25 Mother’s Day gift ideas for every budget
Discover the best Mother’s Day gift ideas for every budget, with 25 thoughtful, affordable gifts to spoil Mum without blowing your savings.
Mother’s Day is nearly here, and let’s be honest, finding the perfect gift for Mum can feel like finding one ripe avocado at Aldi. Whether you’re after thoughtful gift ideas, a classic gift, or something on-trend, we’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly picks to make every kind of mum feel loved, without blowing your bank account.
And because we know not everyone has a mum in their life, whether they’re no longer with us or not part of your journey, this is also a beautiful opportunity to honour a mother figure who’s shown up for you. That might be a grandmother, aunty, mentor, or even Dad doing the double shift. Whoever it is, this guide is for them too.
Did you know: While the date shifts each year, Mother’s Day in Australia always falls on the second Sunday of May. In 2025, it’s on Sunday 11 May.
Gifts under $10: budget ideas that still feel special
1. Personalised mug with a custom message
Her morning coffee just hits different in a mug that says “Best Mum Ever.” Big W have options you can personalise with a heartfelt or cheeky message, and they’re budget gold.
2. Favourite photo keychain
Turn her favourite snap into something she can carry every day. It’s sentimental, personal, and under $5 at Kmart.
3. Herbal tea sampler
Keep an eye out at Coles and Woolies for the specials. Put together a little bundle of calming herbal teas. Add a tag that says “Brew-tiful Mum” and you’ve nailed the thoughtful gift brief.
4. Chocolate bars with a heartfelt message
Pick her favourite choccies and wrap them up with your own special message,something sweet, funny or nostalgic. Perfect for the sweet tooth in your life!something sweet, funny or nostalgic.
5. Mini potted herbs
Forget the big bouquet… grab a cute basil or mint plant instead. Bunnings has plenty of cute and quirky options under $10, and they’ll last longer than flowers (if Mum doesn’t forget to water them).
Use our Personal Budget Template to map out your gift spending for the year and stay on top of every birthday, holiday and special occasion.
Gifts under $20: thoughtful and affordable
6. Scented candle
A beautifully-scented candle is one of the most popular affordable gifts for mums, and for good reason.. It’s basically the universal symbol for “you deserve to relax.” Dusk have a gorgeous range to choose from.
7. Phone cases & accessories from Amazon
Grab a fun new phone case or tech accessory from Amazon. Choose from floral prints, bold colours or stylish covers, all delivered fast and with great reviews to guide you.
8. Budget-friendly Prezzee gift card
Not sure what she needs? A Prezzee gift card can be swapped for one of hundreds of top Prezee Australian retailers… think Dusk, Dymocks Books, Ikea or Mecca (and gives you fave child points).
9. DIY pamper jar
Fill a jar with goodies like face masks, nail polish, bath salts, and herbal tea bags. Add a tag that says “Mum’s time-out kit” and prepare for hugs. Kmart has so much affordable luxury that’s on trend, including bath and body products and great dupes for popular brands. (Bonus points if you give her a facial or foot spa).
10. Indoor plant baby
Succulents and leafy friends from Bunnings are low-maintenance and make any room feel calmer. Pick one that says “chill, but thriving”, just like Mum.
Flowers still reign supreme: In 2024, flowers were the most popular Mother’s Day gift in Australia. A classic bouquet still knows how to win hearts.
Australian Retailers Association
Gifts under $50: make Mum’s day
11. At-home barista kit
If Mum loves her morning cup of coffee, a French press, fancy coffee grounds, and a cute mug make a thoughtful (and delicious) combo.
12. Portable mini Bluetooth speaker from Officeworks
Perfect for kitchen dance parties, garden podcasts, or a bubble bath playlist. JBL Go 4 Mini Bluetooth Speaker from Officeworks is only $49, compact, colourful and Mum-approved.
13. Custom photo book from Chatbooks
Jump online and create a photo book of your favourite memories together. It’s one of those meaningful gifts that’ll have her smiling (and maybe crying in a good way). Chatbooks make it super easy to create beautiful, affordable photo books right from your phone. It’s one of those meaningful gifts that’ll have her smiling (and maybe crying in a good way)..
14. Handbag or tote upgrade
If Mum’s bag is a black hole of receipts and random bits, help her upgrade with a handbag organiser or a stylish new tote – check out this one from Target at only $39. It’s a practical gift with everyday appeal, because she deserves function and flair.
15. Cosy Mum essentials from Harris Scarfe
From soft pyjamas and plush slippers to cosy jumpers and stylish water bottles, Harris Scarfe has a beautiful collection of Mother’s Day gifts under $50. Perfect for autumn and full of budget-friendly comfort and style.
Gifts under $100: splurge-worthy without breaking the bank
16. Personalised gifts: name necklace or engraved bracelet
Something custom, like a necklace with her kids’ names or initials, feels incredibly special. It’s a timeless gift that she’ll treasure.
17. Shopping spree at ALDI
Hear us out, ALDI’s special buys have everything. From gourmet kitchen gadgets to luxe robes, take Mum on a little shopping adventure and let her choose her own surprise.
18. Massage gun from The Good Guys
Carrying children, lugging school bags, bringing all the shopping bags inside? A Homedics Massager is the perfect gift for those tired shoulders and achy backs. Even better, offer to give her the massage yourself!
19. Outdoor gifts from Bunnings
Bunnings has an entire Mother’s Day gift collection under $100, packed with practical, garden-loving options. Think stylish pots, plant stands, and garden tools that will brighten her weekend and her backyard. If she loves being outdoors, pick up a gorgeous new plant, some tools, gloves, and a pot or two. It’s a thoughtful gift for green thumbs that keeps on growing.
20. Memory journal bundle from Write To Me
How cool are these journals? Write To Me makes beautiful keepsake books designed to help mums capture precious memories, milestones, and messages across the years. It’s a thoughtful gift she’ll treasure, and one day, it could even become a treasured heirloom, passed down through generations as a slice of family history.
Gifts over $100: for when you really want to spoil Mum
21. Cooking class or food tour If Mum’s a foodie at heart, treat her to a hands-on cooking class or a gourmet food tour. Whether it’s pasta making, chocolate tasting or a local market stroll, it’s a delicious way to spend time together and create new memories over a shared love of flavour.
22. Spa treatment or facial
Book her in for a proper professional pamper session. Hot tip: include a note that says, “You’re not allowed to take anyone else. Go solo!”
23. Mystery flight or holiday voucher Give Mum the gift of adventure with a mystery flight or Travel Auctions voucher. Whether it’s a surprise city escape or a luxe coastal weekend, it’s an exciting way to say thanks for everything she does, plus, she finally gets to pack a bag for herself!
24. Experience gift card
Think wine tasting, pottery class, or a long lunch with ocean views. It’s a fantastic gift that creates memories without adding clutter.
25. Subscription box
From artisan tea to Aussie-made beauty products, a monthly subscription box tailored to her interests is a fantastic gift option. It’s a gift that keeps showing up, just like she always has for you.
Why the perfect Mother’s Day gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune
At the end of the day, the most meaningful gift is the one that comes from the heart. Whether it’s handmade, store-bought, or time spent together, it’s the love behind it that really matters. With these gift ideas for all budgets, you can spoil Mum (or your chosen mother figure) without blowing your budget.
Stay ahead of celebrations with MyBudget: be gift-ready all year-round
Mother’s Day may sneak up on us in May, but with MyBudget, there’s no need to be caught out. We’ll help you plan, budget, and save throughout the year, so you’re ready with both cash and creativity. Whether it’s setting aside funds for gifts, family weekends, or everyday expenses, we’ll help you stay on track.
Enquire online or give us a call on 1300 300 922 to get started.
Disclaimer: MyBudget is not affiliated with any brands or retailers mentioned in this article and does not receive commissions from external links. All links are included for inspiration and convenience only.