Don’t forget, you can still get 20% off any gift set, free gift wrap and be entered into our drawing to win $50.00 of free Plantlife product.
To get the 20% discount on a Gift Set purchase, enter the coupon code MOM20 at checkout. Coupon is good until Saturday May 7th. For free gift wrap, check the gift wrap option at checkout. Please order by Friday April 29th for timely delivery.
Where Does Mother’s Day Come From?
Two prominent women played key roles in laying the groundwork for Mother’s Day in the US.
The first, Julia Ward Howe called on mothers to essentially protest war and celebrate “peace and motherhood” in 1870. Ms. Howe funded many celebratory events and though the sentiment never gained the popularity she wished for, she did plant the seed for the observance as we know it today.
Anna M Jarvis was the second woman to campaign for a nationally recognized holiday after the death of her own beloved Mother. Due to her diligent campaign with her Mother’s church, the first official Mother’s day took place on May 10th, 1908. In the same year, U.S. Senator Elmer Burkett proposed making Mother’s Day a national holiday at the request of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).
Anna Jarvis worked tirelessly to petition organizations to support her in obtaining national recognition for Mother’s Day. Her hard work paid off as in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed it into national observance declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Interestingly, Ms. Jarvis detested the commercialization of this special day and protested its exploitation. Despite her protests, flower sales continued to grow. Ms. Jarvis passed away broke, childless and blind. Ironically, the florist exchange paid for her care anonymously.
For more history and to see how other countries/cultures celebrate Mother’s Day read here.
Did you Know?
- - Mother’s Day is reportedly at $14 Billion dollar business.
- - Retailers report it is the second highest gift giving day of the year behind Christmas.
- - The majority of the 14 Billion dollars is spent eating out as restaurants report it is the busiest day of the year.
Fun Activities
Looking for something exciting and different to do this Mother’s Day?
Skydiving - I know it’s a stretch, but maybe you’re mom is a lot more adventurous than you think! Try www.dropzone.com
Brunch or Dinner Cruise – As anyone who has ever been to a restaurant on Mother’s Day can tell you, it really is best to avoid them altogether. Why not break the mold with a Brunch or Dinner Cruise. If you live close to a city that offers them, this might be the perfect option! Try http://www.xperiencedays.com/
Picnic – This is a great idea for large families (especially if it’s a beautiful
day) as it tends to be cheaper and generally less crowded than a restaurant. Try www.stateparks.com/usa.html or an area park or beach your family enjoys.
Take a Class – Spend quality time with your Mom in a learning environment! Try a cooking, exercise, sailing or pottery class for a special treat that keeps giving! Visit http://www.xperiencedays.com/
Together Time – If your mom is athletic, why not sign up to participate in a local marathon together. All that time together training for the big day is certain to create lasting memories! Try http://www.marathonguide.com
Hot Air Baloon Ride – If you’re lucky enough to live near an area that offers hot air balloon rides, (and your mom isn’t afraid of heights) this could potentially be an incredibly memorable experience for you both. Try http://www.xperiencedays.com/
Hire a Maid – What Mom couldn’t use a break when it comes to household chores? Consider hiring a monthly cleaning service to help her out. Check out http://www.mollymaid.com/directory/maid-service/
Crafty tip – If you have the time (and patience), why not create a Mom book! Think of all the time and effort she put into crafting your baby book, why not show her how much you adore her by making a book (or scrapbook) full of your favorite memories of her from childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Include lots of pictures!
Don’t forget to check Plantlife for special gifts! www.plantlife.net
However you choose to celebrate, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Mother’s day!