Mother’s Day is on Sunday 19th March in the UK this year - so, it’s time to start thinking about not only a special gift, but how to make the day itself memorable and significant this year.
We have taken inspiration from around the globe to bring you a range of suggestions to help you celebrate your mum, your wife or your grandmother...and to have a bit of fun together!
However, first, let's start with a frequently asked question...
Why does the date of Mother's Day change each year?
In the UK and Ireland, Mother's Day changes each year because it originates from the Christian festival of Mothering Sunday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday in Lent - a period of 40 days which leads up to Easter.
Traditionally, it was a time when people who had moved away could return to worship at their 'mother church' and spend time with their family.
Therefore, because the date of Easter moves each year, so does the date of Mother's Day.
Many other countries, including the US and Australia, celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, which has been adopted more broadly as International Mother's Day.
International Mother's Day originated in America and is attributed to a woman called Anna Jarvis, who simply held a small memorial service for her own mother on 12 May 1907. The idea caught on and, in 1914, the US president, Woodrow Wilson, made it a national holiday.
In 2023, International Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 14th May.
Mother's Day Around The World
Making Mother's Day extra special
Here at hampers.com, we are always trying to think of innovative ways to make any occasion more fun.
We’ve turned to the rest of the world to give us some inspiration and here’s what we found…
Mother's Day in Japan - get creative
Whilst, white carnations are a traditional gift in Japan for Mother’s Day - a symbol of love – the Japanese also have a wonderful tradition of entering sketches or illustrations into an exhibition! Isn't that a wonderful artistic activity for Mother's Day?
Inspired by this, we recommend a fun portrait competition, involving all of the family.
Get mum in a comfortable spot with her favourite drink and a few nibbles. We even have the perfect accompaniment in our Mother's Day Luxury Rosé Hamper. She can sip a delicate glass of rosé and indulge in the delicious chocolate.
Then, ask her to sit still, relax (she’ll love that bit!) and everyone can have a go at creating the perfect portrait - pencil, paints, collage - be as creative as you can!
We know she’ll just love this special and memorable Mother’s Day present.
Mother’s Day in Ethiopia - creating a feast together
The Antrosht festival, dedicated to the celebration of mothers in Ethiopia, is marked by a decadent feast where daughters traditionally bring vegetables and cheese, while the sons supply the meat.
If you decide against a meal out for mum this Mother’s Day, why not arrange with your siblings to bring together an array of different foods for her to try (and maybe for dad too, if he’s been good!)?
Be inventive!
Treat mum to a collection of foods which are really different and that she has never tried before. You could choose a delicious range of sweet treats, whilst your siblings provide some savoury delights, and perhaps some exotic beverages too.
We pride ourselves on offering a fantastic collection of different foods from small, independent suppliers, who mum may not have heard of or tried before. If you don’t have time to create your own banquet, have a quick look at our food and drink hampers for a little help
Mother’s Day in Mexico - warm up your vocal chords
Singing to your beloved mum is a widespread tradition in Mexico on their ‘Dia de Las Madres’. Often, children join mariachi bands and go to each of their own houses to sing special songs about how much their mum and significant women in their lives mean to them.
So, come on - what about a family sing-along this Mother’s Day? It could be lots of fun for the whole family - mums, aunties, sisters and nans alike.
Take turns to perform. You don’t have to be the next Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, just pick a song with lyrics that say all of the right things about your lovely mum.
Mother’s Day in France - make a medal
In France, a day of celebration for mums was first declared by Napoleon, who wanted to reward mothers of large families. It was revived, following World War I, as a way to show gratitude to mothers for helping to rebuild the population after many lives were lost. Actual medals were awarded. This tradition is reflected today by children who make medals to give to their mums to thank them for everything they do.
What do you think? Can you make your mum a medal?
Get out some glue, ribbon, coloured paper and card...and off you go! You’re never too old for a bit of craft - and it’s easy to post too.
It's a great activity to do with children for their mum too.
Mother’s Day in Sweden - time for a trip
The idea of getting away from it all has never been more tempting!
In Sweden, children sell small plastic flowers as gifts to not only mark Mother’s Day, but to raise money to send mothers with young children on a small trip. Doesn’t that just sound like a dream come true? Even a nice day out will be so appreciated.
For all of those mums working hard, getting little sleep or doing it alone - we adore this idea! They 100% deserve it!
You could create a small IOU note or your own ‘gift voucher’ promising a relaxing trip to mum’s favourite place or book a suprise visit immediately.
Mother’s Day in Serbia - tie her up
A bit of a controversial one to finish, but we had to share this tradition from Serbia...it did make us chuckle.
On the morning of Mother’s Day, children creep into mum’s bedroom and tie her up! She then has to promise to supply treats and gifts to her children, before she can be released! Not sure this will catch on across the rest of the world...but it wouldn’t certainly make Mother’s Day 2023 more memorable!
Don’t worry too much about the Serbian mums. Mother’s Day there is part of a series of events in December celebrating the family, with a Father’s Day, and a Children’s Day too...when they are also tied up (loosely!) until they agree to behave and help around the house. So, mum can get her own back!
We can’t help but wonder how many children are actually ever released?!
Mother’s Day plans in 2023
Whatever your plans, we hope you have a good time celebrating Mother’s Day. Make sure to show your mum, the mother of your children, your nan or gran, just how special they are.
If you're looking for mother's day gift inspiration to accompany your day of fun, discover our wide range of Mother's Day Hampers and gifts here, including gin gifts, wine gifts, prosecco gifts and chocolate gifts, all available with free UK delivery.
Explore our Mother's Day gift range
