THE PERFUME

Chanel has a winning effect on most mums. Simply a single lipstick, in its perfect black and gold click-up bullet, is an emblem of timeless glamour. This year is the anniversary of the most famous perfume of all time, Chanel No5 – it was created by Ernest Beaux in 1921 – and I feel that there’s no occasion when a bottle of this perfume to end all perfumes is not a perfect gift. From €66 for a petite 35ml bottle, at stockists nationwide.

THE SKINCARE

A good skincare set is a practical gift and one that will be used every day. I recommend Irish brand Nunaïa’s Ground & Glow Skin Ritual Set for endless reasons – firstly because it’s skincare that does what it says on the (recyclable) tin; it’s luxurious but entirely natural and certified organic, and it’s presented in entirely compostable packaging made from hemp and mycelium. You’ll find facial oils by designer brands clocking in at three times the price of Nunaïa’s (€79) – and none are better. And the cleansing balm will last for aeons – you only need a small amount to entirely lift make-up and dirt from your skin, gently – while the oil-serum is wonderfully nourishing and restorative, and entirely suitable for mature skin. €125, www.nunaia.com.

For a definite investment, Arnotts are stocking a Discovery Duo by Augustinus Bader, the Victoria Beckham-approved skincare line that really challenges La Mer as the luxury brand du jour. Be warned – you may be starting an expensive new habit. In our experience, the Rich Cream can help to bring out a glow in the dullest lockdown skin. From €132.80, at www.Arnotts.ie.

THE BATH BARGAINS

Finally, some bargainous bath ideas – baths have become part of escaping work/kids/general lockdown situation, and so bath salts and oils can no longer be considered a cop-out present, in my book. And they don’t have to cost a fortune. Dr Hauschka does a peerless Spruce bath essence for €9.95, www.drh.ie), and Weleda’s Arnica Muscle Soak (€17.50, at www.evergreen.ie) is good after all the endless walks we’re doing. I’d be delighted with some Westlab Pure Mineral Bathing Himalayan Pink Salt (€6.49, at www.Boots.ie) – you could repackage these or similar in a glass Kilner jar (from Woodies.ie, around €3.99) for better presentation.

THE SENSORY SELECTION

Aesop skincare, available at www.samuicork.com, is beautifully presented and always welcome. Gift ideas start from €25 for the (excellent) hand balms. Personally I’d most love Marrakech Intense eau de toilette (€65), simply as a sensory reminder of travels as much as anything else. The eau de parfum retails for €115, so this is a good alternative. Aesop also do a lovely Nurturer set (€70), best ordered from their French website. Lookfantastic.ie have a good range of Aesop also, though I draw the line at Animal Body Wash at over €30; our dog is currently a walking ad for good old Head & Shoulders – so shiny!

And while we’re talking fragrant treats, we must mention an enduring favourite on the bath front – REN Skincare’s Rose Otto Bath Oil (€37). Many mothers and mothers-in-law will love the scent of roses and this is a truly rich and luscious oil centred on rosa damascena flower oil, along with geranium for a really petal-like fragrance. Those who know it have loved it for years, and it’s something you might not splash out on yourself so makes a gorgeous gift. www.renskincare.ie (though beware the current €13 delivery charge – you can also find this in pharmacies).

IDEAS UNDER €25

Neom Organics, available at www.Seagreen.ie and stockists nationwide, are renowned for their gentle fragrant bath and body gifts – and hand cream is an essential these days, so the shea butter-rich Great Day Hand Lotion, in a big 300ml pump bottle, with a soft wild mint and mandarin scent, is a practical pleasure (€24).

IDEAS UNDER €20

Keep it local, keep it natural, keep it affordable. Warrior Botanicals, the beautiful West Cork brand which featured in our The GLOSS Irish Beauty Box, has a wide range of lovely botanical beauty treats available online, from gentle herbal tea blends to this Aisling oil (€16) which aids relaxation. Plus if your mum’s name is Aisling, it looks like you got it personalised. Gifts start from €7 for a natural lip balm, and there’s free shipping over €50.

I’d also recommend The Handmade Soap Company for a wide range of affordable and lovely gifts, from the big pump-bottles of hand wash at €12.95 and hand lotion at €14.95, to simple soaps and lovely pillow sprays, all at under €20. Naturally lovely, sustainably and locally products, and in entirely post-consumer recycled bottles. www.thehandmadesoapcompany.ie

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

L’Occitane offer online consultations with a skincare expert, so your mum can talk through what would best suit her skin, and then choose a gift using a L’Occitane gift card. Gifts range from a tailor-made box of body lotion, shower gel and hand cream (€49) from any scent range, through to a golden pot of Immortelle Divine Cream (€89), which instantly transports you to the wild and sun-baked maquis of Corsica. I’d also mention the newest eau de toilette, Osmanthus, as the bottle is chic and minimal, and the scent light and springlike – we’re very drawn to orange-based scents at the moment, and the bitter orange in this, along with apricot and is very cheering. €52 (with soap, shower gel, body lotion and hand creams also available, from €5.50). ie.loccitane.com