Make Mum smile this Mother's Day

Brekkie in Bed

Going out for breakfast is always such a treat. Given that this can't happen right now, you can still arrange for Mum to put her feet up and have a delicious breakfast served to her in bed instead. Check out these great options:  

Saint Florian Cafe is offering a special Persian rose French toast do-it-yourself breakfast delivered to your door. They've sourced the best ingredients  - such as organic white casalinga sourdough from The Good Loaf, Persian quince and rose water compote, toasted hazelnuts and more - they've ground the coffee, provided the cooking instructions and have all the ingredients ready to go. Al has even created a Spotify playlist that has been created to accompany the meal. Best of all,   you can choose a song dedicated to your Mum to add to the playlist! You need to get your order in by Thursdays at 5pm and all will be delivered on the Friday ready for you to cook Mum a delicious breakfast on the Sunday. For more information and to order check out their website here , call them on 5414 9906 or email [email protected]

Blackbird Newstead has prepared some thoughtful Mother's Day themed hampers including the 'Viva La France' containing French Early grey tea, house made croissants, fruit coulis and OJ, 'Breakfast in bed box' - hot chocolate, vanilla pancake mix and fresh berries. Available for pre-order from 1 May. For more details visit their website here.

Flowers can say so much!

Just imagine her delight when she smells that heavenly scent of freshly picked autumn flowers from the garden. If you don't have a flourishing garden in which to pluck a little magic, we recommend you get in touch with these fabulous florists that will sort you out: 

Rose & Abraham Have your flowers picked and delivered on the same day! Local flower grower, Elisabeth of Rose & Abraham will lovingly hand pick roses and/or hydrangeas for your Mum and deliver on Mother’s Day. Phone: 0432 265 720 or order and pay online here. 

Castlemaine Floristry As well as stunning bunches ready to go, Castlemaine Floristry also have flowering pot plants, candles, cards, floral boxes and will gift wrap as well! Choose from ready made bunches at their store on Mostyn Street, call or order online. Deliveries also available across the shire. Phone: 5470 5009 or order online here. 

For the sweet tooth....

Chocolates, biscuits, puddings - any sweet treat hits the spot right now in these crazy COVID-19 times and is the perfect Mother's Day gift. We are blessed to have so many talented bakers and makers who have turned humble sweet treats into an art form! Check out some of these: 

Cabosse & Feve  Local chocolatiers Cabosse & Feve have some put together chocolate hampers for Mothers Day. Choose from milk or dark chocolate, and even a vegan chocolate hamper!  Deliveries available in the local area, or pick up from their store at The Mill, 9 Walker Street in Castlemaine. Phone: 0423 442 572 or visit their website here. 

Pud for All Seasons and Peddling Pastry have teamed up to create a sweet treat hamper to outdo all hampers! They can tailor make a hamper to suit your Mum's taste and will deliver. Phone: 5470 6128 or visit the website here. 

Michel's Fine Biscuit Co bake handmade biscuits that take a cuppa and a bikkie to the next level! There are sweet and savoury options from this much-loved Castlemaine institution. Shop here for deliciousness.

Maybe bling is her thing?

A new pair of earrings or necklace can provide a woman with a renewed joie de vivre! There's something uplifting about pushing aside the daggy old jewellery you've worn for years and trading it in for something fun and personalised, that brings out your character. It's even more special when a loved one selects jewellery that is just right for you. Do you know your Mum's taste in jewellery? You're guaranteed to select something from these retailers that will make her light up! 

Tribe Castlemaine is home to jewellery and other beautiful and useful items created by over 50 local and international artisans. All of their creations are developed sustainably, ethically and mindfully, keeping traditional craftsmanship alive with love and care. They've hand-curated a list of Mother's Day ideas that you can buy online and they'll wrap and ship them straight to Mum's door! Visit their website here.

Corner Store Merchants can provide a one-of-a-kind pair of earrings or other item of jewellery that will be a showstopper! They stock so many different styles, colours and sizes. They also have lots of other rad gifts including gorgeous Status Anxiety wallets and purses, Kester Black nail polish, Cottage Industry fingerless angora and lambswool gloves, Happy Socks, plant pots, and much more! Call or text the girls who can post. Visit their Insta page here.

The culture vulture who appreciates art, books and the written word

If Mum's idea of heaven is spending a cozy Autumn afternoon by the fire reading a book or perhaps wandering through an art exhibition (which she obviously can't do right now), then you really can't go past getting her a good book or a unique piece of artwork, to keep her inspired this Mother's Day. 

Newstead Arts Hub online artists market will be open from the 1st May.  Fabulous local artworks will be available for purchase. Featured artists include ceramicist Sarah Koschak who creates beautiful wheel-thrown objects such as bowls, beakers and jugs all finished with a superb glaze of turquoise, midnight blue or apple green. Selina Wilson's colourful and fun teacup, acrylic paint and resin works are also are unique and thoughtful gift idea. Many more artists will have their work available - be sure to visit the Newstead Arts Hub website for more details. Items can be purchased from the artists directly. 

Cascade Gallery - If Mum loves art, writing or is known for sending a thoughtful card for every occasion, she'll love their collection of artfully designed cards. They've got a brilliant variety of cards with animal pop ups, origami, Margaret Olley, Clarice Beckett, Judy Horacek and much more. You can purchase a surprise pack of 12 cards as a gift for Mum. She can then pen her poetry and send them off to people she cares about. Contact Kareen on 0408 844 152. 

Shades of Gray-  Beautifully hand made metal flowers for a vase or for your garden, are these possibly the perfect Mothers Day gift? Purchase one flower, or a bunch, and they will be hand delivered to all local addresses. PLEASE NOTE: No door sales. Purchases via website or Instagram only. Free delivery to Mount Alexander Shire locals. Instagram direct message @shadesofgraystudio or send a message via this web form.

Stoneman's Bookroom is still available for phone orders and will deliver to addresses in Castlemaine. Grab a latest release or chat to the staff for their book recommendation for your Mum. Visit their Facebook page or call them on 5470 5134.

Gifts for home, health and harmony

Here's some lovely contemporary items that you can get her that will provide a little luxury as she goes about her daily routine. All products are beautifully made and guaranteed to be used and loved by her. 

Portia & Co. has a wide range of items including Australian native seeds, hand made wash cloths, brightly printed tea towels, gorgeous soaps and more. Everything is special, made by an artisan and made with love. Check out their instagram or website or phone Rebecca on 0418 336 128.

Tribe Castlemaine (pictured) has curated a specific range of Mother's Day gifts including jewellery, homewares, Mimosa botanical skincare and oils, creative inspiration and even delightful ceramic planters made by Katherine Wheeler - they can even plant up the pot and deliver it to your door. Check out the website here for more inspiration or call Ange on 0403 800 714.

Mimosa Botanicals - if Mum deserves some pampering then why not indulge her in bath products that are created locally using the best ingredients nature can offer. Christiana - the founder/creator, uses ingredients like Australian essential oils & absolutes with organic botanicals and lovely little extra's like Australian organic oats, coconut cream powder, organic fairtrade cocoa butter and Australian clay's as well as locally grown flowers, berries & herbs. She's even made it easy for you by making beautiful hampers with hand selected products. Free shipping on all orders. Check out the website here to place your order. 

Maldon Getaways Maldon hampers: These hampers are thoughtfully created with the best of local hand made products from the region. There are a few different sized hampers to chose from. Local products include Teaporium loose leaf tea, Maldon Lolly Shop boiled lollies, Warral Maldon honey, Dinid Leaf soap, Winter Creek flowers. They can arrange delivery within goldfields or metropolitan Melbourne. Check out their website here details. 

Luxe lunch in the comfort of home

Mum's idea of luxury on Mother's Day is quite possibly not stepping foot inside the kitchen all day, and instead indulging in pre-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you just choose to spoil her with one take away meal for the day, make it a luxe 2 course lunch with one of these options: 

Run Rabbit Run has rolled out the red carpet (so to speak) and created a luxurious 'High Tea in a Box'. It contains an individual passion fruit sponge, club sandwiches, vanilla bean yo-yo's, scones with jam and cream and a slice. For details visit their instagram page or call 5470 5712.

Harcourt Produce and General Store - choose from a Sunday roast with veggies and home made gravy, freshly made quiche, vegetarian pastas and freshly baked cakes. Pair it with a local wine, cider or beer too - they stock all the local drops! For more details about their menu and other goodies in store check out their website or instagram or call Annette on 0430 302 763.

Johnny Baker's - Pick up a family sized pie - beef and Burgundy, chicken and leek or lentil and eggplant shepherds pie to heat up at home and serve with a fresh garden salad and nice glass of wine - superb! Johnny's can also provide you with some scrumptious dessert items such as a salted caramel scroll, almond croissant, fruit frangipani tart and much more.  Visit their website or instagram.

Blackbird Newstead has the ultimate Mother's Day 'pongy cheese hamper' - inside you'll find 3 beautiful cheeses, house made tongue biscuits and chutney. You can even add a bottle of bubbly, posy or cake too. Visit their website here and place your order. 

Togs/Mulberry's - have been providing a 'pandemic pantry' - hampers comprising of all their gourmet goods including cheeses, meats, takeaway meals, chocolate, biscuits and more. They can provide all the food you need to create that perfect luxe lunch at home. Visit their instagram page here or call 5472 1651.

Try these on for size....

So many fabulous online shopping options if you'd like to get Mum some new clothes, knits, underwear and more. 

Woollykins: Sometimes nothing can be more comforting than being wrapped up in soft, warm wool.  Not just any wool will do though, it's gotta be the most ethically sourced good for you and the planet - merino wool. Woollykins specialises in all sorts of quality and beautifully crafted wool wear that Mum will adore - check out the colours and designs here.

Wonderpants: Good undies are important. The makers of these Wonderpants couldn’t find locally made, ethical underwear that fitted well, looked good, and were truly comfortable. So, they created their own. In their words 'when we are comfortable in our skin (and our second skin), we can move through our days feeling confident - feeling free''. Give Mum that 'free as a bird' feeling - get her a pair of these!  Check out the range on their website. 

Ivy and Grace: Get Mum some wardrobe essentials for winter. They have a great range of pants, textured jackets, beautiful dresses and tops as well as jewellery and accessories. Visit their online shop here. 

Opus Belle - specialising in hand made couture, basics, costumes and suits - these items are bright, stylish and confidence personified. Check out the latest and greatest creations for sale on her Instagram page. 

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar - offers gift vouchers perfect for Mother's Day. With over 2000m2 of vintage goodness, plus a smattering of handmade items there's sure to be something your Mum will love. The store is open by appointment Monday and Tuesdays by calling 5470 6555. Be sure to check out their instagram page for some more inspiration. 

Dinner and a movie

She throws on her pj's and thick wooly socks, sinks herself into her favourite part of the couch - blankie over the lap and dog sitting on her toes - wine is poured, Netflix movie recommended by Theatre Royal is ready to play and to to top it all off; you hand her a warm tasty take away meal that you have plated up for her. Could there be a more perfect way to end Mother's Day in 'iso'? The following eateries will provide the dinner and wine: 

The Bridge Hotel - hand crumbed chicken parma, burrito with beef or beans, tasty burger with wedges, mushroom risotto and more - check out their full menu here or all 4406 6730 - delivery between 5-8pm. 

Theatre Royal - not only can they suggest an awesome movie that she'll like but they'll provide a delicious feast too. Their menu is a stuffed spatchcock with quince, sherry and walnuts or a vegetarian gnocchi with roast pumpkin, plus crushed rosemary potatoes and brown sugar meringue for dessert. They're also offering a special cocktail. Speak to them or more details and make sure you pre-order 5472 1196. Check their instagram page for more details. 

Five Flags Hotel - rissoles, calamari, tender silverside with veggies and plenty more hearty faves. check out their instagram page for full menu. 

Maldon Hotel - a traditional Sunday roast is on their menu. Pre-order on 5475 2231. Roast will be ready for pick up from 5.30pm onwards.