If you have yet to reserve a table in her favourite restaurant, or buy that diamond ring she’s been eyeing for months, or, for the very least, arrange for a stunning bouquet of flowers to be delivered after breakfast in bed – then you’re in danger of experiencing the maternal wrath that comes with treating your mom like an afterthought (spoiler: it does not end well). Fortunately, Benn van der Westhuizen has put together a last-minute Mother’s Day guide to save those brave risk-takers out there.
THE PICNIC PANTRY
The low-down: The Picnic Pantry caters for both corporate and private events in providing gourmet picnics served in beautiful wicker baskets or bio-degradable boxes.
On offer this Mother’s Day is a specially curated picnic, with the option for a vegetarian or kids menu as well. Enjoy a selection of local cheeses with a pastrami and mustard bagel, crackers and preserves, Greek meatballs, grapes, marinated olives and feta, a chunky chocolate brownie and mineral water for R350. The baskets cater for 2 guests with customisable options available.
The Picnic Pantry is able to deliver your baskets at a charge to your home or a picnic spot in Joburg, Sandton, Pretoria and surrounds. Alternatively, pick up your orders at their kitchen in Chartwell North Estates.
Look out for: Baskets are available for purchase at a discounted rate until Mother’s Day – white wicker baskets are usually R1095 and are now going for R750, while grey baskets usually going for R1195 are now R850.
Address: 21 Woburn Ave, Chartwell North Estates, Gauteng
Tel: 082 490 0443 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.thepicnicpantry.co.za
L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE
The low-down: Short for time? Spend just a few minutes on the L’occitane en Provence online store browsing through an array of beauty products such as fragrances, skincare, hair care and body care. Any one of their gifts – inspired by southern France ambience – would be fit to spoil mom with. Great options include the new Terre de Lumière EDT Range, the Nourishing Shea Butter for Dry Skin Body Care Set, and the Delicious Almond Body Care Set.
Shoppers also have the chance to please mom while doing their bit to support charity: for every gift sold with L’occitane’s ‘Cares Eye’ logo, R50 goes towards their local project with CBM UK – a training unit that helps under-served communities in South Africa fight avoidable blindness. And to provide accessibility for all, every one of their products has the information in Braille, too.
Look out for: Save yourself the time of putting together a gift pack by shopping these already-composed Mother’s Day sets. Plus, enjoy free delivery for orders over R1000.
Address: Boutique stores in Melrose Arch, Hyde Park, Sandton City, Mall of the South, Mall of Africa and Menlyn.
Tel: 010 020 0664 | Email: [email protected] | Website: za.loccitane.com
NAHYSOSA PHYC’S MOTHER’S DAY MARKET
The low-down: A non-profit organisation run by students, Nahysosa Phyc exists to raise funds for tertiary education for youth. In celebration of Mother’s Day, their Mother’s Day Market is taking place on 11 May from 3pm to 9pm.
It’s the ideal spot for finding gifts for moms in time for Sunday. Browse through accessory stands such as Caliopi by Design, Styled by Anthea, Tika Taka and Zeta’s Jewellery. Attendees can also find home decor, baby clothes, and educational toys and books. And in between all the shopping and present-hunting, have a late lunch, supper or dessert at one of the food stalls or sip on some beer and wine as you wind down. Kids are also well entertained by face painting facilities.
Look out for: Nahysosa Phyc is currently raising money for a child with cancer, so all proceeds from the optional door fee (adults R20, kids R10) will go towards that medical fund.
Address: Greek Orthodox Church, 37 Lynwood Rd, Pretoria
Email: [email protected] | Website: nahysosa.co.za | Facebook Event: Phyc’s Mother’s Day Market
