Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Moms tell us what they really want
I’LL be the first to admit that I don’t really bother myself with Mother’s Day gifts anymore. See, I feel like I’ve run out of ideas and have gifted my mother (and grandmother) some great things and experiences for over two decades. The past few years have seen me resort to just giving them money. I thought this was lazy, but it turns out they love it (especially Gogo).
But this year I want to make the effort and with Mother’s Day coming up in a few days, I thought why not ask the mothers in the IOL Lifestyle department, who range from their twenties to forties, what they would really like as a gift, so as to get inspired.
TRAVEL
I’m not big on luxury holidays mostly because I can’t afford it. But if money was no object, I’d have my family check me into a five-star hotel, far away from them. I mean, I’d have to take a long-haul flight to get there. An all-expenses-paid week away, just me, no one else. The holiday must include all the amenities like spa treatments, fine dining and just lazing around the pool. Oh, and there has to be no cellphone signal. – Marchelle Abrahams (MA)
A weekend getaway at a beautiful beach resort. It would be nice to tag along with the family, but sometimes mummy needs a break away from the daily routine, so while daddy handles things at home, mum can check out with her girlfriends for a night or two. Sip champagne and relax. – Alyssia Birjalal (AB)
If money wasn’t an object, an overnight stay at a luxury resort like the One and Only hotel in Cape Town is at the top of my Mother’s Day wish list. Here’s how that fantasy plays out in my mind. Sipping Veuve Clicquot in between a full body massage, a rejuvenating facial, a manicure and a pedicure. Followed by a multi-course fine dining experience. Being able to sleep, undisturbed and star-fished, on a king-size comfy bed. Finally, waking up the next morning, at whatever time my body decides to. Then have my coffee and continental breakfast in bed, in silence. – Gerry Cupido (GC)
BEAUTY
I would love an HD Lace frontal 22-inch curly wig. Now, this may not seem like luxury to some, but good hair does not come cheap. Having bouncing curly hair is an absolute dream. Also, I would love a fragrance like the Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum. This scent is to die for – it speaks to the kind of mother I am. – Oluthando Keteyi (OK)
TIME
Just leave me alone for the whole day. Get up at the crack of dawn and come back late into the evening. And when you get back, don’t ask me what’s for supper or complain that there’s no more cooldrink. I want complete silence from everyone in the house – pretend like I’m not even there. – MA
As a mom of three, the best, and most cost-effective Mother’s Day gift would be silence. Of course, there’s the mandatory full breakfast in bed but thereafter a full “day off” would be sheer bliss. Me-time is precious and moms don’t often have the luxury of that. Time to solely focus on ourselves. And sometimes that really is all we need. – GC
SIMPLE
A bouquet of flowers and my favourite breakfast. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference, like being catered to, instead of catering to their needs. A simple act of flowers and breakfast will mean that mum gets the morning off to sleep in a bit longer than usual. –