Since the beginning of time, mothers across the world have been celebrated with feasts. The modern version of Mother’s Day dates to 1907 when Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia honored her deceased mother. Thanks to a successful letter-writing campaign, she convinced the U.S. Congress to pass legislation in 1914 designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Ever since then, sons and daughters have commemorated mom on her designated day — to the tune of more than $14 billion in 2009.
According to Hallmark, 96 percent of us participate in Mother’s Day and with more than 83 million mothers in America, that’s a lot of gifting. In fact, retailers report that Mother’s Day is the most popular gift-giving day in the country after Christmas. Many restaurants ring up their biggest receipts and it’s the peak day for long-distance calling. Florists, jewelers and perfumers all do tons of business in mid-May.
What does your mom like? We’ve grouped gift suggestions, based on personality types. Some are a splurge; others are inexpensive. You’ll find ideas for you mom — no matter who she is.
Foodie Mom: If mom is obsessed with the Food Network, loves perusing cookbooks and tracks the latest restaurants, she’s a foodie. Whether she’s got a sweet tooth or prefers savory items, you can please her palate with a bacon, wine, chocolate or coffee of the month club (about $25/month for java junkies). Spring for brunch at a tony local hotel (don’t forget to include the tip!) Or, give mom the day off and prepare not one, but three meals (letting her call the culinary shots). You shop, set a pretty table, handwrite the menus, serve her (keep her wine glass full!) and clean up the kitchen.
New Mom: About 4.3 million women become mothers every year. And all are tired. A spa gift certificate along with (your) baby-sitting services allows her to indulge in much needed down time. Daily chores can be a challenge with a little one underfoot, so a customized meal or laundry service is a thoughtful gift. If your mom’s looking to regain her pre-baby figure, why not kick-start her goals with a gift certificate for a personal trainer? Sentimental mothers would love a heart-shaped locket or charm bracelet from Tiffany (prices starting at $135).
Tech Mom: If mom constantly tweets, has a Facebook page or downloads the latest iPhone apps, she’s a techie. Give her gadgets some pizzazz: upgrade her phone or shop for a snazzy laptop bag. If she’s hooked on puzzles, she might enjoy a handheld electronic Sudoku game (target.com has one for under $25.) And if mom’s got old devices piled up, it’s a thoughtful gesture to recycle them for her.
Fashionista Mom: If your mother subscribes to Vogue, carries a wallet full of credit cards or has her hairstylist on speed dial, she’s a fashionista. Book an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstrom, Saks or Bloomingdales — and have lunch catered in, complete with champagne. Or, give her a sitting with a photographer who specializes in editorial-style photography (check the masthead of glossy city magazines for names). You also could trade her lunchbox for a lacquered bento box that’s sure to turn heads; justbento.com has resources.
Active Mom: If your mom is always on the go with a Blackberry in one hand and car keys in the other, she’s active. She might enjoy a tour of Historic Oakland Cemetery or the Fox Theatre (about $10 each). A gift card to REI presented with a stylish aluminum water bottle allows her to select the latest gear, whether she’s into running, paddling or cycling. You also could go on a bike ride and enjoy a cozy picnic lunch afterwards, or reconnect on the hiking trail at the Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park.
Globetrotting Mom: If you mother is hooked on the Travel Channel, has a passport full of stamps or speaks a second language, she’s a globetrotter. Keep her well-read and within ever-tightening baggage restrictions while she’s traveling with a sleek Kindle (around $250 on amazon.com). Buy a gift card at bnbgiftfinder.com, then let mom select from more than 1,500 top-rated U.S. inns. Or treat her to a show at the Fox Theatre, Spivey Hall, the Rialto or Ferst Center, all of which offer international performances.
Crafty/Green Mom: If she scrapbooks, recycles, knits or volunteers, she’s crafty and/or eco-minded. Simpleshoes.com has a wide selection of sustainable kicks or shop pacificaperfume.com for soy candles (the lemongrass is lovely). Check out Knitch, in the heart of Virginia-Highland, for luxury yarns, patterns and classes (around $100). Help her do good while looking good: 25% of the profits of Kahina Giving Beauty (kahina-givingbeauty.com) support women in Morocco; the argan oil ($72) is a multipurpose beauty staple. Or, simply shadow mom for the day with your digital camera, capturing memories to assemble in an album. That’s priceless.
Suzanne Wright is Midtown-based writer, folk art collector, world traveler, night owl and chocoholic. She has published more than 450 articles in magazines including Atlanta Magazine, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Traveler and Veranda.
