Mother’s Day is almost upon us (hint: it’s this Sunday, May 12), and if you’ve been dodging those subtle gift idea hints that she’s been throwing your way – “Oh you mean that Swarovski encrusted necklace that’s worth your university tuition? Oh no I couldn’t possibly want that…” – for the past few weeks or are feeling the pressure from your friends because they’ve got something sweet lined up for the leading lass in their life and you don’t, our expertly crafted roundup of things you can do (without having to drop a hefty amount of coin – big ups to you if you can but we live in a world where avocados and triple soy lattes are a thing) is here to save the day. Read on for more inspo…

1. Make her a cuppa or a brew Look, it’s no Kanye circa 2016 when he surprised Kim K with a private orchestra on Mother’s Day but we’re not all multimillionaire celebs talented in an array of uh industries. Making your mum a cuppa, a brew or pouring up her fave beverage be it non-alcoholic or alcoholic (we don’t judge) is a sweet enough gesture that will most likely put a smile on her face – you can even go a step further and whip her up a tasty brunch or hit up Uber Eats if making Michelin star dishes isn’t your forte.

2. Flick her a message, give her a bell It ain’t easy when you’re living away from home, be that in your own place or overseas, and we all know mums instinctively worry about their offspring even if they’re in the next room, so a call or message to the Madre won’t go astray. You don’t have to produce an in-depth novel – although if that’s your bag, go for it. Keep it simple but let her know you’re thinking of her. Not only will she feel grateful that you reached out but it lowers her stress levels a tiny smidge to know that you’re still alive and kicking.

3. Surprise her with a spontaneous activity We love a good picnic, so if the weather is permitting, gather her favourite snacks (and yours), pack a picnic hamper and make for the Botanic Gardens. Setting up shop here for the morning or arvo will not only guarantee you epic snackage time, but also time to catch up and take it slow – plus who doesn’t love being surrounded by nature? If the weather takes a sour turn, skip the picnic and make for the many art galleries dotted around the city including the Christchurch Art Gallery, where they have various exhibitions on, and finish up with a bite at the adjoining Universo Brasserie & Bar or make tracks across the street to Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar.

4. Bingewatch the heck out of anything Netflix have been producing the bingewatching goods as of late (hello Dead To Me) so switch out your sneakers for slippers, your pants for PJs and rug up in front of the TV and ‘lax to a sweet series. Our top picks are the aforementioned Dead To Me – Christina Applegate is phenomenal; Santa Clarita Diet – Drew Barrymore (enough said); and Chambers – for those who want a combo of drama and horror, oh and also Uma Thurman.

5. Let her kick her feet up and relax Cult-fave handbag and accessories brand Status Anxiety aptly defined the term ‘mother’ as “The one person who does the work of 20 for free” so give her downtime and take on her domestic role by offering to run her errands, clean up around the house and other tasks she had planned. It may take some convincing as mums have their own way of doing things, but once convinced, send her off on a lunch date, some much needed R&R or let her kick back and enjoy the fact that all that time spent raising you to be a decent person is paying off.

If in doubt, a bouquet of beautiful blooms and an endearing card will do the trick; check out Moffatt’s Flower Company, Ilam Florist and The Plumbers Bouquet or get your craft on and whip up a handmade card or photo album filled with your favourite mems.