If you’re here then you’re probably looking for a mother’s day (AKA Mothering Sunday) gift for your mum, but is it possible to think about the health of the planet when choosing a gift for mothers day? An Eco Mothers Day Gift Box is not that new but has gain popularity over the years.
In this article I’ll share 5 of the best eco Mother’s Day box kits. I’ve selected brands that I like and that I’m curating for my mum! I’ll also walk you through 5 budget friendly eco mothers day gift ideas so you have a range to choose from.
So in short, Yes, I believe we can! As we recognise the importance of living sustainably can we buy mothers day gifts that your mum will love and that protects the planet?
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Environmental Impact of Mothers’ Day Gifts
Just like other celebratory days such as Valentines Day and Christmas. Traditional single-use gifts given on Mothers day creates tonnes of waste that ends up in UK landfills. According to Business Waste UK 90% flowers brough by households for mothers day are imported from overseas. Creating tonnes of carbon waste not to mention removing valuable resources from other countries.
Business Waste also note that most of the 30 million mothers day cards are thrown away weeks after they have been purchased. It’s worth noting that many cards contain glitter and plastic wrapping which is non-biodegradable.
If you can I would highly recommend you read their article as it’s very informative!
Typical Single Use Mothers Day Gift Box
Here are some of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts that I have got for my mum over the years. I wanted to show you what they are and the carbon footprint impact that those mothers day gifts has had on planet.
Photo Credit: Katrina Bolovtsova
| Mother’s Day Gift | Carbon Footprint | Single-Use Products | Overall Impact on the Planet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bouquet of Flowers | Medium | Plastic wrapping, floral foam | Contributes to deforestation, plastic pollution |
| Mothers Day Card | Low | Paper, ink | Deforestation, chemical pollution |
| Box of Chocolates | High | Plastic packaging, foil wrappers | Deforestation, plastic pollution, waste generation |
| Scented Candle | Low-Medium | Glass jar, wax, wick, chemical scents | Carbon emissions from production, waste generation |
| Bath Bomb | Medium | Plastic packaging, chemicals scents | Chemical pollution, plastic pollution, water pollution |
| Disposable Coffee Mug | Low | Plastic, paper cup, lid | Plastic pollution, waste generation |
| Gift Wrap | Low | Wrapping paper, ribbon | Deforestation, waste generation |
| Single-Use Face Mask Set | Medium | Plastic packaging, disposable masks | Plastic pollution, waste generation |
| Personalized Photo Frame | Low-Medium | Plastic or wooden frame, glass | Carbon emissions from production, waste generation |
| Pre-packaged Spa Kit | Medium-High | Plastic packaging, individual containers | Plastic pollution, waste generation, chemical pollution |
Analysis
As you can see some items like the coffee mug and Mothers Day Card are low impact whereas the box of chocolates and pre-packed spa kit were or medium to high impact. This is because if the amount of single use plastic that used in the production and packaging of the products.
It’s worth noting that this list is not exhaustive, I bought my mum a t-shirt one year and a drill another year. It’s also worth noting that the carbon footprint and overall impact on the planet may vary depending on brand I purchased from at the time and their production methods, materials used, and my mums waste disposal practices.
5 Eco Mothers Day Gift Box Ideas
Now that we have covered the environmental impact of single-use Mothers Day Gifts let’s have a look at some of the best eco mothers day box ideas. I’ve groups together ideas with some eco brands I like. You should personalise these the gift boxes to suit your mums tastes.
‘Best Mum’ Mothers Day Treats Gift Set
I love the idea of curating a mothers day gift box packed with the treats my mum loves. The best thing about this type of gift is that you can change it every year. My mum really loves tea and coffee. So a gift box with Blue Mountain Coffee from Coffee Link £8.95. Is a thoughtful mothers day gift box idea that ties into our Jamaican heritage.
If you want to know other sustainable coffee brands I like you can check out my article Sustainable Coffee Brands: A Guide to Ethical Enjoyment.
Mothers Day Self Care Pamper Hamper
What mum doesn’t love being pampered and cared for if only for one day? I remember one year when we were kids, me and my sisters created a home spa for my mum. Complete with tea, biscuits and a foot spa. Whilst its not so easy to recreate that today I love the idea of creating mothers day hampers with personalised spa goodies.
If you want to make the hamper eco friendly then choose low carbon impact products such as:
- Bath bomb
- Scented Candle
- Body Cream
- Face Mask
In my search for eco-goodies to put in a spa hamper I came across a couple of eco online shops that offer personalised gifts. As I’m trying to keep costs down I’ll be honest, I’m looking for bargains under £10.
A great site to help you create a gift box is Protect the Planet. I’m loving their Rose Bath Bomb and Pocket Ideas Book (bothe £5) as my mum loves journaling and writing short stories.
Make Your Own Personalised Gift
It’s traditional in my family to use coconut oil and Shea butter as moisturiser as body and face cream. If fact i use it to moisturise my daughters skin after bath time and my uses it everyday after showering.
I’ve created my own blend by adding vitamin E, Glycerine and rose oil which my mum loves on her skin. let me know in the comments if you’d like me to post a how-recipe.
Photo credit: George Dolgikh
Mothers Day Afternoon Tea For Two Gift
As i mentioned before my mum loves tea and whilst referencing the carbon footprint table tea/ coffee is medium impact depending on where it’s from but tea/coffee cups are low impact.
I love the idea of spending time with with my mum and enjoying her company as well as a gift so with that in mind I LOVE the idea of Tea With Alpacas (£75) at Oakmere in Cheshire. Not only do we get to have exotic teas and yummy cakes but get to meet Alpacas and catch up with mum as we walk around the grounds.
Personalised Mummy Garden Gift Set
I have vivid memories of my mum and my sisters weeding our front garden beds, planting bulbs, trimming hedges and rose bunches. Whilst I don’t remember enjoying it, I loved singing along to and listening to the latest the chart show hits.
My mum still loves gardening so when she can steal a moment you’ll find her in the garden doing something with her green fingers. Whilst looking for potential green mothers day gifts I came across Knowle Nets. I love that their garden pots, scoops and seed trays are made from bamboo!
Mothers Day Book Hamper
Whilst I’ve come into reading later in life and mainly though audio books. My mum has always been a keen reader. So I wanted to see if I could create a mothers day book hamper for mum. Now this doesn’t mean you pack a box with books you can add other items to help her enjoy the book. Such as:
- A mini bottle of prosecco or wine
- A scented candle to help her relax
- A handmade blanket
- Eco friendly chocolate
If you want to curate an eco book hamper box check out my article Bedtime Stories for Adults: Ethical Reading and add some other ideas from the shops listed above.
Budget Friendly Mothers Day Ideas
So now that we’ve covered some mothers day gift box ideas for you mum. Let’s have a look at some budget friendly ideas you can create. I’ve come up with ideas that are either free but cost your time or are under £5.
Homemade Coupon Book
If you want to create a free but thoughtful gift for your mum (or from your kids for your wife/partner) you could create a personalized coupon book with offers such as a free hug, pedicure, breakfast in bed, or a homemade meal. It’s thoughtful and doesn’t cost a penny and can last over the year!
Handwritten Letter or Poem
I love the idea of creating a letter or poem about a picture, event or moment that you shared with you’re mum. Even if you’re not a poet trust me it’ll be the thought that counts. If all else fails start with ‘roses are red, violets are blue…’
- Potted Plant or Flowers: Purchase a small potted plant or bouquet of flowers from a local market or garden center. It’s a lovely and affordable way to brighten her day.
- DIY Bath Salts or Scrub: Make homemade bath salts or a sugar scrub using ingredients like Epsom salt, essential oils, and sugar. Package them in a small jar or container for a thoughtful and budget-friendly gift.
- Photo Collage: Create a collage of family photos using inexpensive materials like cardstock, glue, and printed photos. It’s a sentimental gift that celebrates cherished memories.
- Homemade Treats: Bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes at home and package them in a decorative box or tin. It’s a sweet and affordable way to indulge your mom’s sweet tooth.
These budget-friendly Mother’s Day gifts or ideas show your thoughtfulness and love without breaking the bank.
Involving your children
Involving your children with prepping and wrapping mothers days gifts is a wonderful for your children bond with their mum or nan. I got my 2 year old daughter to make a video for both her grandmothers.
Final Thoughts
Mothers day is a wonderful time to celebrate the special mum in your life. However single-use Mothers Day gifts such as flowers, bath bombs and chocolates create a huge carbon footprint and plastic waste.
There are eco mothers day gift ideas that you can curate such as treat gift set, eco pamper hamper, afternoon tea, gardening set or make your own present.
FAQ
What is The Most Common Mothers Day Gift?
The most common mothers day gift are flowers. 90% of flowers purchased in the UK are flown in from abroad creating a big carbon footprint. consider creating a eco mothers day gift box to
How Much Should I Spend for Mother’s Day?
The average spend on a mothers day gift box is £67. However you can purchase gifts under £10 such as eco-mug or potted plants. You can also make gifts such as a picture collage, poem or picnic.
How to Make a Mother’s Day Gift Box?
There a many ways to make a Mother’s Day gift box, gather a box or basket, add eco-gifts like chocolates, candles, or personalised skincare products. Add a handwritten poem or letter of a favourite memory. Consider personalizing with photos or homemade items for an extra special touch.
Check out My Other Sustainable Blogs
Best Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands For an Eco-Smile
Best Sustainable Valentines Day Flowers to Order
Eco Valentines Day Hamper:Gifts For Him/Her
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