A day for moms.

Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion to honor and celebrate the love, sacrifices, and dedication of mothers. It’s a day to express gratitude for their unwavering support, guidance, and care. Families come together to show appreciation through heartfelt gestures, from handmade cards and flowers to thoughtful gifts and quality time. Beyond biological mothers, it’s also a time to recognize all maternal figures who nurture and inspire. Whether through simple acts of kindness or grand celebrations, Mother’s Day reminds us of the profound impact mothers have on shaping lives and creating strong, loving bonds that last a lifetime.

The origins of Mother’s Day date back to ancient civilizations, where festivals honoring motherhood were common. In ancient Greece, celebrations were held for Rhea, the mother of the gods, while the Romans honored Cybele, their mother goddess, during the festival of Hilaria.

The modern Mother’s Day, however, has its roots in the United States. In the late 19th century, Ann Jarvis organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to improve health and sanitation. After her death, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers.

In 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate mothers’ love and sacrifices. The holiday has since spread globally, with countries adapting their own traditions to honor motherhood.

Worldwide Mother’s Day traditions

Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with unique traditions reflecting cultural values and love for mothers. These diverse traditions highlight universal gratitude for mothers while reflecting unique cultural expressions. Make sure to mark your calendar to celebrate the special maternal figures in your life.

1. United States – Celebrated on the second Sunday in May with gifts, cards, and family gatherings.
2. United Kingdom – Known as Mothering Sunday, it falls during Lent, with flowers and special cakes like Simnel Cake gifted.
3. Mexico – Celebrated on May 10 with serenades, family meals, and church services.
4. Japan – Children give carnations and handmade gifts to symbolize love and purity.
5. Ethiopia – Part of the Antrosht festival, families gather for feasts and songs honoring mothers.
6. India – A blend of modern and traditional, with children giving gifts and cooking for their mothers.
7. Thailand – Celebrated on August 12, Queen Sirikit’s birthday, with ceremonies and jasmine flowers.
8. France – Known as Fête des Mères, celebrated with flowers, gifts, and family meals.
9. Australia – Similar to the U.S., with flowers like chrysanthemums gifted to moms.
10. Serbia – Part of a series of family holidays, children tie their mothers up and release them after receiving treats.

In 2026, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 10, in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Other notable dates for Mother’s Day around the world in 2025 include:

• United Kingdom: March 30 (Mothering Sunday)
• Mexico: May 10 (always celebrated on this date)
• Thailand: August 12 (Queen Sirikit’s birthday)
• France: May 25 (Fête des Mères)

Mother’s Day gift ideas

Tailor the gift to her personality and interests for a truly meaningful surprise.

1. Personalized Jewelry – A necklace or bracelet engraved with her children’s names or birthstones.
2. Spa Day or Gift Set – Pamper her with a massage, facial, or luxurious skincare products.
3. Custom Photo Book – Capture family memories in a beautifully designed photo album.
4. Subscription Box – Monthly deliveries of her favorite items, like books, wine, or self-care products.
5. Handwritten Letter – A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude and love.
6. Kitchen Gadgets – High-quality tools for moms who love to cook or bake.
7. Gardening Kit – Tools, seeds, or plants for the mom with a green thumb.
8. Cozy Blanket or Robe – Something soft and comforting for relaxation.
9. Experience Gifts – Tickets to a concert, theater, or a special outing.
10. Homemade Meal or Treats – Cook her favorite dish or bake something special.

World Mother’s Day destinations

These destinations offer a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure to make Mother’s Day truly special.

1. Paris, France – Treat her to a luxurious brunch, a Seine River cruise, or a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower.
2. Kyoto, Japan – Explore serene temples, beautiful gardens, and indulge in a traditional tea ceremony.
3. Santorini, Greece – Enjoy stunning sunsets, whitewashed architecture, and Mediterranean cuisine by the sea.
4. Tuscany, Italy – Take her to the countryside for wine tastings, cooking classes, and picturesque views.
5. Bali, Indonesia – Pamper her with spa treatments, yoga retreats, and tropical beaches.
6. New York City, USA – Plan a Broadway show, a stroll in Central Park, or a fancy rooftop lunch.
7. Cape Town, South Africa – Experience breathtaking landscapes, wine tours, and coastal adventures.
8. Sydney, Australia – Celebrate with a harbor cruise, fine dining, or a trip to Bondi Beach.
9. Maui, Hawaii – Relax on pristine beaches, explore waterfalls, and enjoy a luau experience.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand – For adventurous moms, try hiking, wine tours, or scenic helicopter rides.

U.S. Mother’s Day destinations

Each of these locations offers a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day with relaxation, culture, and fun.

1. Napa Valley, California – Treat her to wine tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet dining in a beautiful setting.
2. Central Park, New York City – Plan a picnic, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or row a boat on the lake.
3. Charleston, South Carolina – Explore historic streets, enjoy a charming brunch, or take a scenic harbor cruise.
4. Sedona, Arizona – Pamper her with a spa day, breathtaking hikes, or a hot air balloon ride over the red rocks.
5. Savannah, Georgia – Stroll through picturesque squares, enjoy Southern cuisine, and explore historic mansions.
6. Maui, Hawaii – Relax on stunning beaches, enjoy a tropical brunch, or take her whale watching.
7. Aspen, Colorado – Perfect for nature-loving moms, with scenic mountain views, hiking, and luxurious resorts.
8. San Diego, California – Spend the day at the beach, visit Balboa Park, or enjoy waterfront dining.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana – Celebrate with jazz brunches, riverboat cruises, and vibrant culture.
10. Washington, D.C. – Visit the National Mall, enjoy cherry blossoms (if in season), and dine at fine restaurants.

Minnesota Mother’s Day celebration ideas

These Twin Cities venues provide a mix of nature, culture, and indulgence for a memorable Mother’s Day.

1. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Stroll through the iconic garden and enjoy the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
2. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – A relaxing outing with beautiful gardens, exotic plants, and wildlife.
3. Guthrie Theater – Treat her to a live performance or enjoy the stunning views from the Endless Bridge.
4. Nicollet Island Inn – A classic spot for an elegant Mother’s Day brunch with riverside views.
5. Lake Minnetonka – Take her on a boat cruise or enjoy waterfront dining at one of the charming lakeside restaurants.
6. Minnehaha Falls – Explore the scenic park, hike the trails, and enjoy a picnic near the waterfall.
7. Mall of America – Spend the day shopping, dining, or visiting attractions.
8. St. Paul Hotel – Celebrate with a luxurious afternoon tea or a special Mother’s Day meal.
9. Arboretum in Chaska – A short drive from the cities, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers stunning gardens and walking paths.
10. Stone Arch Bridge – Walk or bike along this historic bridge for great views of the Mississippi River and skyline, followed by dining at a nearby restaurant.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the incredible role our mothers play in our lives. It’s a day to recognize their unconditional love, sacrifices, and tireless efforts in nurturing and shaping us. Our mothers provide guidance, strength, and support, often putting their families’ needs above their own. Celebrating Mother’s Day allows us to express gratitude, whether through words, gestures, or quality time, for the countless ways they enrich our lives. Beyond biological mothers, it’s also a time to appreciate all maternal figures who inspire and care for others. This celebration strengthens bonds and reminds us of their immeasurable impact.

Mother’s Day playlist

This is about 2 hours of music, perfect for a Sunday brunch, a garden afternoon, or a quiet evening the family.

Celebrating mom

1. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
2. “Mama” by Il Divo
3. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
4. “Mama, I Love You” by The Spice Girls
5. “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
6. “Mama Said” by The Shirelles
7. “Mama” by Genesis (Phil Collins)
8. “Oh Mother” by Christina Aguilera
9. “Mother” by Danielle Bradbery
10. “Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me” by Luther Vandross

Being a mother

11. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride
12. “The Baby” by Blake Shelton
13. “Lullaby” by Shawn Mullins
14. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
15. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
16. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
17. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
18. “A Mother’s Prayer” by Celine Dion
19. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
20. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift

Timeless and soulful

21. “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
22. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
23. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
24. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
25. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
26. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King
27. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
28. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
29. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
30. “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston

A little joy and celebration

31. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
32. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
33. “Shout” by Tears for Fears
34. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
35. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Books about the enduring love of a mother

Literary fiction

• The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen – A multigenerational family story where a mother’s fierce, complicated love drives the entire narrative. Unsentimental and deeply true.
• Beloved by Toni Morrison – One of the most powerful explorations of maternal love ever written. A mother’s love so consuming it transcends life and death.
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – Two mothers, two very different worlds, and the question of what a mother will sacrifice for her child. Beautifully layered.
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee – A Korean mother’s enduring sacrifice shapes four generations. Quietly devastating and unforgettable.
• A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith – A mother’s quiet, unrelenting love sustains a family through poverty and hardship. A classic that never loses its power.

Memoir and personal essay

• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion – While centered on grief, the threads of maternal love and legacy run throughout. Precise, raw, and profound.
• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – A complicated portrait of a mother seen through the eyes of a daughter. Honest and ultimately generous.
• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner – A daughter’s grief over losing her Korean mother becomes a meditation on love, identity, and food as devotion. Stunning.
• Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs – A daughter’s nuanced, searching portrait of her mother’s love amid extraordinary circumstances. Underrated and beautifully written.

Spiritual and reflective

• Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott – A journal of her son’s first year, raw and funny and full of the terrifying love of new motherhood. Lamott is always honest.
• Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman – For anyone navigating the loss or absence of a mother. Explores how maternal love shapes identity long after a mother is gone.
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown – Not specifically about mothers, but her exploration of wholehearted love speaks directly to the mother-child bond.

Poetry

• Ariel by Sylvia Plath – Plath’s relationship with motherhood is electric and conflicted throughout. Not comfortable, but essential.
• The Carrying by Ada Limon – Her poem “The Carrying” alone is worth the entire collection. Limon writes about longing, womanhood, and love with extraordinary grace.
• What the Living Carry by Natalie Scenters-Zapico – A lesser-known collection that explores inherited love, loss, and the weight mothers pass to daughters.

Recent and lesser-known picks

• Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So (2021) Cambodian-American stories where maternal love is woven into survival and cultural identity. Fresh and original.
• The Maid’s Version by Daniel Woodrell (2013) A grandmother’s love and the stories she carries become the emotional spine of the novel. Short, fierce, and beautiful.
• Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez (2022) A Puerto Rican mother’s complicated, consuming love shapes her children’s entire lives. Vivid and emotionally complex.
• Matrix by Lauren Groff (2021) A 12th-century abbess builds a world for the women in her care. Maternal love reimagined as spiritual and communal devotion.

Updated and republished since May 4, 2025.

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