Gifts That Indulge And Pamper

Newcastle Herald

Friday April 23, 2004

THAT perfect Mother's Day gift can be difficult to choose.

Some of us spend countless hours wandering around stores trying to decide exactly what she would love. But the task need not be so hard.

Most mums will love anything with personal thought behind it, but gifts that pamper her are always a winner.

Mystique Hair Artists in Jesmond offers a variety of gift vouchers and packages tailored to suit any woman's desired look.

Buy a voucher for any amount or one that covers a specific treatment such as a colour, style cut and blow dry.

A variety of packs containing hair products, including styling aids, shampoos, conditioners, treatments and moisturisers are also available.

Mystique Hair Artists has a total hair makeover package to give away to a lucky Herald reader. It consists a hair consultation, style cut, shampoo, creative colour and blow dry. For a chance to win this prize, see the coupon on Page 58.

If food is her first love, The Olive & The Grape is running a Mother's Day pasta-making class.

Or it has gift vouchers that allow the recipient to book a class on another day that is more convenient for them.

Held at the Hunter Valley's Sandalyn Estate winery, the classes teach the art of making traditional pasta and sauces to match.

Olive oils are examined and sampled, plus there are tastings of the Sandalyn wine range.

A luncheon follows with the pasta created in class comprising the menu. People participating in the Mother's Day class will also receive a surprise gift to take home.

For the adventurous mum, the experience of a hot-air balloon flight could provide the perfect gift.

Balloon Aloft has vouchers available for sunrise flights over the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Other gift choices that are sure to be popular with many mothers are items like jewellery, fragrances, body products or perhaps some artwork or an ornamental piece.

Attractive but comfortable sleepwear or a cosy pair of slippers can also be a good choice.

The tried and true things should not be forgotten either. Breakfast in bed or a day off for mothers who are primarily responsible for household duties like cooking and cleaning will be appreciated on Mother's Day.