Forget the last-minute flowers: female founders we surveyed in Singapore share the Mother’s Day gifts they’d actually love.
With Mother’s Day coming up, we surveyed a group of female founders in Singapore and asked what gifts they actually wanted to receive. The answers ranged from the indulgent (luxurious staycations and professional photoshoots) to the refreshingly honest (just a moment alone, please). Whether you’re shopping for your mum, wife, best friend or yourself (because yes, mums deserve self-gifting too), here are a few thoughtful ideas to inspire you.
Female founders on what mums actually want for Mother’s Day
For the mum who wants time to herself
1. A solo session at the spa
Mother’s Day gifts always end up being the same: flowers, lunch, and something sweet but expected. I appreciate it, but if I’m being honest, what I really want is a break – a proper switch-off moment! Not more things – just a little time where I don’t have to think about anything.
The one thing that always does that for me is going to SkinLab The Medical Spa for facials. The space feels light: nothing overwhelming and no pressure to do anything except lie down and relax. I don’t even go for the skin part anymore. It’s more about clearing my head for an hour and coming out feeling like I can think again. Everything feels calmer after.
– Kriti Saj, founder of Nimbu
2. Self-care time
Sometimes the best gift is uninterrupted alone time. I’d love sound bath sessions, journals, and time for myself to explore things I don’t do often enough. I’m armed with a gift list!
– Mangla Sachdev, founder of Expat Business In A Bag
For the experience-seeking mum
3. A personal or professional photoshoot
A professional photoshoot might sound indulgent, but for busy mums, it can be a rare moment to feel beautiful and celebrated.
Mothers often lack time for themselves. You take care of everything and keep your circle in order, but you become your own last priority. The greatest push to keep a mummy feeling as beautiful as she can be is a professional photoshoot. You can offer a choice – whether she needs business portraits, a bold personal shoot, or a family shoot with kids – any type can be an investment in the family’s happiness.
It’s a moment of beauty during the preparation, plus memories, and as a bonus, a reason to go out in the evening and enjoy your makeup as much as you can.
– Natalia Moskaleva, creative producer and founder of Attitude Design Consulting
4. A luxurious staycation
My dream Mother’s Day gift is simple: a staycation with slow mornings, beach walks, massages and uninterrupted reading time. Staycations in Sentosa are the best, and they’re so convenient! Capella and Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa have been amazing experiences, though my boys love W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.
Here’s my ideal itinerary: Sunrise and walk by the beach, followed by a lazy buffet breakfast, then time at the gym, swimming and reading a book. Next, it’s a lunch of Mexican food and a movie, then afternoon sightseeing with the boys, a massage and a shower. To end, Japanese cuisine for dinner and a nice walk on the beach.
– Megha Singh, CEO of Launchpad Community
For the mum who deserves something thoughtful
5. Twinning mummy-and-me sets
My Mother’s Day pick is something you can wear together for meaningful moments. The PureStitch’s twinning sets come in 100% linen with hand embroidery, so they’re breathable for Singapore and special enough to feel like a real gift. My favourites are the White Mini Dress, the Berry Bliss Set, and the Salmon Floral Dreams. The best mum-and-child moment isn’t just the outfit; it’s the memory of wearing it together!
– Amrita Shrivastava, founder of The PureStitch
6. A silk scarf
Some gifts become part of someone’s everyday ritual. A La Tierra natural dye silk scarf is the kind of Mother’s Day gift that feels thoughtful and timeless. Handcrafted with natural dyes, it’s a keepsake that carries intention, beauty, and care – a gentle reminder of love she can wear and enjoy.
– Lulu Rose Suresh, founder & creative director of La Tierra
7. Design-led gifts
The best Mother’s Day gift is something that stays. At Atelier V&A, everything is designed with that in mind. If she loves calm, beautiful interiors, the Cloud Mane Sculptural Floral is soft and sculptural. Meanwhile, the Lily Sculptural Necklace is designed for everyday moments. For simplicity and thoughtful design, the Wave Marble Catchall is for jewellery, keys, and the little things that deserve somewhere considered to land.
– Aisha Hillary-Morgan, founder and creative director of Atelier V&A
Whether it’s a thoughtful keepsake, a dreamy staycation or simply an hour of uninterrupted peace, one thing’s clear: mums want gifts that make them feel seen, appreciated and cared for.
