Mother’s Day: Don't Forget It This Year!
Mother’s Day: Don't Forget It This Year!
By Darrell Griffin, President of pureaudacity.com
Mother’s Day is that one day a year when we all try to convince our moms we’re not complete disasters, showering them with love for putting up with our nonsense. Celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States, it’s a chance to honor the women who’ve mastered the art of finding lost socks and making dinner out of pantry scraps. But where did this holiday come from? Who decided moms deserved a day? And how can we make it special without resorting to a last-minute gas station bouquet? This blog dives into the history of Mother’s Day, tosses out ten quirky gift ideas, and shares ten fun ways to celebrate that might just earn you the “favorite child” title.
The History of Mother’s Day
Let’s travel back to 1907, when Anna Jarvis, missing her mom, Ann Reeves Jarvis, decided to throw a memorial service in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann wasn’t just any mom—she was a social activist who ran “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to teach women how to keep their kids healthy in a time when “wash your hands” was breaking news. Anna’s little service sparked a big idea: a day to honor all mothers. She went full-on campaign mode, writing letters and giving speeches until, by 1912, churches and towns were jumping on the bandwagon. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, probably tired of Anna’s persistence, signed a proclamation making the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day.
But Anna wasn’t the first to think moms deserved a shout-out. Way back, the ancient Greeks threw parties for Rhea, the goddess mom of Zeus and friends, while the Romans celebrated Cybele with a festival called Hilaria (Britannica). Closer to home, the UK’s Mothering Sunday, dating to the 16th century, was about visiting your “mother church” and sneaking in some family time.
Then there’s Julia Ward Howe, who wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and, in 1870, pitched a Mother’s Day for peace. She wanted moms to unite against war, but her idea fizzled out before World War I (National Women’s History Alliance). Anna Jarvis, though, hit the jackpot—until she didn’t. By the 1920s, she was fed up with how florists and card companies turned her heartfelt holiday into a cash grab. Poor Anna spent her later years fighting the very day she created.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key players:
• Julia Ward Howe: In 1870, she dreamed of a Mother’s Day to promote peace and stop wars. Nice try, Julia.
• Anna Jarvis: Kicked off the modern Mother’s Day in 1907 to honor her mom and all moms. Later regretted it when greeting cards took over.
• Woodrow Wilson: Made it official in 1914, probably to get Anna off his back.
10 Out-of-the-Box Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Picking a gift for Mom is like trying to solve a puzzle while blindfolded—you want it to scream “I thought about this” without breaking the bank. Here are ten ideas that might just make her day:
1. Personalized Pop-Up Card
A card from LovePop that pops up like a 3D surprise (Shameless Book Club). It’s perfect for moms who love a keepsake and have the patience to figure out how to close it.
2. Adjustable Tablet Stand
The stand lets her watch cooking videos or binge her favorite shows hands-free. Ideal for moms who multitask like superheroes.
3. Birthstone Bracelet
A Danique Jewelry bracelet with birthstones for her kids or grandkids. It’s like wearing her heart on her wrist, but fancier.
4. Artisanal Jam Collection
We Love Jam’s gift box of small-batch jams turns toast into a gourmet experience. Great for moms who think breakfast is an art form.
6. Spa Gift Set
Bath salts, essential oils, and a massager from Target for an at-home spa day. Because she deserves a break from being everyone’s therapist.
7. Clip-On Reading Light
A light that clips onto her book or e-reader for late-night reading sessions. Perfect for moms who escape into novels when the house is quiet.
8. Meditation Cushion
A comfy cushion to support her yoga or meditation. It’s like saying, “Find your zen, Mom, you’ve earned it”.
9. Zen and Gardening Book
Combining a good read with gardening and Zen. What could be a better Mother's day gift? Available at Amazon.com
10. Personalized Birthstone Ring
A ring with her birthstone or her family’s, because jewelry that means something doesn’t end up in the junk drawer.
11. Gardening Tool Set
A set of high-quality tools for her plant obsession. She’ll love you almost as much as her roses.
10 Unique Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts—it’s about making Mom feel like the VIP she is. Here are ten ways to celebrate that focus on fun and connection:
1. Whip up her favorite breakfast
Pancakes, eggs, or just really good coffee—with a sweet note. It’s the ultimate “you don’t have to do g” gesture.
2. Handmade Bouquet
Gather her favorite flowers or some wildflowers from the park and arrange them yourself. It’s charming, even if it looks like a craft project gone rogue.
3. Family Brunch or Dinner
Cook her favorite meal at home or book a spot at her go-to restaurant. Bonus points if you do the dishes without being asked.
4. DIY Spa Day
Set up candles, soothing music, and a foot massage at home. It’s like a vacation, but without the travel hassle.
5. Nature Outing
Plan a hike, picnic, or visit to a botanical garden. She’ll love the fresh air and your attempt to identify a tree.
6. Cooking Class Together
Try a new recipe at home or sign up for a cooking class. Even if you mess it up, you’ll both have a laugh.
7. Memory Scrapbook
Put together a scrapbook of family photos and mementos. She’ll treasure it and probably show it to everyone she knows.
8. Gardening Project
Plant a tree or some flowers together. It’s a sweet nod to her nurturing side, and you’re now her gardening buddy.
9. Movie Marathon
Watch her favorite movies or a series she loves. Don’t complain about her rom-com picks, and you’re golden man.
10. Virtual Family Reunion
If family’s far away, set up a Zoom call to share stories. Just make sure everyone’s on mute when they start chewing.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day is more than just a Sunday in May—it’s a chance to celebrate the women who’ve made us who we are, from wiping our noses to cheering us on. Anna Jarvis started it in 1907 with a simple idea, and by 1914, it was a national holiday. Whether you surprise Mom with a birthstone ring or spend the day planting a garden together, the goal is to make her feel loved. This Mother’s Day, let’s skip the clichés and create memories that last longer than a bouquet.