Mother's Day Ideas and Gifts
Updated 15 June 2021
Know This - Sunday 8 May 2022 is the next Mother's Day in New Zealand. To help plan a Mother's Day that's meaniningful, our guide outlines:
What is Mother's Day, and When is It?
Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate the mothers and special women in your life. It's celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Many people assume Mother's Day is just a made-up day for retailers to make money, but it has special meaning. Mother's Day has two origination dates, with the oldest dating back to the 1800s. The beginning of Mother's Day that most people know about occurred in 1908 when American Ann Jarvis, who fought for sanitary accommodations for women in the Civil War, passed away. Her daughter organized a church service to remember her mother on May 10, 1908, which was the anniversary of her death. It was also a time to remember all mothers, which then turned into the Mother's Day we know today.
Many people assume Mother's Day is just a made-up day for retailers to make money, but it has special meaning. Mother's Day has two origination dates, with the oldest dating back to the 1800s. The beginning of Mother's Day that most people know about occurred in 1908 when American Ann Jarvis, who fought for sanitary accommodations for women in the Civil War, passed away. Her daughter organized a church service to remember her mother on May 10, 1908, which was the anniversary of her death. It was also a time to remember all mothers, which then turned into the Mother's Day we know today.
Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day (Without Spending)
To celebrate your mother or any special woman in your life, there are many things you and the kids can do that doesn't cost any money. Here are some fun ideas.
1. Serve mum breakfast in bed – We all know moms are the heart of the home. They do it all for us and barely get a break. Why not give mum a special break and serve her breakfast in bed on her special day?
2. Create a scrapbook – Create a collection of all of mom's favourite things and put them in an album. Mum will love seeing her favourite things in one place, but she'll love even more that her children are aware enough to know what she loves.
3. Watch her favourite movie – If you stream or download your mom's favourite movie and then sit and watch it with her, it will mean the world to her. Moms just want her loved ones to spend time with her, and if it's doing something she loves, it's even better.
4. Take a family photo – Take a sweet photo of all mom's kids or create a photoshoot for all the generations (kids, mom, and her mom) for a special memory.
5. Pick flowers – You don't have to go to the market to get flowers; pick your mom's favourite flowers from the fields and surprise her with a lovely bouquet.
6. Clean the house – Give mum a break from cleaning for a day by taking over the chores for her on Mother's Day. Tell your mum to sit down with her feet up while you and your siblings do the work.
7. Make a cake – Mums usually love dessert, and they love it even more when they don't have to make it. Make your mum's favourite cake, pie, brownies, or other dessert and surprise her.
8. Make a spa day – Pamper mum on her special day by setting up mini facials, nails, and hair fun at home. Even if it doesn't look spectacular, it's the time together that counts, and that mum will remember the most.
1. Serve mum breakfast in bed – We all know moms are the heart of the home. They do it all for us and barely get a break. Why not give mum a special break and serve her breakfast in bed on her special day?
2. Create a scrapbook – Create a collection of all of mom's favourite things and put them in an album. Mum will love seeing her favourite things in one place, but she'll love even more that her children are aware enough to know what she loves.
3. Watch her favourite movie – If you stream or download your mom's favourite movie and then sit and watch it with her, it will mean the world to her. Moms just want her loved ones to spend time with her, and if it's doing something she loves, it's even better.
4. Take a family photo – Take a sweet photo of all mom's kids or create a photoshoot for all the generations (kids, mom, and her mom) for a special memory.
5. Pick flowers – You don't have to go to the market to get flowers; pick your mom's favourite flowers from the fields and surprise her with a lovely bouquet.
6. Clean the house – Give mum a break from cleaning for a day by taking over the chores for her on Mother's Day. Tell your mum to sit down with her feet up while you and your siblings do the work.
7. Make a cake – Mums usually love dessert, and they love it even more when they don't have to make it. Make your mum's favourite cake, pie, brownies, or other dessert and surprise her.
8. Make a spa day – Pamper mum on her special day by setting up mini facials, nails, and hair fun at home. Even if it doesn't look spectacular, it's the time together that counts, and that mum will remember the most.
10 Retailers with Popular Mother's Day Gift Ideas
If you still want to get your mum a special gift, here are the top retailers to find the perfect item that says 'Happy Mother's Day'.
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Noel LeemingGet mum anything she could desire from Noel Leeming. Whether she loves to cook, loves fashion, is techy, or is an active mum, there are gifts for every woman in your life at affordable prices at Noel Leeming.
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The WarehouseIf you're looking for the best prices on all mum's favourites, check out The Warehouse. You'll find all gifts to make mum cosy (socks, blankets, etc.) as well as techy gifts, clothing, and even fashion finds. Have fun searching for the perfect gift for mum at The Warehouse.
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The Pressie BoxShow appreciation to your mum with a Pressie Box filled with all her favourite items. Whether she loves salty foods, sweet foods, or a combination of the two, there are gift boxes for every woman in your life. Find boxes with household goods, gardening tools, or pampering items for the special woman you're celebrating.
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Not SocksNot Socks sells unique, pampering, and even funny gifts to give mum. If you're looking for novelty gifts you won't find elsewhere, check out Not Socks.
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The Body ShopAll mums love The Body Shop. It's a store to pamper your mum and give her all the gifts that will help her take care of her body. Self-care is so important, especially for mums. They need all the energy and good vibes they can get to take care of others, so use this chance to pamper your mum.
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Mighty ApeIf you aren't sure what to get mum for Mother's Day, browse through the Mighty Ape's offerings, and you may find something. Mighty Ape offers everything women love at great prices, from health & beauty items to books and novelty gifts that are perfect for your mum.
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Harvey NormanHarvey Norman has a wide selection of amazing gifts for the mum in your life. Whether she's a foodie, an active mum, loves designer clothing or loves gadgets, you'll find the perfect gift for the special woman in your life at Harvey Norman.
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FarmersFarmers has a wide selection of unique gifts for women, including proven favourites such as photo frames, candles, perfumes, clothing, and more. In addition, you'll find the best prices and the most lovely gifts for the special mum in your life.
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The MarketGet your mum the pampering gift she deserves at The Market. From jewellery and beauty care to relaxation and spa gifts, The Market has something for every mum in your life at excellent prices.
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Gift BloomsGive mum the gift of a gift basket filled with all her favourites from Gift Blooms. From food gifts to pampering gifts and everything in between, you'll find everything you want to spoil your mum with on Mother's Day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday?
No, Mother's Day isn't a public holiday. While it's a special day to spend with your mum and other special women in your life, most retailers and other businesses normally open on Sunday are open.
Is Mother's Day always on a Sunday?
Yes, Mother's Day is always the second Sunday of May in New Zealand.
What should I do for Mother’s Day?
Mums are special people, and all they want is time with their loved ones. You don't have to spend money or go crazy finding the perfect gifts. Just planning to spend the day with your mum doing the things she loves is often gift enough.
Can I make gifts for Mother’s Day?
Homemade gifts are always the most special gifts. Have the kids make cards, or you make something special as an adult, like a CD, photo book, or recipe book to celebrate your mum and all that she means to everyone.
Why is Mother’s Day in May?
Mother's Day originated as a day to celebrate a special woman who fought for women's rights. The day fell on the anniversary of the woman's death. The tradition took hold as other women were also celebrated that day, and today it's a day to celebrate all the women in your life.
Related guides and resources
- Father's Day Ideas and Gifts
- Public Holidays
- School Holiday Activities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
