Written by Shannon, Artist & Owner of Colours by Shannon
I heard a quote recently that really stuck with me. I can’t remember it word for word, but the sentiment behind it really made me think about the fact that:
“She’s still living her first life too.”
It was about mothers.
About the idea that, even while they’re raising children, showing up for others, and pouring so much of themselves into their families—they are still living their own first and only life.
And I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It was the first time I really thought of framing my own mother in that light. More Than “Just Mam”.
I think we forget this sometimes. We grow up thinking of our mothers as just mams. The organiser. The giver. The person who always knows where that one missing shoe is.
But she wasn’t born a mam. She became one—and in the process, she didn’t stop becoming everything else. She’s still learning. Still growing. Still dreaming. Still figuring things out. Still loving, creating, questioning, evolving.
She still has her own milestones to reach, her own memories to make. She still deserves to be celebrated.
Why We Need to Rethink Mother’s Day Gifts
As an artist who creates personalised, hand-painted gifts, I speak to a lot of people trying to find something different. Something that doesn’t just tick a box, but feels like them, and brings out all the feels in them.
That search is even more common when it comes to Mother’s Day. The truth is—most Mother’s Day gifts are lovely, but forgettable. Flowers, chocolates, a quick card from the shop.
They’re not wrong. But they’re not always enough either. They rarely reflect the truth that your mam is still a woman in her own right. Still deserving of beauty. Of thoughtfulness. Of a memory you can make for her.
Looking for Something Meaningful This Mother's Day?
Browse my collection of hand-painted glassware designed to be gifted with heart and held onto forever.
Use code TOAST15 for 15% off this week only. Order now to ensure it’s ready in time for Sunday, March 30th.
She’s still living her first life too.
Let’s toast to that. 🥂
Hand-Painted & Personalised – Made Just for Her
Whether it’s a mini bottle of Prosecco with her favourite florals, or a set of hand-painted champagne flutes to toast her next milestone—this is your chance to gift something meaningful.
A keepsake.
A thank you.
A moment in time that doesn’t fade away quickly.
Everything I create is painted by hand in my Waterford studio. It’s a slow process, but it’s slow for a reason—because I believe gifts should be intentional.
From mixing colours to layering each petal and stem, tying the ribbon, and finishing with a handwritten card—every detail is made to matter.
A Gift That Speaks to Her
This year, maybe skip the throwaway gifts. And instead, give her something that speaks to who she is beyond motherhood.
A gift that says: I really see you—not just as my mam, but as the incredible, layered, ever-growing person you are.
You’re still living a life full of your own firsts—and that deserves to be celebrated too.
More Reading: Amy Huberman Approves - We Went Viral
What Makes a Gift Truly Memorable?
In my experience, it’s not about price tags or trends. It’s about connection. And thought.
A memorable gift is one that:
- Reminds someone of who they are.
- Reflects a part of their personality or passions.
- Isn’t mass-produced—but created just for them.
- Doesn’t get pushed to the back of a drawer.
Think about it. She probably won’t remember the candle you gave her last year. But she’ll remember a personalised gift that arrived with her favourite colour palette, her name, a thoughtful message, and the care that only a hand-painted piece can carry.
It becomes part of her home. Her memory shelf. Her celebratory moments. It becomes part of her memories.
More Reading: The Best Bridal Party Gift? A Sentimental, Personalised Keepsake
Ideas to Celebrate Her This Year
✨ Toast to Her – Gift a personalised champagne flute and raise a glass to her journey.
✨ Customise Her Favourite Bottle – Choose a wine or bubbly she loves and have it hand-painted just for her.
✨ Create a Ritual – Pair the gift with a moment: a brunch, a card, or simply time to herself.
✨ Make It Just About Her – No mam-duty allowed. This is for her.
Final Thoughts: She’s Still Living Her First Life
All the mother figures out there are still building a life. Still discovering who she is outside of her roles. Let your Mother’s Day gift reflect that. Let’s not just thank her for all she’s done—let’s celebrate all she still is.
The dreams she’s still thinking of. The life she’s still living. The glass she should raise for herself this Mother's Day, and every other day.