Tied with tradition and layered with meaning, the day marks the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, hence the wave of blue that sweeps across everything from clothing to gift wrapping. The colour, along with the jasmine flower (dok mali), has become synonymous with the occasion – symbols of grace and purity offered in admiration and respect by grateful offspring to mummy-dearest.
In contemporary times though it’s about reinterpreting iconic elements like garlands, florals and soft blues into gifts that feel personal, thoughtful and anything but basic. So instead of reaching for the usual last-minute bouquet, the following suggestions take the familiar symbols of Thai Mother’s Day and give them a contemporary twist. Respectful doesn’t have to mean boring – you can celebrate matriarchs this Mother’s Day with myriad gifts that combine meaning and modernity.
Flowers might be the classic Mother’s Day move but that doesn’t mean you have to play it safe. In Thai culture, the jasmine garland (phuang malai) is a time-honoured symbol of purity, love and deep respect. It’s given by the child to the mother as a powerful gesture of gratitude.
Brands like Flower in Hand by P, 1000malai, Loca Flowers and Ivy & Pollen are turning tradition into art. They’re crafting garlands that go beyond the usual – a mix of florals, textures and unexpected details made just for Mother’s Day. Each piece is exclusive, expressive and designed to say more than words ever could.
Now for something sweet. We’re talking confections made with precision so fine they’re almost too pretty to eat: they’re the kind of gift that speaks for you. It only takes a bit of thought to turn something beautiful into something personal. After all, just knowing your mother’s favourite flavours shows that you’ve been paying attention, and that’s the part she’ll love most.
Thai pastries bring more than flavour to the table though – they bring feeling. At Summer Forest that sentiment shines through in custom cakes with edible photo prints paired with a Mother’s Day-ready set that includes a floral garland. Meanwhile, Little Hideout Patisserie leans into French classics, presenting desserts adorned with lace-like floral decorations – delicate touches that feel just right for celebrating Mum.
Thailand’s scented scene offers plenty of ways to bottle up affection. Long associated with Thai motherhood, jasmine often takes centre stage – its gentle notes stirring calm and quiet nostalgia with every inhalation. And when it comes to packaging, the same care is applied: each item is thoughtfully wrapped and often looks just as striking as the scent inside. From artisanal candles to perfume oils and room sprays, these fragrant essentials feel like love letters in a bottle.
Thai brands have captured the signature scent of jasmine in their own distinct ways. Panpuri’s Siamese Water pairs jasmine with crisp mint and citrus for a clean and enervating modern take. Garland by Journal channels the soft femininity of a traditional Thai offering, while Bath & Bloom’s Thai Jasmine stays rooted in purity, delivering a timeless floral profile. Each interpretation sets a different mood but all honour jasmine’s deep ties to love and tradition.
For something that lasts beyond the day and prolongs the personal vibe, look to pieces that carry a story, a sense of craft or a touch of everyday charm.
Thai designers continue to turn heritage into keepsakes. Scarves take on new life through brands like Jim Thompson and Naraya, where classic Thai silk is reinterpreted in elegant, enduring designs. Tote bags from Slowstitch studio and Marionsiam offer a more earth-conscious perspective, celebrating natural dyes, handwoven textures and traditional techniques through a modern, sustainable lens.
On the jewellery front, Sarran leans into soft femininity, transforming floral details into sculptural pieces. Rooted in themes of motherhood and womanhood, the brand honours the quiet strength and beauty of maternal love, making its creations especially meaningful for the occasion. Shependence, by contrast, embraces a minimalist ethos with clean-lined gold and silver pieces that empower through simplicity. Their photo lockets, designed to hold tiny family portraits, offer a deeply intimate sentimental touch.
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