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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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!