With just over a week to go until Mother’s Day, the clock is ticking if you’re still looking for that perfect present for your mum.
Perhaps you’ve been procrastinating, perhaps you’re just genuinely stuck for what to get – either way, we’ve pulled some of the best present ideas from a selection at luxury designer outlet Cheshire Oaks to help you show your mum just how loved she really is.
No matter your budget, there’s something here to suit – from coveted luxury handbags and beauty products to quirky homeware pieces and more.
Keep reading to discover some of the best gift ideas for your mum this Mother’s Day.
New Balance
For those mums who are always on their feet, a stylish pair of New Balance trainers are sure to be a hit. Widely considered to be some of the most comfortable trainers on the market, these fresh foam kicks will have your mum looking chic as anything whilst she’s out and about.
L’Occitane
If your mum can’t live without her luxury skincare, French beauty house L’Occitane is a must. There are a whole range of different gift sets to choose from in store, but if you’re in need of some inspiration you can’t go wrong with this Luxury Divine Face Care Collection. A PH-friendly makeup remover, alcohol-free toner and divine cream combine to offer an indulgent skincare routine to leave skin looking smoother and refreshed.
Mulberry
Surely every mum wants a Mulberry of her own, and if you’re the one to get it for her – well, just expect you’ll be in her good books for a very long time to come. These British-made luxury leather goods are the ultimate arm candy – with designs to match every style.
Molton Brown
Help your mum bring the spa to her this year with a Molton Brown gift set. The opulent fragrance brand has just released a new fragrance, rose and rhubarb, but if floral’s not her style you can also find comfort in the more classic, aromatic and woody Molton Brown scents.
UGG
Like a hug for your feet, these Australian sheepskin boots have been a wardrobe staple for years. Whether you opt for shoes, slippers or boots, know that these super cosy and breathable boots will give her years of comfort.
Levi’s
A good pair of Levi’s are a classic for a reason. So much so, that rare original pairs of Levi’s from the 50s can go for tens of thousands of pounds online. Get her a good fit, and she’ll want to hang on to those bad boys for life.
Hotel Chocolat
Luxury hot chocolate is having a moment in the UK, and it doesn’t get much more luxurious than Hotel Chocolat. Made with grated pieces of real chocolate, this high-end drinking chocolate is designed to be deeply chocolatey with rich cocoa flavours running throughout. Pair it with a Velvetiser if you want to go all out.
Furla
This sought-after Italian handbag brand is known for its quality craftsmanship and materials, making it the perfect choice for busy mums in need of a stylish, reliable upgrade that’s going to last a long time.
Fossil
There’s nothing like a classic timepiece to keep you in mum’s good books. As something she’ll wear every day, whenever she looks down to check the time she’ll think of you – and there’s something really special about that.
The Cosmetics Company – Jo Malone
Simple but beautifully crafted, Jo Malone’s fragrances have become somewhat of a go-to for special occasions and gifts and you can find them at Cheshire Oaks’ The Cosmetics Company. Of course, the infamous candles are a solid favourite – but if you want to up the ante, why not get her a scent she can enjoy everywhere.
Cath Kidston
Known for her eclectic, bright and colourful prints, at Cath Kidston you’ll find everything from beautiful homeware to stylish bags and clothing. There’s something cute to be discovered here on every budget.
Feature image – Supplied
Cheshire
Chester Zoo is looking for volunteers to help care for its animals and ‘prevent extinction’
Emily Sergeant
Are you ready to help make a genuine difference? Chester Zoo is currently looking for volunteers to help care for its animals.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo is committed to the recovery of endangered species around the world, and is making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most… but it can’t do this alone, and that’s why it’s calling on people to volunteer and spend a year of their education gaining ‘invaluable’ work experience.
Chester Zoo is offering a number of year-long Animal Husbandry Voluntary Work Placements for those currently studying for degrees relevant to the industry.
During these placement years, candidates will get comprehensive practical training by Chester Zoo specialists covering a wide range of subjects, and receive on-the-job experience in the husbandry of the species they’re working with, taking on plenty of hands-on husbandry tasks along the way.
Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2024 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Candidates will be assigned to one of the animal keeping sections for the year – specialising in either birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates.
The ideal candidates for these placement years will have an interest in all aspects of animal husbandry and the work of Chester Zoo, an ability to work as an individual or as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and have the ability to financially support themselves for the duration.
The working hours for placement volunteers will be full-time, working five days out of seven, including alternate weekends, on a rota basis, but it’s worth it as Chester Zoo says many of its past placements have gone on to follow careers in zoos.
Full uniform will be provided by the Chester Zoo, along with free lunch vouchers for the days you attend.
The news that Chester Zoo is seeking volunteers comes after it was also announced that the zoo is giving out more than 30,000 free tickets to children, offering them the chance to visit the incredible facilities on offer without having to spend a penny.
Applications for the positions are now open, and applications from individuals living outside of the UK are welcome, but they will be expected to fund your own travel and relocation costs if successful – with the closing date being 10 March.
Assessment days for the placements are anticipated to take place on 4 or 11 April, and you can find out more and apply here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Cheshire
Chester Zoo is giving away more than 30,000 FREE tickets to children
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is giving away thousands of tickets to local schools to help inspire a new generation of young conservationists.
The UK’s largest charity zoo is on a mission to help nature to “survive and thrive”.
And so, in a bid to do just that, has announced that it will once again be handing out tens of thousands of tickets to schoolchildren for completely free of charge, so that they can explore the zoo up close and learn all about the inspiring work the conservation charity does.
Chester Zoo‘s free ticket scheme has been running since 2017, and has already seen more than 175,000 children get to experience all the wonders the zoo has to offer.
We’re giving away 32,750 FREE tickets to the zoo! 🚨
Schools, nurseries, and colleges across the UK – this is your chance to inspire future conservationists and ignite a passion for helping wildlife thrive! 🌍💚
With the hopes of empowering as many youngsters as possible, and sparking their passion for saving species once again, the zoo has now opened the scheme back up for the 2025/26 season – with a whopping 33,000 tickets available for schools, nurseries, and colleges to claim.
Those who secure tickets will have the opportunity to visit the zoo between this November and February 2026.
Applications are open to any school in the UK that hasn’t already benefitted from the scheme within the last four academic years, while home educators are also eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network.
Chester Zoo is giving away more than 30,000 free tickets to children this year / Credit: Chester Zoo
“We’re offering thousands of children the opportunity to experience the wonders of the natural world firsthand at the zoo,” commented Charlotte Smith, who is the Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at Chester Zoo.
“Young people are more concerned than ever about nature decline and climate change, and by working closely with schools across the UK, we can provide them with the skills, knowledge and inspiration to make a real positive difference.”
She added that “every child has the potential to be a future conservationist”.
Places are limited each day to ensure everyone can enjoy their zoo visit – with priority given to schools who have not benefitted from the scheme before.
You can find out more and apply for free tickets here.
The Manc -
17th March 2022 
