Updated May 7, 2015 – Thank you Barbara, Charlotte, Laura, Laural and Clark for sharing your touching stories. We really enjoyed reading all the sweet memories submitted. We wish you and everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day.
What son or daughter doesn’t have a story (or two) to tell about growing up with mom?
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’d like to hear those stories! It’s your chance to share your story with others and if your story is chosen, you could show your Mom, because we will share our top 5 picks on our website.
Your Story
Just tell us in 300 words or less your favorite story about Mom – something special, heroic, or just plain sweet, that your mother did for you when you were growing up.
Five stories, chosen by our staff, will be published on our Web site.
Stories will be judged on the basis of their overall appeal, uniqueness and quality of writing. Just post your story on the blog. We look forward to hearing from you.
Entries must be received through our Website by Wednesday, May 6, 2015.
Greeting Cards have been bringing joy for over 100 years
History of Greeting Cards
Hallmark Cards, Inc. was started in 1910 in Kansas City, MO by a young man from Nebraska named Joyce Hall. Even to this day it is still run by the grandsons of the Nebraska gentleman.
American Greetings Corp. has also been in existence for over 100 years started by a young Polish immigrant in Cleveland, OH. Jacob Sapirstein founded the company in 1906.
Penny Postcards
How did these companies become so successful with cards? They started with penny postcards featuring flowery Victorian designs that expressed feelings in rhymes.
People wanted something more private so envelopes were introduced and the printing presses enabled mass production of cards by 1915.
Vintage Victorian Greeting Card
The First Mother’s Day Cards
Mother’s Day cards started being created as early as the 1920’s. The cards were rather formal and showed mothers having tea, sitting with flowers, sewing or in the kitchen.
By the 1930’s color lithography was adopted which catapulted the U.S. greeting card industry into significant growth.
Giving cards became an enjoyable demonstration of caring for mother’s day, birth days, Valentine’s day & Christmas.
World War II Cards
During World War II the greeting card industry provided cards for the soldiers overseas and Hallmark launched a branding campaign with the tag line “When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best”.
World War 2 era RAF airplanes flying at sunset over vibrant lavender.
Personalized Cards
Giving a carefully chosen card is still a tangible demonstration of our love and caring for our mothers. And nowadays you can easily make your own cards through various companies or just download one of our printables – ready made designs – on our site here.
Its Time to Start Planning It’s just 10 days now to Mother’s Day.
Planning ahead for a happy Mother’s Day helps make the occasion fun and relaxing. Whether cooking a meal at home or setting up an excursion outside, a check list can help to ensure you have all the important points covered.
Some items can be ordered at the last minute, but why not plan ahead so you are well prepared and as a result much more relaxed?
Download and Print a Complete Checklist
We have prepared The Mother’s Day Planning Checklist that covers everything you need to plan for, including cards, flowers, poems, gifts, day trips and excursions, fun ideas for staying in, Mother’s Day recipes, and important general To-Do’s so you don’t miss a beat.
Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, played a large role in making the rose so loved by people. She began a rose garden by growing all familiar varieties of roses in her country home near Paris. As a result rose growing became very fashionable.
History of the Rose
Roses have been in existence long before humans – most likely originating in Central Asia more than 60 million years ago. The oldest preserved species of rose was found in Egypt while excavating tombs and dates back to AD 170.
The archaeologist discovered vestiges of a rose garland used as a funeral wreath during the second century A.D. The petals of the rose in the wreath had withered, they still had their pink hue and when the petals were immersed in water they were almost restored to their natural condition!
Roses Have Always Been Deemed Valuable
Similar to our post about tulips , roses also became like currency. The ancient Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians cultivated and traded roses. They acquired roses while traveling and conquering different places and brought them home to cultivate. As a result, roses spread rapidly and extensively all through the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Roses in America
Rose fossils have been discovered in Montana, Colorado and Oregon that date back about 35 to 40 million years.
In 18th century America, trade in roses was flourishing. In fact, the first rose nursery in America was opened in Flushing, Long Island, by Robert Prince in 1737. This nursery began importing large number of various types of rose plants, especially new varieties.
There are over 200 species of roses although no-one actually knows the number – botanists can’t agree! But as many as 35 species are native to the U.S.
And here is a fun fact: Did you know that there is no history or roses growing south of the equator?
Order your Roses to Ensure they Arrive in Time
Be sure to order your beautiful bouquet today so they arrive in time for Mother’s Day. There are dozens of selections of gorgeous cut flowers to chose from, many offering 50% off.
You can also see our top choices of flowers here to help you choose.
Perhaps this is a chance to get Mom out of the house or apartment and doing something she would really like to do for herself.
Birding, Hiking, Beach and a Book, Shopping (and vintage shopping), Wine Tasting: read on – its all here and sources to review.
Enjoy the Birds
Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush.
Watching birds can be both relaxing and enthralling? If Mom likes birds, bring a some binoculars to a popular birding spot, maybe a lagoon or marshy sanctuary filled with gorgeous and exotic birds. Bird watching destinations often feature avian populations with colorful plumage and distinct patterns that are a thrill to spot.
Whether Mom’s a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic beginner, bird watching can be a challenging, exciting and rewarding way to spend Mother’s Day. Plan for outdoor adventure and pack a picnic while you’re at it.
Dad taking a picture of mom hiking in the mountains.
Plan a day long hike that includes a memorable hike. Be sure to consider Mom’s fitness level when choosing from a casual, flat walk to a more rigorous hike.There is something for everyone in almost every region of the country:
A hike of 1-4 miles (1.5-6 km.) on relatively flat terrain is considered an easy hike—perfect for busy Moms who don’t have many chances to hit the gym.
Between 4 and 7 miles (6-11km.) and you are getting into intermediate territory, with a hike that can last up to 3 hours.
But for the fitness guru/Mom who works out on her lunch break, strap on the hiking boots and head for a longer 7+ mile (11+ km.) hike.
Remember to pack plenty of water, and some snacks to keep your energy level up. If you plan to hike for a while, be sure to pack a robust picnic to enjoy at a halfway point along the trail.
The reason Jeff Bezos started Amazon.com by focusing on books is there is an endless selection of options to choose from.
If mom likes the feel of physical books and you know one of her favorites maybe you can find an autographed copy on eBay.
Mom may enjoy the latest release by one of her favorite authors or a book she had you read when you were young.
If she likes electronic books you can give her a Kindle filled with many classics from Project Gutenberg.
Pack a lunch and don’t forget the sunscreen. If the beach is a bit of a drive you could stop by an old book store or thift shop along the way, though have a back up in hand in cash she doesn’t find anything she likes there.
Be sure to check the weather in advance!
Shopping
Some people shop to enjoy luxury. Others may view shopping more like a sport where they hunt deals. Many outlet centers give the best of both worlds, offering branded goods at marked down prices.
If mom collects things maybe you can bring her to a local collectible show or dealer. If none are nearby maybe you can both hunt on eBay and you can show her how to set up automated snipe bidding on eBay using a tool like Gixen.
K11 Art Mall / Museum in Hong Kong’s Kowloon district.
As people spend more time online malls have been forced to reinvent themselves to stay relevant. Hong Kong’s K11 Musea is a shopping mall which also features a variety of art exhibits..
Wine Tasting
Vineyard sunset.
Napa Valley is famous the world over for their wine. They even have a train tasting tour to experience the stunning landscape.
The state of California recommends a dozen different locations across the state – each offering their own local flair.
States like Tennessee have lesser known but fantastic wine trails. Services like Viator make it easy to fine local options, listing over 20,000 wine tasting results globally.
Any time of the year when we give a beautiful bouquet it provides such joy to the receiver. Of course on Mother’s Day giving flowers is the perfect demonstration of love and appreciation.
Tulips – So valuable in the C17th
Mother’s Day is in the spring time giving us the most wonderful choice of gorgeous flowers like tulips. Tulips have been in The Netherlands (Holland)since the sixteenth century and by the mid-seventeenth century they became so valuable the bulbs were used as money.
Each year during April and May, the tulip festival is held in Noordoostpolder, Holland. You can wander around millions of tulips. It is an incredible sight.
Make an annual chalk creation with Mom and photo it every year. We hear it over and over, it’s not how much you spend on Mom, it’s the time and effort put into her special day. And we know you want to ensure your Mom enjoys her Mother’s Day.
There are myriad ways of having a fabulous time on a small budget; it may take a little bit of planning but here are some ways to put something together that’s memorable, fun and truly unique. These creative ideas will let you and your Mom do what’s most important – spend quality time together, making memories.
Breakfast and a Game
Of course you are going to treat Mom to a special breakfast. But what about a completely unique breakfast? Do you remember the game Charades? How about turning her Mother’s Day brunch into a great meal and a game of Charades? If you have youngsters they will love to be in on the conspiracy and they can participate in the choices of shows/plays/movies. You can choose the subject ahead of time so the kids can think of ways to get across their topic.
Another popular idea is to prepare homemade conversation starters using small squares of paper and a pen. Questions like: “Which of Mom’s rules do you wish you could change?”; “Which kid is most like Mom and why?”; and “What’s the best meal Mom made for us on week days?” Put the paper squares in a basket or bowl and pass it around the table. Each family member takes turns answering a question.
Put on a Show
Taking the paper squares idea a little further, and if you want to be a bit more adventurous, you could put on a show for Mom detailing your favorite things about her. We suggested this idea a couple of years back and it was a bit hit! Have some laughs poking a little fun at Mom, too. Just be nice!
Bubble Wrap Abstract Painting
Feeling brave? Here is a variation on the hand painting aprons idea. How about a bubble wrap stomp painting? To make sure you dont make a mess, lay out an old sheet (or better yet do this outside on a hard surface), then place a large sheet of paper or a clean white sheet on top of the old sheet, make some bubble wrap “boots”, then dip the boots into kid friendly paint and stomp around the paper or sheet to create a beautifully abstract creative piece of art. Everyone will have a laugh.
Find the Gifts
If the weather is nice where you live, here is another game idea you could do outdoors (or indoors) that the kids will love. How about hiding her gift(s) around the house or the yard and making up clues that will point her toward the presents. For example, hide a present in the washing machine and the hint could be “How my shirts miraculously came out white after soccer practice”. Or in the back yard tree: “Where I used to climb”. You get the idea!
Cookies Individually Messaged
Make your Mom an assortment of sugar cookies, only each cookie is a letter that put together spells “I love you Mom” or “World’s best Mom” or some other special sentiment. Any words coming from the heart will be the best imaginable end to her Mother’s Day.
Get Out and About
Take Mom to the mall if she likes shopping and spend the afternoon wandering around some of her favorite stores. Or surprise Mom with a family hike or stroll. If you all have bikes, and Mom is up for biking, how about a bike ride around the neighborhood? For a personal and special touch, Dad can help the little ones make signs for their bikes that say, “We Love Our Mommy!” If you live near a fruit farm or in the country, take her berry picking. And if you are feeling very creative, bake a pie with the bounty.
Get Creative with Chalk
How about a sidewalk chalk photo shoot? You can do this with the whole family and get creative with the drawings. If you think Mom may not want to participate then perhaps draw your creations and surprise her. You could do this every Mother’s Day and make it a tradition. Then you have a photo series watching the kids and their artistic abilities grow!
Do Dinner and Vacation Pictures and Movies
Prepare a special dinner for Mom, but remember, don’t make the meal too complicated otherwise you will spend all your time in the kitchen rather than being with Mom. As a special treat set up the computer or the TV screen and show home pictures of vacations or movies. When do you ever go back and look at all those great photos of you all on vacation? Of all the Mother’s Day ideas, this one may get Mom the most sentimental.
Present Mom With a Photo Journal Souvenir
Take photos of your Mother’s Day fun with your iPhone, Android or digital camera. Then, at the end of the festivities, upload them onto her computer or email her the photo-journal of the day with fun little captions on each photo so she can always look back and laugh. Present Mom with this keepsake that she will always treasure.
This Mother’s Day, it might be nice if you could simply stop time and live in the moment. But since you’re not Marty McFly from Back to the Future, you probably won’t be able to toy with time.
Instead, give your Mom the gift of the past, present and future by creating the ultimate homemade Mother’s Day gift: a Time Capsule.
It’s heartfelt and sentimental, and gives Mom the opportunity to enjoy some of her most cherished memories.
Here’s how to make a time capsule of your own:
The Time Capsule Container
Before you start hunting for all of the mementos to include in your time capsule, find the right box or container to house them all. A traditional time capsule is buried underneath the ground for years, which means the container must be dirt proof, waterproof and sealed tight. If you want to go the less traditional route, you could use a wooden or decorated box for your time capsule and put it on a shelf or in a closet instead of under the ground.
A trip to the craft supply store should yield some ideas for capsule containers. For instance, an apothecary jar allows the items inside to be viewed from the outside, and they come in showcase-worthy shapes and sizes. If you’re artistic, pick up an unfinished wood container and use paint or stain to make it one-of-a-kind.
Containers don’t have to be fancy – if you have smaller items or are helping a child create this project for his Mom, use a two-liter soda bottle. You can cut it width-wise with a craft knife.
Whatever you choose, look for a container large enough to house all your items. Find one that suits its surroundings so it’s intact when it’s time to revisit the past.
The Memories
While you can’t put actual memories in your Mom’s time capsule, you can use items that represent those memories.
The things you decide to include in the time capsule are very personal to you, your Mom and your relationship. Include items such as locks of hair, old pictures you drew at school, letters you wrote and bits of jewelry or cloth that mean something special.
Or, if you’re helping a younger child put the time capsule together, include things like a tracing of his hand or a ribbon cut to the length of his current height.
If you’re a little more on the tech-savvy side, a CD of pictures or songs can also help jog Mom’s memory and maybe even bring a tear to her eye. When it comes to time capsules and Mother’s Day gifts, the same rule applies: the more personal, the better.
Place all of the items inside, then seal the container and decorate it with inexpensive washi tape from the craft store. Get creative and remember that Mom always likes homemade gifts the best anyway.
The Presentation
As with any good homemade Mother’s Day gift, the presentation is part of the sentiment.
Talk to Mom about why you chose to do a time capsule instead of a more traditional gift, and go through each of the items together. That way, it’s not just another present, but a bonding experience.
Give your Mom instructions as to when she should open the capsule again and where it will be stored. It’s a gift that truly keeps on giving by providing a walk down memory lane each time it’s opened.
You’ve started a family; now celebrate it – plan a memorable Mother’s Day for New Mom!
In addition to presenting her with a beautiful bouquet and helping with the little one, here’s how to make the holiday special:
Create A Memorable Gift
Her first Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the birth of your first child. Gifts should focus on keepsakes to remind Mom of her tiny, precious baby.
Photo Keepsakes
Have a framed photo collage made of snapshots taken during the baby’s first few months of life.
Shadowboxes & Scrapbooks
Consider is a shadowbox made with the baby’s hospital ID bracelet, dried flowers from Mom’s hospital stay and the newspaper clipping announcing the birth of your baby.
Or, get organized and take a box of mementos to a professional scrapbooking service. They can arrange several items into a book Mom will treasure forever. Use:
photos
birth announcements
greeting cards
footprints
handprints
birth certificate copies
A Relaxing Day for Your New Mother
In addition to presenting Mom with keepsake gifts, plan a day of relaxing activities.
Cook for Mom
Whether you opt for making breakfast in bed, or a homemade brunch, don’t let her lift a finger in the kitchen. If you’re all thumbs when it comes to cooking, consider packing up the family for a cozy meal at a favorite restaurant.
Family Bonding
Plan an outing as a family to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. If the baby enjoys car rides, meander slowly through a state park. Or, rent a bicycle for two – with a baby seat. The key is spending time together as a family and making memories. Be sure to take several photos of your adventures.
Time for Two
Finally wrap up the Mother’s Day celebration by taking time for yourselves. Parents never get enough alone time, especially while the baby is so young. Have a family member take the little one for a few hours while the two of you enjoy an evening out as a couple.
Couple’s Outing
Spend time concentrating on one another and be thankful for your beautiful family. Celebrate by:
Going dancing
Catching a movie
Sipping coffee at a corner cafe
Focus on making Mom’s outing a welcome departure from her everyday parental duties. Avoid any discussion of changing diapers or how to deal with teething. Celebrate the wonderful woman you love, and make her first Mother’s Day memorable by giving her the gift of time together as a family, and as a couple!
More Ideas for New Moms
Looking for more ideas? Try our main gifts page for New Mothers.
Mom works hard, so when thinking of the perfect Mother’s Day gift, why not go the extra mile?
By planning a personalized scavenger hunt, you can tailor a gift to be as unique as Mom is – at any price that fits your budget.
All you need are some cleverly written clues, some imagination and the ideas below to give her a Mother’s Day she will be talking about for years to come.
For example, how about a scavenger/adventure hunt centered around a day out for Mom:
Set the Stage
Wake Mom with her favorite breakfast in bed. Place her first clue on the breakfast tray. Explain what she needs to wear and bring on her journey, and once she’s ready to go, provide her with the next clue.
This is something that young children can easily help out with and will set the stage for a relaxing day.
She’s Off!
This stage requires some pre-planning and is where a traditional Mother’s Day gift can come in handy.
Consider pre-purchasing a gift, such as a spa service for Mom to enjoy.
In true scavenger hunt style, provide Mom with the following:
A map or GPS with a pre-planned route to the location for her spa day.
An envelope containing the details of her pre-booked appointment and instructions not to open it until she arrives at her destination.
A second envelope, to open only after her gift service has been completed.
Of course, you could substitute the spa day with a picnic or whatever Mom would love.
Next: Adding an element of surprise to a typical Mother’s Day present will make Mom feel really loved; imagine how she will feel when she discovers her surprise isn’t over yet!
So …
Outdo Yourself
Remember the second envelope Mom is supposed to open after her spa treatment (or whatever you have planned)? This is the opportunity to make an impact!
Give Mom another set of directions and ask her to look inside the glove compartment or console of her vehicle. Inside, she will find a gift certificate to her favorite store.
It doesn’t have to be a large amount but should speak to her interests. Does Mom love reading? A local bookstore would be ideal. Fashion? How about a gift certificate to her favorite clothing store or mall?
By paying attention to her interests, you will give a gift that shows Mom just how much you appreciate her and her needs. Mom will return home at the end of her journey feeling relaxed, joyful and appreciated. But her special day doesn’t end there.
The Icing on the Cake
While Mom is gone, do something special for her at home.
Mother’s Day is a time for peace and unity around the globe.
This year, a lovely organization called We Are Enough invites you to join a global synchronized circe of women and families in celebration of Motherhood.
The event will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th, from 1-2:00 PM Eastern Time (-4UTC).
Participants can simply join in prayer with their local community, enjoy a mother-family event all your own, or find some other event in your community.
For more information, check out this event page on the We Are Enough Website.
MothersDayCentral.com is a proud partner of We Are Enough.
Hey everybody, it’s just three weeks now to Mother’s Day.
Here’s a lightning bolt of an idea: Why not download our free Mother’s Day Planning Checklist to get a jumpstart on planning the perfect day for Mom.
The Mother’s Day Planning Checklist covers everything you need to plan for, including cards, flowers, poems, gifts, day trips and excursions, fun ideas for staying in, Mothers Day recipes, and important general To-Do’s so you don’t miss a beat.
Time to get it going – the big day is almost here. :)
Every Mom deserves to enjoy her special day, but what if you don’t have a big gift budget this year? No worries, Mother’s Day is not about the amount of money you spend on your hero and most treasured friend. Plenty of fun Mother’s Day ideas don’t involve dipping into your piggy bank.
Instead, focus on how spending time with Mom doing something memorable will create the perfect day. After all, what your trusted confidant wants most on Mother’s Day is to bond with the ones who gave her the title of Mom.
Get Fresh Air
Surprise Mom with a family hike or bike ride out in the country. For little ones, a bike ride in the neighborhood makes more sense. For a personal and adorable touch, Dad can help tots make signs for their bikes that say, “We Love Our Mommy!”
Treat Mom to Breakfast Theater
After everyone works up a sweat, they’ll be ready for a delicious meal. But Mom deserves more than just a typical overstuffed omelette. Instead, turn her Mother’s Day brunch into a theatrical experience. Funny anecdotes make perfect fodder for a play. Even young children can participate in a skit about the time Dad set off the smoke detector making grilled cheese. Or, put on a show for Mom detailing your favorite things about her. You can poke a little fun at Mom, too. For example, if she is a neat freak, one of the kids can dress up in an apron, sporting props like a broom and a dust pan. Just be nice!
Make Homemade Conversation Starters
To take things down a notch, organize a simple game. Ahead of time, prepare homemade conversation starters using small squares of paper and a pen. Sample questions include the following: “What have you learned from Mom?”; “Which of Mom’s rules do you wish you could change?”; and “Which kid is most like Mom and why?” Put the paper squares in a basket or bowl and pass it around the table. Each family member takes turns answering a question.
Make a Message Dessert
Mom will love a cake featuring a message just for her. Tell Mom you love her, that she’s amazing or that she inspires you. Any words coming from the heart will be the best imaginable end to her Mother’s Day.
Send Mom on a Treasure Hunt
Instead of just handing Mom her gifts, create a treasure hunt with clues pointing her to the bounty. For example, hide a present in the pantry and provide this hint: “The spot Mom has to stock when she hits the grocery store.”
Surprise Mom With a Cocktail Party
After Mom has relaxed, surprise her with a small, intimate cocktail party. Your guests are her Mom friends, aunts, grandmothers and neighbors. Serve small finger foods that are inexpensive and easy to prepare like cookies, cut-up fruit and cheese and crackers. Keep cocktails light; simply offer lemonade or wine. Mom will love chatting with her fellow honored guests and probably won’t be able to stop saying, “Thank you so much for setting this up!” and “What a surprise!”
Do Dinner and a Movie
Prepare a special dinner for Mom, then gather ’round the television to watch old home movies. Of all the Mother’s Day ideas, this one may get Mom the most sentimental.
Present Mom With a Souvenir
Take Polaroids of the Mother’s Day fun. Then, at the end of the festivities, present Mom with a keepsake she will always treasure. Write fun little captions on each photo so she can always look back and laugh.
Just as no two Moms are the same, no Mother’s Day idea is right for everyone.
So here are FORTY ideas! We hope you’ll find at least a few that are right for your special Mom. But if not, feel free to ask for help or more idea suggestions in the comments box at the end of this post.
Also, for more great Mothers Day gift ideas, don’t forget to visit our main gifts page, and also, our 2012 “Ten Best Ideas” page. Happy Mother’s Day!
#1 – Handprints Canvas Art Kit
Here’s a great way for the kids to make a crafty gift so great it’ll stand up to any museum masterpiece! Four, stretched and ready-to-paint canvases, plus complimentary paints, to leave a lasting impression! Handprint Canvas Art Kits
For just $29.98, you really can’t beat this gorgeous bouquet of fresh-cut irises and tulips. That, plus FREE vase and FREE chocolates! This deal is too perfect to pass up. Fresh-Cut Flowers + FREE Vase & Chocolates – Just $29.98!
#3 – Cut-Out Photo Frame
Q: Who’s one of the most special Moms around? A: Grandma! And there aren’t too many gifts that Grandmas like more than family photos. Also available as a “Mother” cut-out. Cut Out Photo Frames
#4 – Graffiti Love Notes
Use sidewalk chalk to draw a huge heart (or flower or whatever) in the driveway, along with a Happy Mother’s Day message! Surpise and Pamper Mom
#5 – The Yin Yang Heart, Silver Necklace from Gemvara
This may be the single most popular item we’ve ever featured on Mother’s Day Central. So much so, we had to bring it back this year. If Mom sees this, she’ll just melt. And you can customize the gemstones to match birth months. Yin Yang Heart Necklace
#6 – Recipes Kids Can Make
Let the kids in on the fun with these very easy to prepare, kid-friendly recipe ideas, sure to delight any mom. Recipes Kids Can Make for Mom
#10 – Make a Tribute Gift to the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross helps prepare communities for emergencies and keep people safe every day thanks to caring people who support their work. American Red Cross
#11 – Garden Décor
Is Mom a gardener? She might just love this charming Cat & Dog garden stake!
Find it here, and lots more great garden stuff too! Garden Décor
#12 – Heart Shaped Slider Pendant
Mom’s or Grandma’s birthstone looks over up to 7 children’s birthstones, all customizable to the birthmonth of your loved ones. Gold VersionSilver Version
When you order that personalized card for Mom (see #13 above), why not add a poem to help express the way you feel! We’ve got 101 Mother’s Day poems to choose from – find them here: 101 Mothers Day Poems
#15 – Cute & Sassy Aprons
These adorable aprons are fun AND useful. When Mom is cooking, no reason she can’t do it in style! HUGE sale too: Save 40% with Coupon Code “Mother40″! Cute & Sassy Aprons
#16 – Adopt a Pet
Is Mom a pet lover? AdoptAPet.com is a GREAT resource for finding dogs or cats near you. It really doesn’t get any better than this. :) Adopt a Cat or Dog
Not many Moms love washing the car, so give Mom a break and do it for her! Then watch her face when she walks outside to see her vehicle looking all shiny and clean. Even better: Fill the tank with gas beforehand. Clean Mom’s Car and Other Fun Surprises
#19 – Pearl & Diamond Earrings – Jewelry Favorites Collection
#20 – Chocolate Dipped Berries (20% Off Through Mother’s Day Central)
If you want to get Mom something delicious that’s a pure treat, look no further. Nobody does this better than Shari’s Berries. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
#21 Outdoor Plant Stand
If Mom likes potted plants, this is a brilliant way to display them, and the perfect time of year to get it set up! Outdoor Plant Stands
#22 Spa Gift Cards
Buy them in various amounts. Mom can choose from over 5,000 local spas so it won’t be hard to find one or more near her. Spa Gift Cards
#23 Spiratual Necklaces
Gifts with spiratual meaning are popular for Mother’s Day. One of the most beautiful lines we know of is Gemvara’s cross pendants, customizable by choice of birthstone. Cross Necklaces
#24 Personalized Stepping Stones
A very popular, personalized gift for any Mom with a yard or garden! And kids love ‘em as much as the adults do! Garden Stepping Stones
#25 A Year’s Worth of Wish Candles
One of our staff favorites! We love the little saying on each candle, and the charm that’s revealed as each candle burns. Year’s Worth of Wish Candles
#26 Relaxation Gifts for New Mothers
Few Moms need rest and relaxation more than New Mothers! So take care of new Mom with a gift of relaxation. Relaxation Gifts for New Mothers
#27 – Turkish Terry Robe
Cushy and comfy and made of 100% Turkish cotton, this robe is as soft and plush as those offered at five-star hotels. Turkish Cotton Terry Robe
#28 – Sapphire Diamond Earrings
A little pricy, but for what they are, the price is right. And, ummm, they’re gorgeous. Sapphire Diamond Earrings
#29 – Hot Air Balloon Ride
Yes, you can! Or, a boat ride. Or, some other trip or adventure Mom never thought she’d do. Go on, you know you want to! Hot Air Balloon Ride & Other Adventures
#30 – Motherisms!
IF Mom is a good sport, have a little fun with her by recalling some of her famous “motherisms.” To get you started, we’ve got a list of the classics here. Have Fun With Motherisms
#31 Gemstone Bracelets
Bracelets are popular right now, and we really love these birthstone bracelets, laced with tiny diamonds.
Add some sparkle to Mom’s style with gorgeous Swarovski Crystal watch from LP. Comes with 4 interchangeable leather straps: red, ivory, blue and brown.
Our friend Tricia Brunton, Founder and CEO of gomom.me, is back with the 3rd annual Mother’s Day Expo.
This year’s event will take place this coming Saturday, May 5th at the Sheraton Bradley Hotel in Windsor Locks, CT, and promises to be bigger and better than ever!
Each year – knowing what’s been most popular in preceding years – and having seen the current year’s new offerings, we put our heads together and come up with those ideas that are not only staff favorites, but that seem to reflect the tastes and times we live in.
We hope you enjoy this year’s list as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
The hardcover came out last year and the paperback was just released. And here’s the best news:
Bruce has kindly provided us with three *signed* copies of the hardcover version of his book, to be given away through our site!
Bruce’s book is comprised of truly inspiring stories of people to who at some point in the middle of life (or later than the middle), were moved to reinvent their lives for the better.
“Hey @mdcentral – I’d love a signed copy of #RestOfMyLife”
Feel free to Tweet multiple times but you only need to Tweet once according to the rules above to be eligible, and multiple Tweets will NOT help your chances.
At 12pm PST/3pm EST Sunday May 8th (Mother’s Day), we’ll randomly select three winners from those who have made a Tweet including the two elements “@mdcentral” AND “#RestOfMyLife”.
Please note that the book will not arrive by Mother’s Day; we want to give people plenty of time to express their interest in this wonderful work.
Entry Rules
1. Winner will be announced on MothersDayCentral.com. 2. US residents only. 3. To enter, you must be an individual, 18 years of age or older. 4. Businesses are not eligible. 5. Winner will be responsible for any related taxes or restrictions according to their state laws. 6. Winner will be responsible for providing the correct mailing address and personal information within 10 days of notification. 7. Creating multiple accounts on Twitter to enter multiple times will automatically disqualify you from the giveaway. 8. No purchase necessary to enter. 9. Please allow 1 week for delivery of prize.
We and our friends at GourmetGiftBaskets.com want you to receive your basket in time for Mother’s Day, so we’ll be in contact with you shortly.
You can also contact us at: info @ MothersDayCentral.com
Thanks to Gourmet Gift Baskets!
We would once again like to thank GourmetGiftBaskets.com for making this possible! Their fabulous gift baskets just seem to keep getting better every year. If you sill need an idea for Mom, it’s hard to imagine you that couldn’t find something in their selection that Mom would love, so by all means, check ‘em out!
Thank You Facebook Friends!
We can’t tell you all how much we appreciate your participation and encouragement!
And while we’re done giving away gift baskets, we’re not done with all our giveaways … so keeping checking the Mother’s Day Blog for news and other great info!
We don’t typically mention books, movies, etc. as we’re not a review site, but this year we’ve come across two books that we feel are worth noting for our audience.
Arlene’s book is filled with engaging, insightful and charming stories about her everyday life, and makes you feel as though you’re having a conversation with someone you know and trust.
The books includes lots of helpful tips on fitness, nutrition, health, beauty, organization and more, and encourages the reader to think about how practical tips can be applied to everyday life in order to help you look better, feel better and enjoy life more.
31 Days has a strong spiritual foundation, but regardless of your views, the advice Arlene offers up pertains to pretty much every one of us!
Better.tv must agree, as Arlene was recently invited into the Better.tv studios for an interview. Her appearance was taped last week and should appear on Better.tv any time now, so by all means check it out!
——- UPDATE: Arlene’s video is now live on Better.tv – Watch now! ——-
Melissa: We, and our friends at GourmetGiftBaskets.com want you to receive your basket in time for Mother’s Day, so we’ll be in contact with you right away. You can also contact us at: info @ MothersDayCentral.com
Our three winners will be chosen randomly from our Facebook “Like” list.
MDC Gift Basket Giveaway Rules
1. Winner will be announced on MothersDayCentral.com.
2. US & Canadian residents only (PLEASE NOTE: Only U.S. customers can be guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day. Shipments to Canada can take up to two weeks).
3. To enter, you must be an individual, 18 years of age or older.
4. Businesses are not eligible.
5. Winner will be chosen randomly from our Facebook “Like” list.
6. Winner will be responsible for any related taxes or restrictions according to their state laws.
7. Winner will be responsible for providing the correct mailing address and personal information within 10 days of notification.
8. Creating multiple accounts on Facebook to enter multiple times will automatically disqualify you from the giveaway.
9. No purchase necessary to enter.
10. Please allow 1 week for delivery of prize, although every attempt will be made to deliver the gift baskets by Mother’s Day.
We were recently chatting with our friend Tricia Brunton, Founder and CEO of gomom.me (pronounced “go mommy”), a wonderful social networking resource for busy moms.
Their annual “Mom’s the Word” event is just around the corner. If you’re in the Hartford, CT area, you can celebrate mom at “mom’s the word!” on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 10am to 5pm at Connecticut Convention Center.
At “mom’s the word!” it’s all about mom!
You’ll enjoy exclusive shopping, sample delicious Panera Bread desserts and check out live demos of moms favorite products. You can also register for great prizes, including a $100 shopping spree – and you know how much we love giveaways!
Mom’s the Word features a Motherhood Panel discussion including Jocelyn Maminta of News 8’s CT Style, Fun Image Workshop with WDRC-AM talk show host Mary Jones and Fashion Stylist Debbie Wright.
There will also be a Spa Power Hour with complimentary massages and facials. And kids can create a free hand-made gift for mom with Bumblebug Art at Kids Corner sponsored by Connecticut Higher Education Trust Program (CHET).
Additionally, gomom.me’s Mother of the Year award winner will be announced at “mom’s the word!” The deserving mom will get a Mother’s Day to Remember Package, including a spa getaway, elegant dinner, and a “mom’s the word!” shopping spree.
Tickets are priced at just $15. Purchase them online at mom’s the word. Children 12 years of age and under and Seniors 65+ can attend for free. For more information, visit the web site at http://www.gomom.me or call (860) 335-9177.
International Women’s Day is celebrated each year, on March 8. Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
On this day, thousands of events occur around the world. Countries, organizations and local/regional groups are free to develop specific themes each year to celebrate and promote women.
For example, this year’s UN theme for International Women’s Day is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.” Given all that is going on around the world right now, that seems like a pretty good choice to us.
Check out two of the many videos celebrating this day:
President Obama and the First Lady in Honor of International Women’s Day
Amnesty International Interview with Widney Brown, for International Women’s Day
Others feel that Mothering Sunday’s origins are no longer relevant to the full and diverse spectrum of families in the UK today, and that “Mothering Sunday” might be more appropriately celebrated as “Mother’s Day.”
What do you think?
Take Our Poll
Should the name “Mothering Sunday” be changed to “Mother’s Day” in the UK?
Poll closed – See results below:
voters preferred to keep things as they are today.
Do you have a favorite story about Mom?
Greeting Cards have been bringing joy for over 100 years
Its Time to Start Planning It’s just 10 days now to Mother’s Day.
Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, played a large role in making the rose so loved by people. She began a rose garden by growing all familiar varieties of roses in her country home near Paris. As a result rose growing became very fashionable.
Perhaps this is a chance to get Mom out of the house or apartment and doing something she would really like to do for herself.
Tulips – the perfect flowers for Mom
Make an annual chalk creation with Mom and photo it every year. We hear it over and over, it’s not how much you spend on Mom, it’s the time and effort put into her special day. And we know you want to ensure your Mom enjoys her Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day, it might be nice if you could simply stop time and live in the moment. But since you’re not Marty McFly from Back to the Future, you probably won’t be able to toy with time.
You’ve started a family; now celebrate it – plan a memorable Mother’s Day for New Mom!
Mom works hard, so when thinking of the perfect Mother’s Day gift, why not go the extra mile?
Mother’s Day is a time for peace and unity around the globe.
Every Mom deserves to enjoy her special day, but what if you don’t have a big gift budget this year? No worries, Mother’s Day is not about the amount of money you spend on your hero and most treasured friend. Plenty of fun Mother’s Day ideas don’t involve dipping into your piggy bank. 
Today, we released our annual list of “
Well as we noted in another post, we don’t typically mention books, movies, etc. This is the book that made us temporarily suspend that rule.
The luxurious gift basket you’ll be receiving is:
The first is called: 
Starting next Monday, May 2, we’re giving away ONE FREE 
We were recently chatting with our friend Tricia Brunton, Founder and CEO of gomom.me (pronounced “go mommy”), a wonderful social networking resource for busy moms.
