh veg on a Sunday roast. Your mouth is watering, isn't it?

Cater to her tastes (and yours!)

This Mother's Day, treat your mum to her favourite dishes or go all-out at dinner. Cater to her taste buds and show how well you know her from morning to night, or get the whole family round to celebrate mum over a classic Sunday roast (it's a gift for you too, really).

Make your meal Earth-friendly

With this gift idea, you're holding back on material items and can make it even more planet-pleasing by using seasonal vegetables. Pick your veg and other ingredients up from the local farm shop and grocers (maybe even when you're picking up your flowers?) and cook a delicious meal full of Earth-friendly, incredibly tasting food. And once dinner is done, let mum put her feet as you brew her a cup of tea— I'm sure she'll have room for a biscuit or two.

Show your mum how much she means to you this Mother's Day without compromising your ethics. Eco-friendly gifts are easy to find and just as (if not more) meaningful. Get sentimental with a trip away, brighten up her day with her favourite organic flowers or encourage her to sit back and relax as you become her personal chef. And don't forget to include a few eco accessories that will make her day (and life) easier. We'll put the kettle on while you decide which Eco Chic design best suits the most important woman in your life.