Whoa mama, it’s gift-buying time and top of the list is none other than Mother Dearest. In theory, it should be easy to shop for the woman you’ve known all your life, but the strange thing about present-giving is that the closer you are to the recipient, the harder the task seems to get. Whether she's the one you run to in times of trouble, can be trusted for sound counsel and practical advice, or you inherited her belly laugh, we can all agree that mums are the MVPs in our lives.

So no pressure then. We’re not just talking mums either. This shopping tussle applies to any matriarchal figure who’s mothered, cuddled, cooked or advised you: grandmothers, stepmums, aunties, family friends, mentors.

There's often little point in asking what they want outright. Most will bat you away, telling you to save your money. Obey this directive at your peril, especially on occasions like their birthday, Mother's Day, or Christmas where a perfectly wrapped gift is an unspoken essential.

Luckily, we’re here to help with an edit of the best mum-friendly gifts to help you nail the brief. We've got the lowdown on the very best gifts to spoil the deserving rotten, from tech that promises to make her life easier, personalised accessories made just for her, and luxury fashion and beauty we all know she would never dream of splashing out on for herself. If you’re still not sure, a hamper jostling with indulgent treats or gourmet snacky things never fails to get the right reaction.

Mother.