In a world overflowing with stuff, gifting remains one of the most powerful ways we show love, gratitude, and care. But beneath the beauty of the gesture lies a hidden cost: waste—much of it ending up in landfill. This Mother’s Day, let’s rethink what it means to give, choosing gifts that honour not just the people we love, but the planet and communities we share.
The Hidden Waste Behind Our Gifts
Nearly a third of Australians expect to receive presents they’ll never use or wear during major holidays, and less than half of gift-givers consider how gifts will eventually be disposed of.
Food waste is also significant: Australians throw away more than 7.6 million tonnes of food every year, 70% of which is still edible. Special occasions like Mother’s Day often see an increase in surplus food and packaging, much of which is discarded after celebrations. This not only wastes resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.
But the good news is: with a few thoughtful swaps, our gifts can create less waste—and more meaning.
Thoughtful, Low-Waste Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Gifts that grow: A potted plant, herb garden kit, or flowers picked from your own garden offer beauty that lasts.
Gifts that give back: Make a donation in her name to a cause she loves, like forest regeneration or local food relief—gifts that ripple outwards with positive impact.
Gifts that last: Reusable essentials like a beautiful water bottle, coffee cup, or beeswax wraps—practical and planet-friendly.
Gifts that nourish: A homemade meal, a picnic in the park, or breakfast in bed—gifts that create memories, not landfill.
Gifts that support locals: Choose handcrafted items made from natural, organic, compostable or recycled materials, like a soy candle, handmade heat pack, or organic skincare.
Gifts with a personal touch: From knitted scarves to upcycled jewellery, handmade treasures carry a story—and a lighter footprint.
A Gift That Regenerates: The Corner Store Network Mother’s Day Pack
At Corner Store Network, we believe in gifts that give back to both people and the planet. Our Mother’s Day Gift Pack is just one example of how gifting can be regenerative:
🌿 Rescued produce: The seasonal preserves in this pack help save 10.5 kg of cumquats, 8 kg of plums, and 7 kg of apples—rescued from local growers and backyards, saved from going to waste, and transformed into delicious jam and marmalade.
🌿 Regenerative impact: Every jar is handmade in community kitchens by volunteers, supporting local food relief and keeping good food out of the landfill.
🌿 Ethical indulgence: We’ve hand-picked organic, fair-trade chocolate and tea, sourced to support ethical farming and forest regeneration—nurturing both people and planet.
🌿 Minimal packaging: We use home-compostable tea bags and recyclable materials to keep waste to a minimum.
This is just one way to make gifting meaningful and restorative—there are so many beautiful, low-waste options to explore.
Because the Most Meaningful Gifts Leave No Trace
Gifting can be a beautiful gesture—one that nourishes hearts, communities, and the planet. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with gifts that honour our loved ones and tread lightly on the earth.
Let's make every gift count.
This article was written by our team with the support of AI-assisted writing tools to help research, draft, and refine the content. All facts and recommendations were reviewed for accuracy and alignment with our values.
Leave a comment