Mother’s Day Gift Suggestions

As Mother's Day approaches, we understand the importance — and challenge! — of finding the perfect gift for the woman who has been with us through thick and thin.

Of course I’m biassed, but I think books make the best gifts, followed at a close second by any and all accessories that go along with books. 

We’ve collected some fine suggestions from our shelves here, but you’re always welcome to pop into the shop and get a personalised recommendation from one of our Superior Book Clerks who are happy to help.

For the Writing Mum

If your mum is a fan of analogue writing, keeping her well stocked for supplies is always a great gift idea. We carry a variety of specialty pencils, a few interesting pens, and an assortment of lovely pencil cases and sharpeners to keep her thoughts on point. We even carry a selection of erasers — not that mums ever make mistakes. (Wink, wink.) 

If she’s a journaler or someone who likes to take handwritten notes, I’ve curated a selection of the finest notebooks we’ve found worldwide, with something for just about every taste and budget.

And if you’d like to seriously upgrade mum’s writing experience, I recommend an Esterbrook fountain pen. A perfect introduction to a more elegant form of writing than the biro she has stashed in her purse. These pens are a great way to introduce your mum to the joy of writing with a fine pen, and equally nice to add to her collection if she’s already a fan.

For the Reading Mum

Of course we have a wide variety of books depending on what subjects your mother is most interested in — and some suggestions on how to choose a book for someone else. In fact, it’s well proven that reading is good for your health, so a book (or two? Or three?) could be the perfect way to show your mum you care. 

But gifts for readers can go beyond what’s printed between two covers.

We offer a line of handmade bookmarks with designs by a local artist, ingenious fold-flat reading glasses, some lovely reading logs, and a new record of books lent (if she’s the sort to lend out her library). 

And if she’s the type to take her reading with her — or carry home a haul of new books from the shops or libraries — I’m particularly partial to our lovely (and cheeky!) tote bags. 

For the Puzzling Mum

Some of our most popular items are our collection of jigsaw puzzles, perfect for the solo puzzler or to entice more family time.

Speaking of family time — which is what loads of mums would love for Mother’s Day anyway — bring home a classic or new game, for players of all ages, and wrap it up with the promise of many family game nights to come. Mr Blackwell also has a luxury Monopoly set for sale across the road, it’s a thing of beauty.

If your mum is truly an avid puzzler, we also offer our puzzle club — a gift that keeps on giving with a new puzzle every three months, first crack at our Blackwell Press puzzles, an in-person meetup, and more.  

For the Extra Special Lower North Island Based Mum!

OK, that’s not fair: all mums are extra special, so may I suggest bringing yours along to Mrs Blackwell’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Featherston Booktown. The day includes a classic high tea, a Greytown Distilling Company gin (or glass of sparkling wine) and special speakers curated just for the occasion. This year we welcome Stacey Morrison, Hinemoa Elder and Emma Espiner for Wahine Go Wild! [Edit 17/04: We’re both delighted and sorry to say that this event is now SOLD OUT.]

And if you just can’t decide what to get — or have the type of mum who might prefer a shopping outing on her own — we offer physical and digital gift vouchers in any amount (from $10 up). A greeting card is included so we’ll tuck the gift voucher inside, and then you can treat mum to an hour of browsing and shopping for exactly what she wants.

Sounds like a dreamy gift to me.