Rundle Street East is going to make you the favourite child on Mother’s Day

Apr 17, 2025, updated Apr 17, 2025
This picture: South Australian Tourism Commission
This picture: South Australian Tourism Commission

Yes, you’re still recovering from Gather Round. But Mother’s Day is about to land – and Rundle Street East is where you need to be.

We’re calling it… Mother’s Day is nigh.

While this means a huge celebratory lunchtime feast is on the horizon, turning up empty handed could see you fall to the tail end of the Golden Child list.

Jokes aside, Mother’s Day is a chance to say how much you love and appreciate that female relative or influential woman in your life… and maybe proffer a thoughtfully chosen gift.

On Rundle Street, Palace Nova Cinemas state manager Karen Karpinski says while calendar dates like King’s Birthday lose their meaning over time, Mother’s Day keeps going “because mums don’t just wave from balconies – they do the real work.”

“Mother’s Day lasts because it celebrates everyday love and effort, they’re the ones who should get the public holiday!” Karen adds.

She says her mum, Therese, has an amazing work ethic but still manages to prioritise her family and friends.

“And I love that we share the same sense of humour. Nothing beats our laughing at the same ridiculous thing that nobody else could possibly understand.”

Leonard St. founder and designer Amanda McCarthy says her mum, Vivien, is strong and determined.

“When I was a teenager, people used to stop me in my neighbourhood and say, ‘you must be Vivien’s daughter’.

“I think we looked very much alike, so I always felt she had made her mark.”

Not sure what to get your mum for Mother’s Day? Rundle Street East has the gift inspo you need.

Palace Nova gift card is one of the Mother's Day gift ideas from the Rundle Street East precinct

 

Palace Nova East End

3 Cinema Place

Doesn’t everyone just want to sink into a plush seat and escape the quotidian humdrum for a few hours? Palace Nova is the place to do it, wineglass in one hand, choc top in the other.

For mothers who appreciate culture – highbrow or low – this cinema brings it all… From art house films and international film festivals, to stage-to-screen showings of Met Opera, Royal Ballet and more, to The Bonfire Horror Club’s monthly screenings.

Head into the cinema to grab a gift card or order one online.

Skincare from Jurlique in Rundle Street East - a great idea for Mother's Day

Jurlique

259 Rundle Street

If Mum hasn’t already included Jurlique in her skincare regime, now’s the chance to treat her. This B Corp certified company has been a pioneer in natural skincare for more than 35 years, and has its own certified biodynamic farm in the Adelaide Hills.

Head into the Rundle Street store to get an expert recommendation for something she’ll love. As well as Jurlique’s internationally recognised skincare products, there’s also a range of shower gels, body oils and hand creams in uplifting scents to make every day special.

For the ultimate indulgence, Jurlique offers a range of spa treatments including massages and facials that will leave her blissfully relaxed and glowing.

Bookings can be made on their website.

Pictured: 2-pc Activate Your Glow bundle and the 4-pc Iconic Nourishing Ritual gift pack

Rings and earrings from Utopian Creations in the Rundle Street East precinct - some ideas for Mother's Day gifts

Utopian Creations

20 Ebenezer Place

If the budget stretches to it, why not spoil your remarkable mum with a remarkable piece of jewellery?

Utopian Creations crafts heirloom-quality jewellery with ethically sourced gemstones, each piece telling a story of sustainable beauty and conscious craftsmanship.

Under the expert guidance of head designer Ben Manning, their bespoke creations combine timeless elegance with ethical sourcing practices – prioritising direct relationships with miners and cutters to ensure transparency and fair compensation.

Call into the store to see their range of ready-to-wear pieces or to plan a bespoke gift.

Pictured: Australian opal stud earrings in yellow gold, Hedera decagon Australian sapphire cluster ring, Isolde blue parti Australian sapphire ring

Clothes from Leonard St in the Rundle Street East precinct - a possible idea for Mother's Day

Leonard St.

22 Ebenezer Place

With its bold colour palette, adventurous prints and quirky styling, ethical clothing brand Leonard Street makes clothes to make people smile.

The Melbourne-based label has been working with the same factory, Ryan Bali Garment, in Bali for over 15 years. Together, they’re aiming to do good for the community and for the planet.

Leonard St.’s Amanda McCarthy says Mother’s Day is enduring because it resonates with everyone. “We all have a mother, we all weave motherly relationships through our lives – whether it’s with colleagues, neighbours, friends and family friends – the mother figure is all around us.”

Pictured: Lake mountain pullover, Fairy wren shirt, Heaven shirt, Gallery pocket skirt

Mother's Day gift ideas from Oroton store in Rundle Street East precinct

Oroton

257A Rundle Street

This Australian label has been synonymous with craftsmanship and accessible luxury for over 80 years.

Know Mum’s style like the back of your hand? Dive into the autumn-winter fashion drop, which ranges from everyday elevated essentials to eventwear.

Or find the perfect fashion accessory – from beautiful silk or wool scarves, to leather-clad water bottles, to leather bags for all occasions.

Pictured: Bamboo small umbrella in cherry, Cali shoulder bag in currant, Cecile AirTag keyring

Mother's Day gift ideas from Cable store, located in the Rundle Street East precinct

Cable

254A Rundle Street

Georgina Austin, the founder of Australian knitwear label CABLE, comes from a family with deep roots in the wool industry.

As well as superfine merino wool jumpers, dresses and cardigans, expect to find lots of cosy layers and quality accessories to take Mum through the cooler months.

Pictured: Wool cashmere cap in pebble, Cashwool V cardigan in poppy red, Brushed pure cashmere poncho in fawn

Aleenta Rundle Street reformer pilates for mother's day

 

Aleenta Health Club

Level 1, 255A Rundle Street

For the mum who never seems to sit still, a class at Aleenta Health Club can give her some ‘me time’ and a chance to reenergise mindfully and at her own pace.

Located in a New York loft style sanctuary on Rundle Street, Aleenta is home to a Reformer Pilates Studio with scheduled classes starting early morning and running every day of the week.

They also offer Aleenta Flexi (curated, on-demand video workouts), which can be booked so Mum can workout when it suits her.

You can treat Mum to a single class or a weekly subscription, book here.

Some ideas for Mother's Day gifts that can be found instore at Assemby The Label in the Rundle Street East precinct

Assembly Label

257 Rundle Street

Inspired by Australia’s coastal landscapes and led by the concept of a capsule wardrobe, Assembly Label is where to find timeless and versatile essentials that are designed to endure.

They have everything from cashmere knits and denim staples, to sweats and sunglasses, to home scents and French linen duvet covers.

So, the challenge will be narrowing it down to just one gift for Mum.

Pictured: Jedda clay chubby mug, Jackie shoulder bag in cream, Hyeja rice ferment gentle probiotics cream

This picture: Ông Vietnamese Kitchen Facebook

Ông Vietnamese Kitchen

287 Rundle Street

What do you get someone who doesn’t want a gift? Time spent together is always a good option!

For Mother’s Day, the folks at Ông are serving up a 4-course banquet for $90 per person.

While the opportunity to feast on Ông’s XO roasted eggplant and beetle leaf lamb can never be oversold, (or to relish another spoonful of their pandan lava cake), it’s also a reason to spend time with the mother figure you love.

To view the menu or make a booking, visit their website.

Happy Mother’s Day all round!