Top 3 Gifts for Mums! Free Last-minute Christmas Ideas

We are only 3 sleeps away from Christmas and let’s face it, this year it’s even more stressful than usual!

That’s right Christmas can be quite an overwhelming time for a mum, who on top of the normal day to day home running and work, has normally on her shoulder also all the gifts for the family!

But this year it was even crazier! 2020, the year of the global pandemic and mums all over the world are exhausted physically and mentally!

Come on, we all had to face extra things to deal with from the virtual learning, the panic buying, the social-distancing measures, the working from home and life balancing and more all at once . . . and pregnant women were anxious and stressed because of all this mess and many mums this year had to give birth without their partner to support them!

Now, we are back in lockdown again. Tier 4 in London and other others in the UK means many shops are closed and maybe your shopping was not completed.

Well, I just want to suggest a few gifts for mums!

That’s right, you mums deserve some extra treats this Christmas and I know money can be tight. That’s why I am here to suggest some FREE Gifts for Mums. Simple gifts you can ask your partner or your parents when the restrictions are lifted.

Because you deserve a little bit of self care and a little break!

Top 3 FREE Gifts you can request this Christmas

  • Morning home spa. This could be a nice break, you could ask this to your sister or your mum (once it’s possible). They can take the children out in the playground or for a walk while you will enjoy a long hot bubble bath with relaxing music and scented candles. When you come out, you can wrap yourself up in your cosy warm robe with a nice herbal tea in your hands. Maybe you read a little bit that book you always wanted to start! Don’t forget to apply the face mask and turn the phone off! These are just a few hours to restore yourself with no distractions or worries. I’m sure you have all you need at home so yes, it’s free 😉
gifts for mums
  • A weekend of no nappy duty! That’s for your partner. Actually, you could stretch to a whole week, imagine that! Simply picture no more smelly buts to clean . . . is it a dream? 🙂 Well, it’s not much after all . . .

  • A nice home-made dinner (that you are not cooking!) Since March I feel I’m constantly cooking. My husband has been working from home so I prepare lunch and dinner every single day. And we’re not eating sandwiches for lunch! Plus, my daughter suffers from reflux. She cannot have processed and ready-made food and that means lots of cooking and baking. I actually experimented a lot of new recipes and had fun but I have to admit it’s exhausting to do every single day. Since Covid started we had one meal out and one takeaway! I thought if I feel like this, other mums would appreciate a nice home-made cooked dinner as well. Right?

  • Extra little idea: Photograph some moments!! This is for the dads, take some nice photos while mum is playing with your children, while she is reading to them, she is comforting them. . . these are precious moments and she will be grateful to have them. Don’t let her know you are taking the photos, otherwise you’ll lose the spontaneity, just do it. Get it printed, buy a little frame and give it to her. If you are looking for inspirations have a look at my Instagram page.

Do you like these gifts for mums?

I had this idea because back in January, for my birthday, my daughter gifted me a certificate she designed that entitled me to a day off from her and Luna (the dog)! I was very surprised, and my husband told me it was her idea! How fabulous!

These are just some suggestions I think every (new) mum will appreciate but of course there are other free ideas you could come up with!

So mum, if you are reading this, send it to your husband!

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NEWBORN MODEL CALL - Don't miss it and please share it!

I’m looking for a newborn (born after 1st July) to model for a 1:1 training session in my studio on Wednesday 16th July – morning only.

Both parents need to be available at the session and comfortable signing a model release, as the images will be used for portfolio and promotional purposes. (No siblings, pets or extended family on this occasion, it's just baby and parents)

This is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a complimentary professional newborn session (value £290) and receive some beautiful photographs of your new baby.

The session will take place at my cosy studio in Twickenham (SW London), designed to offer a calm and relaxed experience for you and your baby.

If you or someone you know has recently welcomed a little one and might be interested, please DM me or email vale@photographybyvalentina.com – I’d love to share more details with you!

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Not all breastfeeding stories start with ease.

And some carry more than we can see.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was a moment to honour a deeper journey.

One that mixed pain and joy. Loss and healing.

Feeding her baby… and feeding her soul.

The plasters were symbolic. So was the baby’s breath.

But the emotion? That was all her.

And honestly, it stayed with me.

If this speaks to you, know you’re not alone.

We carry so much. And sometimes, we need someone to see it.
 
My book will hold this story and many others like it. 
If it speaks to your heart, save it. Or share it with someone who needs to feel seen. 🤍

#breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingproject
Natalie and Sara aren’t just sisters-in-law, they’ve walked side by side through the early days of motherhood, holding space for each other’s struggles and joys.

This session was a reminder that we don’t have to do it alone. In motherhood, as in business. That when stories are shared, healing begins.

That sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer… is simply to be there.

And that’s the heart of my book: sharing stories, truths and experiences that make us feel less alone.

If you’ve ever felt supported by another mum, tag them below. Let them know they mattered.

And if you’re curious to read more stories like this one… keep your eyes peeled for news about the book release coming very soon!

#sisterhoodinmotherhood #motherhoodunfiltered #breastfeedingjourney #postpartumtruths #storytellingthroughphotography #londonmaternityphotographer
This photo? It’s actually two images merged into one.

The eye you see? Hers.

The reflection? 
A moment of feeding, held in her memory and now in this frame.

It’s not just editing. It’s storytelling.

Inspired by her journey. Created from emotion.

Because photography isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel.

And this? This one feels like truth.
Working from a new spot because staring at the same screen in the same room wasn’t doing me any favours. 

Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective (and some cloud therapy)

Do you have a go-to place when your brain needs a reboot?

Drop your favourite focus spot in the comments: your garden? a café? kitchen table? I’m all ears.
Not my first time at the House of Lords… I know, I know. You’re probably thinking “Her again?!” 😅

But I promise, it never gets old.

Today was all about creativity (of course—hello, we’re talking about Adobe!), and how refreshing it is to chat with other small businesses in the creative world.

Huge thanks to the fab @adobeexpress team and @britainsmallbiz for putting together such a great course and for filling the room with so many lovely, inspiring people.

(And yes… I still take photos every single time I go!🙈) 

What’s your favourite ‘pinch me’ work moment so far?

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM