With Mother's Day looming close on the horizon we turn to Gillian Cobb and Pamela Cunningham for their top suggestions for Mothering Sunday from their South Side lifestyle boutique Butterfly Kisses and adjoining gem of a gift shop Paper Plane.

Butterfly Kisses is a beacon of how independent neighbourhood retailing can thrive, not just survive in a challenging economic climate.

Annexing the gift shop next door three years ago allowed the sisters to expand their impeccably judged selection of pretty stationery, baby and childrenswear, toys, womenswear and homeware into two linked but distinctly different retail spaces.

Paper Plane was duly born and is a staunch supporter of home-grown talent in the form of cards by Psychopants, Clouthie and Picture Scotia, gifts by Gillian Kyle and bespoke chocolate by Chocolati. Add in edits from Cath Kidston, Orla Kiely, Burt's Bees, Bathhouse and you begin to get the idea of what's in store if you head down their way.

Pam admits: 'The shops do mirror our personal tastes across all the range of products. Although feedback is important to us so we know when we're getting it right and it's a huge compliment that people like what we do."

Not that they're resting on their laurels as Pam explains: "Certain aspects like the buying have become easier over the years, however we still see every day as a learning curve. I'm quite excited to see Avoca return to our rails.

"Their signature style of using gorgeous Liberty prints and quirky details make this brand really stand out," adds Gillian.

"We're always on the lookout for new brands to keep our offer fresh and exciting. It helps that we also have very similar tastes and can agree on most things. My highlight is our new Danish brand Suit, it's their first womenswear collection. Typically Scandinavian with clean lines and a soft colour palette."

With these brands sitting alongside St Martins, Darling and Joules, there is a cohesive selection with a focus upon strong prints and tactile textiles.

Just a stone throw from Shawlands Cross, it's five years since Butterfly Kisses first opened up in uber-­vibrant Skirving Street, and judging by the steady stream of customers who come through the doors on my visit, they're still going down a storm with their loyal clientele.

Pam says: "Our secret is going the extra mile for our lovely customers, and they know that."

Gillian adds: "We celebrated being five back in November with a fashion show at the Glad Cafe which was a great, fun way of saying a huge thank you to our customers for supporting us over the years.

"Although exhibiting at the Christmas Country Living Fair the past couple of years at the SECC has really helped us reach new customers all over Scotland.

"Up until now our Facebook page allows us to promote new products to those customers who can't just pop in, and with the launch of our website we are hoping to widen our audience even further, at the moment we are finalising our website with a soft launch imminent so ecommerce is on the cards."

Regarding a second outpost, Pam becomes uncharacteristically coy, She says: "We would love to open another shop but that idea is on hold for the time being to concentrate on our website. Are we thinking West End? We wouldn't want to say...."

n All available at Butterfly Kisses and Paper Plane, 8 - 12 Skirving Street, Shawlands, Glasgow. Tel 0141 649 3552.

BEST GIFT IDEA UNDER £10?

Mothers Day Emergency Tin, £7. "Fill with whatever goodies, chocolate, smellies, etc you think would go down best."

BEST GIFT FROM KIDS?

East of India 'Love you to the Moon and Back' white china trinket bowl, £7. "Pocket money friendly price and lovely sentiment."

BEST PRESENT FROM DADDY TO MUMMY?

Joules tan leather satchel, £169. "Quite indulgent we admit. Maybe for a new mum as the most luxurious changing bag ever. Plus dads won't be embarrassed taking it out. It's a classic and will have a second life once they're out of nappies but you're still lugging the world around everywhere you go."

BEST OUTFIT FOR MOTHER'S DAY LUNCH?

Avoca Anthology Hummingbird Dress, £105. "So on trend, with bold florals and geometric prints and a lovely shape on."

BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR MUM'S FROM MUMS?

Queens by Churchill Royal Horticultural Society Range. Teapot, £25. Cups & Saucers, £25. Jug and creamer, £25. "Tea and sympathy always go down well. Such a lovely floral print."

l Bathhouse Pamper Pack, £22. Rose Tea Foam Bath, Rose Tea and Pink Champagne Bath Salts. "One for locking the bathroom door and soaking away the stresses of the day with."

l Chocolati White Chocolate Luxury Bar with Smarties, £2.90. Ayrshire chocolatier channels Damien Hirst Spot Paintings in edible art form. Tastes as good as it looks."

l Darling Marissa teal lace dress, £69. "An absolute steal of a dress, looks like it costs ten times this price. Sums up Butterfly Kisses in a heartbeat. Feminine. Flattering. Fiercely good value."

l Joules red and cream woven Jaquie Pants, £54.95. "Lovely trousers, perfect with crew neck sweater or crisp white shirt, these are a key summer investment no wardrobe should be without in my opinion."

l Orla Kiely Rhubarb scented candle, £24. "Hard to narrow down from the great range of Orla Kiely in store but this fresh candle is a highlight."