Novel virtual gifts to make Mother’s Day extra memorable

Sure it’s a cliche, but that’s because they’re effective.

A bright bouquet will no doubt bring a smile to your mum’s face, and the good news is that there are plenty of flower delivery services still operating despite the circuit breaker, which will suit a range of budgets.

Don’t know what flowers to get mum? Take into consideration the significance of each type of flower and its meaning.

Does your mum want to learn how to nail a killer serve like Serena Williams, cook up a dish like Gordon Ramsay or write the next Grey’s Anatomy like Shonda Rimes?

Well, she can learn from those stars and more on Masterclass, which offers online classes in everything from acting, to self-made entrepreneurship.

You can even buy two passes for something you and mum can enjoy together.

Has your mum been an avid fan of Her World for years? Well, then she’s in luck.

SPH digital magazines are free to download for the next three months as we try to inspire, ignite conversations, foster friendships and build a community of trust and love during these trying time. Redeem your free issues here!

If your mother is a fan of tasty sweet treats (to be fair, who isn’t?), then she’ll feel utterly spoiled with some desserts. But everywhere’s closed due to the circuit breaker you say? Nope, you can still get cakes and other baked goods delivered from places like PS. Cafe, Edith Patisserie and Plain Vanilla Bakery among others.

Does your mommy prefer to unwind over a glass of wine or a cocktail instead? The Secret Mermaid does island-wide delivery of its signature cocktails, while digital wine platform Vinomofo has you covered if vintage reds and whites are more up your mum’s alley.

Everyone loves getting books as a gift, but you can keep up with the 21st century by giving your Mum a subscription to Audible.

Sign her up for one, three or six months, or even a year, and she can build up her personal audiobook and podcast library. Or, if you have a specific book in mind, you can purchase that for her as an alternative.

If you’d organised to have a chilled, relaxing day with your mum watching a movie together, that plan doesn’t have to go out the window altogether.

Thanks to the new Google Chrome browser extension called Netflix Party, you and your mum can download the program and watch a show or TV series together, from your separate homes.

The extension synchronises video playback and adds a group chat function, so you can involve your siblings too. Plus, it’s absolutely free.

Granted, you may not be able to cook a slap-up dinner for her, but you can still share a meal with the woman of the hour.

Simply set up Zoom, House Party, FaceTime or another free video chat service, each cook a pre-planned meal and enjoy it together.

And if one of you is a better cook than the other, it’ll be funny watching the reactions when it comes time to taste.

It may seem like we’ll be battling the fallout from Covid-19 forever, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Whether it’s taking mum to a Gold Class movie screening or spending the day at a fancy day spa, you can book in a fun activity that will re-open in a few months time, for some mother, daughter, or son bonding.

This article was first published in the Singapore Women’s Weekly.