Mother's day gift ideas - that won't cost the earth!

For mum, this mother's day.

1. The best gift of all - a hug. Hugs certainly feel good, both on the giving and receiving end, and it turns out their effects are more than skin deep. A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that hugs increase the "bonding" hormone oxytocin and decrease the risk of heart disease. Hugs are good for your heart, they lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.

2. Get a green kitchen hamper for mum, full of earth friendly products for around the home. Cleaning products and laundry products that are gentle on the environment - we like www.ecostore.net.au

3. A health beauty pack full of beautiful soaps and creams with organic, fair-trade ingredients. Our favs: regenerating hand cream and body wash by Weleda - pomegranate body care range www.weleda.com.au

4. Organic Cotton Bedlinen - Did you know that researchers have uncovered up to 2 kilograms of harsh chemicals embedded in every queen size sheet set of non-organic cotton bed linen. Go organic, for mum's sake.

5. An Earth Machine or compost machine - it's a fabulous investment to reduce landfill waste and give your mum free mulch and soil amendment that will make the neighbours jealous.

6. An interior design consultation - give mum a special gift to help brighten her world. A new coat of paint for the lounge room, or a bedroom make-over with help from a professional interior designer. Contact us for more information.

7. A pair of house shoes from www.houseshoes.com.au - House Shoe soft foam soles are made from industrial waste diverted from landfill, creating a sustainable future for the planet, with a double layer of stretch cotton that moulds to the shape of your mum's foot.

8. www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au for a gift for mum, and one for a total stranger that keeps on giving! Many adults in Cambodia have limited or no functional literacy. A gift of adult literacy classes teaches many basic life skills in a supportive environment specifically tailored to local needs, as well as numeracy and literacy.

9. Another mum's gift - from Oxfam. Starting the day well is important, especially for growing minds and bodies. That’s why Oxfam Australia supports Doomadgee State School to run a healthy breakfast program for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Your gift helps provide one child with fresh fruit, bread, milk, juice and muesli for a month, and helps increase their attendance and concentration at school. Make another mum happy!

10. Super soft and absorbent, bamboo towels will spoil your mum without costing the earth! Pick a highlight colour from the bathroom or go with classic white. From Style Plantation stores nationally - www.styleplantation.com