With Mother’s Day just around the corner (March 10, 2024), we thought we’d take a look at the best afternoon tea-inspired gifts to show your mum just how much she is loved.
There’s nothing better than indulging in a Mother's Day afternoon tea with your loved one. Putting the world to rights over a warm cup of tea and cake - what's not to love?
The best at a glance:
• Best Mother's Day afternoon tea gift with fizz: Pink Prosecco Afternoon Tea, £75
• The best for families Mother's Day afternoon tea idea: Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for Two Adults and Two Children, £220
• The best Vegan Mother's Day afternoon tea idea: Cutter Squidge Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Home, £32.99
Finding the best Mother's Day gift is difficult especially if your mum is notoriously difficult to buy for. So, if creating your own afternoon tea isn't going to get you in mummy's good books we have also found some of the very best Afternoon tea experiences.
What is afternoon tea?
Afternoon teas have been a British staple for decades (The mid-19th century, if we are going to be exact). Traditionally it involved a bunch of ladies sitting around a table enjoying a selection of finger sandwiches, biscuits and cakes. And, let's be honest, what's not to love about a hot beverage and a selection of cakes? But now, there are so many different types of afternoon teas. Did you know you can even get afternoon tea deliveries sent directly to surprise your mum with on this special day?
Whether you choose a traditional afternoon tea with scones, jam and cream, or one fuelled with gin or prosecco, there’s plenty to choose from that will leave your mum feeling that extra bit special.
Here’s a selection of our favourite afternoon tea hampers and experiences. Now there’s only one question left, what goes first… the jam or the cream.
Best Mother's Day afternoon tea gifts
Best budget Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
Letterbox hampers are all the rage nowadays and are just perfect for surprising your mum. No need to worry whether she will be at home or out on her daily walk, this perfect package will fit right through the letterbox.This hamper includes:
Freshly Baked Scones
Cornish Clotted Cream
Strawberry Conserve
Cornish Tea
Review: "We bought this for our mum's birthday. The novelty of having an afternoon tea package come through the door is great. We ate the scones three days after receiving them and they were lovely. Moist, lovely sweetness and perfect texture - not too light or too dense. The clotted cream was thick and lovely, but a little difficult to spread. Jam was dark and gorgeous. Our favourite tea is Yorkshire tea, but the Cornish tea bags in this hamper have a lovely flavour (but don't beat Yorkshire!)."
Best traditional Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
A lovely traditional afternoon tea for your mum to enjoy. Packed with delicious tea, cake, biscuits and fudge - you can’t go wrong with a traditional afternoon tea hamper.This gift hamper includes:
Black Ceylon Tea
Fruit Cake
Cranberry Biscuits
All Butter Shortbread
Sweet Cracknel Biscuits
Biscotti Cantucci with Choc Chips
Vanilla Fudge
Review: "Amazing contents. My mother in law of 90 was over the moon with this hamper. She can't stop telling people about it. Will be using for other members of my family. Highly recommend!"
Best luxurious Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
Another delightful afternoon tea hamper, packed full of sweet treats to make your mum feel special this Mother’s Day. There’s nothing more relaxing than a nice cup of tea, some chocolate and cake after a morning stroll.This gift hamper includes:
Chocolates
Almond Biscuit Thins
Apple Custard Biscuits
Macaroons
Mini Salted Caramel Bar
Raspberry Jam
Round Whisky Dundee
Afternoon Blend Tea Bags
Review: " My daughter was so pleased, the box looked so inviting and the tea, biscuits and cake were delicious, the family enjoyed them."
Best biscuit Mother's Day gift
www.fortnumandmason.com
Treat your mum this Mother’s Day with this delectable Fortnum&Mason hamper. It’s on the more expensive side, but perfect for the mum in your life who loves a biscuit and cuppa to unwind. It also comes in a stunning Fortnum and Mason wicker basket to store everything in which can be used again.This gift hamper includes:
Fortnum's Sea Salted Caramel Truffle Drum, 125g
Piccadilly Blend Ground Coffee Tin, 250g
Musical Piccadilly Biscuit Selection Tin, 300g
Fortnum's Raspberry Preserve 200g
Burlington Breakfast Marmalade, 200g
Piccadilly Salted Caramel Biscuits, 200g
Afternoon Blend Tea, 125g Tin
Small wicker basket
Best cream tea gift
www.devonheaven.co.uk
For the Prosecco-loving mothers out there, this luxury little cream tea set is heaven-sent, from Devon. It includes award-winning jam, and scones made using a recipe that has been used by Kirstie Allsopp on her Channel 4 programmes. Don’t worry, there’s still tea to have after your Prosecco.This gift hamper includes:
Plain Scones
Clotted Cream
Strawberry Jam
Extra Dry Prosecco Sparkling Wine
Tea Bags
Review: "Excellent hamper! Fresh, good quality products. Sent as a gift for my Sister-in-law and she was delighted. Delivered on the chosen delivery date."
Best long-lasting Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This Yorkshire adaptation of an afternoon tea is perfect for any mum who loves a sweet treat. Not only does it include award-winning baked goods from Lottie Shaw's family bakery, but also everything has a shelf life of up to 3-months so mum can just work her way through the treats when she feels like it. This gift hamper includes:
Award-winning Ginger Yorkshire Parkin made with oatmeal and treacle
10 of our Yorkshire Parkin Ginger Biscuits
Rich Luxury Fruit Cake
All butter Shortbread Biscuits
A large bar of Millionaire Shortbread
35 fabulous Holmfirth Yorkshire Tea Bags
For an extra special treat you can choose to add a bottle of prosecco to your hamper (+£24)
Review: "Bought as a gift - apparently very well wrapped and the recipient was thrilled. The products were delicious thank you."
Best fun Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
Biscuiteerswww.biscuiteers.com
These gorgeous biscuits are a fun take on traditional afternoon tea. The Time for Tea collection has been created by the iconic British homeware brand Emma Bridgewater and the world-renowned biscuit brand, The Biscuiteers. Each biscuit has been hand-iced to perfection. We love that this can be consumed in one sitting or enjoyed over time. Pair it with your favourite Breakfast tea and enjoy days of happiness.
**This box includes:
**12 lemon biscuits presented in our famous square-edged keepsake tin (23.5cm x 11.5cm x 9cm
Biscuits weigh about 275g)
Mother&Baby Parenting and Lifestyle product writer, Hannah James said: " This is a delicious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The biscuits are packaged beautifully to ensure they don't break in the delivery process. I like that the tin can be used once the contents are gone. The Emma Bridgewater design looks incredibly beautiful."
Best vegan Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
cutterandsquidge.com
This cute little Afternoon Tea at Home box from Cutter Squidge is perfectly packaged and comes with the most delicious-looking cakes. They're all vegan and wheat free. All your mum will need to do is pop on the kettle, and enjoy these amazing treats from the comfort of her own home.
This box includes:
Indulgent Chocolate Brownies
Mini Lemon Loaves
Scones
Homemade Vegan Clotted Cream
Pot of Fruity Jam
Cutter & Squidge Fine Loose Leaf Tea
Best Mother's Day afternoon tea gift with fizz
www.marksandspencer.com
This isn’t any old Mother’s Day hamper. This is an M&S Hamper...with prosecco. You cannot go wrong with a bit of M&S, and this hamper is a superb Mother’s Day gift idea. Pink prosecco, macaroons, red velvet cake and more - you can’t go wrong!
This hamper gift includes:
Bellante Pink Prosecco
4 Pack Devon Scones
Macaroons 12pk
Cornish Clotted Cream
Red Velvet Cake
Review: "Absolutely delicious and the package was lovely each time you put your hand in box you came out with another lovely surprise. Would make ideal Mother’s Day gift"
Our favourite Afternoon tea locations
Best experience Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
If you’d rather wait and enjoy an afternoon tea experience with your mum in person, then this afternoon tea gift box is just perfect. With more than 465 venues to choose from, your mum can simply browse the venues in the brochure, choose one, and then book for when the time is right. It’s valid for two years too, so can be enjoyed when things are a little more normal.
Review: "Bought as a present for my mum who doesn't want anything. She loved it. Easy to use, has a long enough time for use and plenty of great locations"
Best relaxing Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
www.redletterdays.co.uk
Afternoon tea with that added extra. If you want the full-on pamper experience, why not treat your mum to afternoon tea and an indulgent spa day There are more than 60 spas to choose from. Don't forget to pack your swimwear and enjoy an hour-long spa treatment. This package is only suitable for those over 18s.
Review: "Swim was good, steam, sauna, two fabulous treatments and a lovely lunch - perfect day!"
Best for families Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
Brigit's Bakery & Afternoon Tea Bus Tourswww.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Calling all Peppa Pig Fans! Jump on board to celebrate a Mother's Day you won't forget. The whole family can take in the best views of central London, cruising past some of the capital’s most famous landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and more.
Little ones can follow along on the tablet device where tour guide Peppa will point out all the big landmarks. This tour comes with a selection of sweet and savoury treats as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
This includes:
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for two adults and two children
Tea-time delights: a selection of sweet and savoury treats
A large choice of unlimited teas and coffees
Take a tour of some of London’s top sights
Peppa Pig guided animation with singalong songs, activities and more
Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
Review: "Honestly had the best day even better than my son. To top it off the gluten-free version of the food was exactly the same as the normal food. Meaning my daughter didn’t feel left out of anything of the experience’s like she normally does the food was incredible the tour was perfect all in all a really good day! Have already recommended to lots of people."
Best Paddington Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
Brigit's Bakery & Afternoon Tea Bus Tourswww.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
If you are looking for an Afternoon Tea that the family can enjoy, jump on board the Paddington Bear Afternoon Bus Tour. You will be treated to a selection of sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jamEnjoy sipping a hot choc or a lovely warm tea whilst taking in the best views of London including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral and much more. Each table comes with a special built-in screen featuring Paddington-guided animation with the beloved bear himself and Mrs Bird.
This includes:
Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for Two Adults and One Child
1 hour 45-minute tour on an iconic double-decker Route master bus
Pass some of Paddington’s favourite sights in the capital
Highlights include Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul's Cathedral
Paddington-guided animation with the beloved bear himself and Mrs Bird
Selection of sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones
Drinks: hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water
Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
Review: "Really enjoyed our experience on the Paddington-themed afternoon tea bus tour. I took my five-year-old son and he loved the bus, cakes and souvenirs. Would definitely recommend it, particularly if you have young kids and want to show them the city of London. "
Best creative Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
www.bettys.co.uk
With six tearooms to choose from (York, Harrogate, Harlow Carr, Stonegate, Northallerton, and Ilkley), afternoon tea at Betty's is delightful - especially if you take home one of their famous Rascals too. The cafes are all closed at the moment, but bookmark the page and book a table when we're finally allowed.
15.
Palm Court
Best homemade Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
palmcourt.london
The Palm Court afternoon tea brings a fresh take on our favourite classic mealtime. Sandwiches and scones served with homemade jams as well as artisan sweets created by an expert pastry team. Why not spend the day in London with your mum and then relax in this beautiful hotel? If you want to extend the treat you can even opt to stay the night. Kimpton Fitzroy is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts which is home to 18 brands and over 6,000 hotels globally.
Best dining Mother's Day afternoon tea gift
If you fancy getting dressed to the nines and treating your mum to the ultimate luxurious afternoon tea, then this is the best choice. Indulge in the delicious food and the finest teas at one of the UK's best hotels. Whilst dining at The Ritz, enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a mouth-watering range of beautiful pastries and teacakes, replenished on request.
FAQs
What should I wear to afternoon tea?
Usually, you would wear something smart casual - think jeans and a smart top or floral spring dress. However, there is no set rule of what you must wear - unless of course, you are heading to The Ritz. So pick something that makes you feel good. If you are having a high tea at home you have the option to wear something smart or opt for some cosy pjs.
What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
High tea and afternoon tea sound very similar however, there are some distinct differences in the food served. Where guests of an afternoon can expect cakes and light sandwiches, a high tea consists of a more substantial food selection including meat, egg or fish dishes as well as breads and desserts.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Mother&Baby, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.