The best Mother’s Day gift ideas to put a smile on mum’s face

Motherhood ain’t easy, and what better way to express your gratitude to your mothers or wives than in the month of May? Apart from the flowers, nice dinner, and gifts, here are five unconventional but meaningful ways to make this year’s celebration a little more unforgettable.

A private session with sustainable stylist, The Reoutfitter

To elevate your mother’s own personal style, get her a private session with Sera Murphy, founder of The Reoutfitter. As a stylist who goes beyond surface-level fashion advice to build a wardrobe that truly reflects a person sustainably. 

The personalised service focuses on understanding one’s lifestyle, identity, and personal preferences, so every piece of clothing has purpose and longevity. 

Instead of encouraging trend-driven shopping, she’ll help your mother invest in versatile, high-quality clothing that she’ll wear often — saving money over time through a smarter “cost per wear” approach. The process also includes thoughtfully editing her existing wardrobe, helping her declutter, rediscover overlooked items, and let go of pieces that no longer serve her.

What sets the experience apart is its emphasis on mindset: your mum learns how to shop more intentionally, make the most of what she already owns, and adopt habits that reduce waste without sacrificing style.

Ultimately, hiring The Reoutfitter isn’t just about looking better — it’s about building confidence, simplifying daily decisions, and creating a wardrobe that feels authentic, functional, and future-proof.

Book a private yacht out to the islands

Get out of Singapore to the nearby Lazarus, St John’s or Kusu islands with a private yacht charter with the family.

A great way to spend quality time with the family or a smaller group, various private charter companies offer day trips to the surrounding islands as well as gourmet dining or barbecues. 

With a fully flexible itinerary and total privacy from everyone (literally), the private charter feels like a “mini Aman retreat” without the hassle of travelling and packing. Companies such as SAILUXO Yacht Club and Pearl Coast offer packages that include a private chef and oyster tasting.

Commission an art piece for the home

Capture the present with a commissioned family or personal portrait for mum. A level up from studio-taken photographs, get an artist to give their interpretation of the family with their own unique style. The fun part: No two portraits are ever the same, which means this artwork is one of a kind. 

Some studios and galleries that facilitate commissions are:

• Visual Arts Centre: Offers portrait painting commissions by professional artists, with studios located at Dhoby Ghaut and Chinatown
• Sound of Art: Connects clients with artists such as Carissa Gan (abstract), Erica Wee (realistic/abstract), and Wendy Tsang (calligraphy-inspired) for tailored commissions
• LivingwithArt Singapore: Provides a bespoke commission service to tailor artworks to specific client needs and preferences
• Goshen Art Gallery: Features a pool of artists for collaborations and commissions, with a focus on supporting artists with autism and disabilities
• ART:DIS: A charity dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities, facilitating collaborations for meaningful projects
• Asia Art Collective: Facilitates commissions for works by various artists, including renowned watercolourist Ong Kim Seng

Go for a home-based private dining experience

Forget going out to restaurants; opt for a more personal dining experience with these private dinners at home. Located in the private chefs’ home, the multi-course meals are a labour of love for them and feel like an intimate look not just at their culinary philosophy but also at their lives. 

Plan ahead and book in advance as seats are very limited.

Some private home dining experiences:

• Linda’s Table: Known for authentic, high-quality Peranakan dishes in a cosy home setting. Last we checked, there’s a six-month waitlist
• Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen: Known for traditional charcoal-grilled meats and comfort food by chef Sam Wong, often booked out months in advance
• Lynnette’s Kitchen: Features private dining by Cultural Medallion winner violinist Lynnette Seah, offering Eurasian and Peranakan-influenced dishes
• The Wood Ear: A more affordable option featuring creative five-course meals by chef Jesper Chia, operating on Saturdays
• Fatfuku: Run by chef and food writer Annette Tan, specialising in modern Singaporean and nostalgic flavours
• Ownself Make Chef: Known for innovative, themed menus by Shen Tan
• Umami Table: Contemporary Chinese cuisine by chef Will Chng, also known as Umami Boy, the brand of homemade sauces and condiments

Pamper her with a wellness retreat

For quick respite, a few hours with a massage and facial are always welcome. And while there are plenty of options for a wellness retreat abroad, we’ve got you covered for a half-day plan for complete relaxation. 

For a complete immersion (think: greenery and nature):

• Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
• Sofitel Singapore Sentosa
• Auriga Spa, Capella Singapore
• Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore

In the city, quick fixes:

• Marina Bay Sands, Banyan Tree
• The St. Regis Singapore
• COMO Shambhala Singapore
• The Ritz-Carlton Spa