Hands up if you know what date it is. Actually, even what DAY OF THE WEEK it is. Most of you probably still think it’s early March, given how quickly the year is flying by, and with the inordinate number of public holidays we have experienced in the past week, you might be shocked to learn its actually the last week of April. Yep, this time next week it will be May. We’ll be halfway through Autumn, people are breaking out coats and umbrellas and the next ‘holiday’ is looming. Mother’s Day.

While not an *actual* holiday, it probably deserves to be, given everything our Mums do for us. Sunday 11 May is a day to show your Mum just how much she means to you, and this is usually done in the form of gifts, or a hastily prepared breakfast in bed. Long lunches with wine and High Teas are also acceptable forms of celebration. Dishes, vacuuming and dusting are all added bonuses that will no doubt get you brownie points long after the wine has run out and the chocolate been consumed.

With my Mum, Anne, on my 30th birthday. Pic thanks to Meagan Harding.

When scouting gifts for Mum, its important to steer clear of any gifts that YOU might benefit from, or that indicate she should be spending more time in the kitchen/laundry/bathroom (unless it’s for a long soak in the tub). It’s best to avoid appliances (especially foot spas!!) and stick with things that are in the realm of ‘she wouldn’t usually buy this for herself’. Now, these things don’t have to be expensive, and Uni Hill Factory Outlets offer a plethora of options to help you on this quest to find THE GIFT that will really make Mum’s day.

Pure Zone throw rug, $35 and Rivers slippers, $18.

A simple throw rug is not only aesthetically pleasing, but Mum can wrap herself up on a cool night, whilst sipping tea (that you made for her!) and watching her favourite TV show (uninterrupted!). Slippers serve a purpose but are made fashionable and fabulous when you find a pair with cute buttons and in multiple colours.

Bonds briefs, $8 pair; Cotton On tee shirt dress $19; Typo cards 3 for $10.

Maybe your Mum is a bit cool, and some fun briefs from Bonds will suit her to a tee. And speaking of tee’s, Cotton On have some great day to day outfits that can be dressed down for the school run, or frocked up for a night out with the girls (or maybe you want to take her somewhere nice?).

Laura Ashley chair; Typo clock; Rivers scarves; Laura Ashley candles.

Laura Ashley is perfect for homewares and girly bits and bobs – I have to confess I am in LOVE with this chair and may ask Mum to get it for my birthday – and the range of cards at Typo is extensive, so you are sure to find one to suit your Mum’s personality.

Uni Hill Factory Outlets isn’t the monolith that Chadstone is, so it presents a far better option than wandering aimlessly for hours and still ending up with an iron or kettle. You’ll find plenty of options, PLENTY of car parking (this was actually a massive win for me!) and you might even find something for you (like a chair) while you are there.

Most importantly, Mother’s Day is only two weeks away, so don’t leave it til the last minute. Remember how long your mother spent in labour with you and put in at least half that time finding the perfect present for her. Go forth and shop!!

Uni Hill Factory Outlets
2 Janefield Drive Bundoora

This post was sponsored by Uni Hill Factory Outlets.