Best Mother's Day treats

ROCOCO CHOCOLATES
321 King's Road, SW3
Mothers hate waste so chocolates that get hoovered up without a trace are always appreciated. These look arty, while not tasting arty, which is the crucial mix. Velveteen boxes filled with sumptuous roses and violets, from £14, or Tuscan olives, £6.95.

RICHMOND PARK
Size is always impressive when it comes to gifts and this is Europe's largest urban walled park - and it's free. Deer roam, parakeets swoop and a walk there feels like a proper escape, which is often what mothers are in need of. There are attractions to visit such as the Isabella Plantation, but it's also the perfect grassy place to walk and talk with your mother, rather than on your mobile on the concrete path to work.

THE RIVER VIEW RESTAURANT
New Crane Place, E1, 020 7480 6026
This old Chinese restaurant has mouthwatering riverside views and food. Spread over a converted warehouse on the Thames, the spacious setting has a relaxed atmosphere and the seafood is exceptional.

THE SANCTUARY
12 Floral Street, WC2, 0870 770 3350
Aptly named, this is a retreat from the hazards of motherhood. Everything is provided for you, from towels to dinky spa freebies, so you can forget everything on the doorstep and simply fluff around in a white robe for a day. A special Mother's Day offer includes Day Spa Admission and the choice of a treatment for £99.

BOHEMIAN BUTTERFLY
18 Kensington Church Street, W8 020 938 3881
The trick with Mother's Day presents is finding something your mother wants, rather than needs. This jewellery shop is the perfect place to rummage with beautiful and distinct pieces. A beautifully textured silver and freshwater pearl ring costs £104.50.

WWW.SERENATA FLOWERS.COM
Avoid anything too hectic when it comes to choosing flowers for your mother - white avalanche roses or lilies for £34.99 are expensive, but worth it. They're soothing and are heavenly scent. Also, mums don't need any more colourful chaos in their lives.

PARLOUR @ SKETCH
9 Conduit Street, W1, 0870 777 4488
A nice cup of tea is always a winner, especially if someone else is putting the kettle on. Treat your mum to a glamorous cuppa in this pretty pastel parlour with its touch of Oriental. Skip the sandwiches, which are a bit mundane, and go straight for the exquisite cakes; they claim to be "accurately constructed", which bodes well, despite sounding like a bra advertisement. Try the gui hong eclair filled with tea-infused cream.