While flowers have been a classic since the birth of the holiday, you might want to surprise your mother with something different this year. Here are 4 gift ideas and 5 activities to pamper your dear mother!
Mother’s Day History
Since Antiquity, the role of mothers has been celebrated around the world. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the powerful Isis, goddess of motherhood and fertility. Greek mythology, on the other hand, honoured goddess Rhea who was also known as the “Mother of all Gods.”
Mother’s Day as we know it today, though, finds its roots in a much closer past, in the 1850s United States. It all started when Ann Reeves Jarvis created the Mother’s Day Work Club in an attempt to educate new mothers in her community. Having lost many children of her own, she intended to educate women on how to take proper care of their newborns in order to reduce infant mortality rate.
When she passed in 1905, her daughter Anna started campaigning for the establishment of a date dedicated to mothers nationwide. She honoured her mother’s memory through a religious ceremony, during which she gifted the church 500 white carnations. Many organizations were inspired by Anna’s passion for her cause and, in 1914, American President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day an official national holiday. He was also the one to declare that the holiday would be held on the second Sunday of May.
Over a century later, Mrs. Jarvis’ favourite flower—the white carnation—is still the official bloom of Mother’s Day.
4 Gift Ideas That will Charm Your Mother
When Mother’s Day comes around, it’s the same story every year: try as you might, there’s no way to get a gift suggestion out of her. Nothing would make her happier than having you over for brunch or for supper; your presence is the only gift she needs. Don’t go out of your way for her, she says.
Don’t sweat it, we’ve got your back! Here are 4 ideas so that you’re well prepared and proud of your gift when the second Sunday of May rolls around this year!
1. A Coupon Booklet for Mom
Fashion her a little booklet filled with coupons that she can use over the next year. A massage from dad, breakfast in bed, a night off from dirty dishes, getting to pick the movie, etc.
If you’re making a booklet for your spouse, don’t forget to include the kids in the process!
2. Do Her a Favour
This point is pretty much self-explanatory! Mom is always very busy so it’s time to help out: clean the whole house or deep clean her car!
3. A Beauty Care Kit
When women become mothers, they often put aside their own desires and needs. A skincare package is a great way to remind her that she deserves to be pampered!
Drop by her hairdresser or her esthetician’s; they’ll point you in the right direction! Otherwise, this is a great opportunity to support a local business like the artisanal soap factory La danse des savons. With products named “Cendrillon” and “Black Swan,” your mother will surely feel like royalty!
4. A Memory Video or Journal
There is nothing more precious to a mother than time spent with her children.
Choose your favourite photos and videos featuring her and create a touching compilation. She’ll shed a few tears guaranteed!
5 Activity Ideas to Make her Feel Like a Queen
Not only has your mother always made sure you never ran out of anything, but she’s been a pillar in your life; a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
Why not let her lean on you for Mother’s Day this year? Here are 5 easy to plan activity ideas … and a few tips so that all goes smoothly!
1. A Photoshoot
Whether she’s the star of the show or the whole family’s participation, she’ll remember it her whole life! If your mother doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight, you can always hire a photographer to tag along during an activity. Photographs are experts at going unnoticed and capturing the essence of your relationship while you enjoy a good time!
2. A Picnic
This is the perfect activity for a family with young children. Mom and dad can relax under the sun while the kids run around and play to their heart’s content!
3. A Tasting… Alcohol-Based or Not!
Help Mom unwinds with a delicious wine-and-cheese or a cocktail tasting party with a Crafty Cocktails recipe kit.
She doesn’t drink? No problem! You can easily tailor the tasting to her favourites: help her discover pastries from around the world or different pizza flavours. It is her day, after all!
4. A Big Party
You’re a tight-knit family and you know that mom has been dying for an excuse to party it up with the other mothers in her life? Why not rent a room and throw a huge party for all of the mothers in your family!
Mom is usually the one planning such events? If you want to make her proud, we suggest you read our Event Planning article!
5. A Girls Night Out
Sometimes, the best gift you can give a mother is to give her a break from her mom’s job for a day. Surprise her with a girls’ night out—or in—with her friends, or a date with a long-lost friend! P.S., make sure the house is spic and span if you’re planning to host any of the above events at home.