In the U.S., we spend a lot on Mother’s Day – an average of $127 per mom, and overall, about $671 million on cards alone.
But it didn’t start out that way. When Anna Jarvis first petitioned for the holiday in 1907, she wanted a day of remembrance based on church and family dinners. In fact at one point, Jarvis formally protested the commercialization of the holiday.
But it was all in vain: Marketing companies had other ideas, and now, Mother’s Day is big business. Today, flowers and cards remain the top gifts for moms, but before you dial the florist and run off to your local card shop, consider some of your other options.
No matter what the occasion, the best gifts are the ones that are the most personal. Choose something based on your mom’s interests or hobbies, or give her a gift certificate and let her pick something she really wants. Pressed for time? Most retailers offer gift certificates that can be emailed. And if your mom starts to embarrass you with tales of your misspent youth, tell her this: Russian matriarch Feodor Vassilyev had 69 children to contend with, all before the days of television and disposable diapers. It just may make your childhood indiscretions seem a little less significant (and send a few chills up your mother’s spine)!
Keep up with lots of interesting tidbits and factoids by subscribing to the American Agents Alliance newsletter or bookmarking our blog!
