Monthly Archives: April 2023

Mother’s Day Around the World: Exploring Global Traditions and Celebrations

Mother’s Day is May 14. You got that, procrastinating planners? 

Did you know that we’re not the only nation that celebrates Mother’s Day, and at least 50 other countries do? 

As we gear up for Mother’s Day, let’s take a tour around the globe and explore some of the different ways other countries celebrate Mom. 

Ethiopia

It’s go big or go home in Ethiopia, where the Antrosht festival celebrates mothers in a three-day event. 

The entire family gathers together for a feast, but here’s the catch: the mothers are responsible for preparing the entire meal. Yes, you read that correctly. On Mother’s Day, moms in Ethiopia get to cook for everyone! 

Of course, the kids and the rest of the family show their gratitude by singing, dancing, and having a great time…but still. 

Finland

For Finnish Moms, Mother’s Day is quite the affair, as they are showered with all the classic tokens of affection, from gifts and flowers to the occasional breakfast in bed (burnt toast, anyone?).

But what really sets Finnish Mother’s Day apart is the presidential touch. That’s right, every year, the Finnish president honors a group of extraordinary moms. These super-moms have been nominated by their families or communities for their heroic parenting efforts.

Talk about a mom-umental occasion. Sorry, I had to. 

Japan

In Japan, mothers are celebrated with a beautiful display of carnations. 

These flowers symbolize the gentle strength, love, and resilience of mothers. Children often present their moms with bouquets or hand-drawn pictures of carnations. 

Who wouldn’t want to receive an endless supply of hand-drawn carnation doodles to redecorate their fridge every year?

Mexico

On “El Día de las Madres,” mariachi bands serenade mothers with heartfelt songs, sometimes as early as 5 am, because who doesn’t love waking up before sunrise to the sound of…well, anything? 

At least the moms get to enjoy a day filled with love and serenades, accompanied by family gatherings and delicious feasts. And a nap somewhere in the middle. 

Serbia

Known as Materice, this Mother’s Day-like holiday occurs on the second Sunday preceding Christmas in the southeastern European nation. 

On this day, children lovingly tie their mother’s feet together using ribbon or string. The mother must then remain bound until she provides her children with little gifts and sweets. This is not a joke. 

The silver lining? The following weekend, the mother and her children have the opportunity to do the same to the father, who must then reward them with Christmas presents and a lavish meal.

Okay then. 

United Kingdom

“Mothering Sunday”, as it’s known, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. 

That name is so deliciously United Kingdom-ish. 

Traditionally, children would return home from work or school to visit their mothers and present them with small gifts, like flowers or cakes. However, today’s youth have upped their game, showering their mothers with all manner of gifts, breakfasts in bed and luxurious spa days. 

You know what they say? “Keep calm and treat mom like a queen.”

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No matter what country you hail from, our Mom’s Escape Gift Basket will make anyone’s Mother’s Day. Starting with Chardonnay—because what else is there to start with?—this winner is brimming with a bath pillow, eye mask, body polisher. Himalayan bath salt, soothing candle, bath bomb, face mask, and more to pamper Mom.  

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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Everything You Need to Know About Administrative Professionals Day

Administrative professionals. What in the world would we do without you? 

For starters, probably not have running businesses, full stop. 

Administrative professionals are the backbone of many businesses and organizations, providing essential support and ensuring that daily operations, well, operate. These individuals may serve in various roles, including secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, executive assistants, and office managers, among others.

I’d say they deserve a day that recognizes and celebrates their invaluable contributions to the success of their respective organizations. 

Administrative Professionals Day is April 26 (mark your calendar!), and in today’s blog, we delve into the history and significance of this special day and provide some suggestions on how you can celebrate the administrative professionals in your life.

A Brief History 

Why the history lesson? Because Administrative Professionals Day isn’t some new Hallmark event or just another silly Today is National Fill-In-The-Blank Day. 

We’re going to go for a ride in the way back machine to World War II when there was a significant shortage of skilled administrative personnel in the United States. In response to this, the National Secretaries Association was founded in 1942, aiming to support the professional development of secretaries and attract more people to the profession. 

Still with me?

The next leg of our way back machine journey takes us to 1952, when the Association, in conjunction with public relations executive Harry Klemfuss and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer, established National Secretaries Week, with Wednesday of that week designated as National Secretaries Day.

As you could imagine the name National Secretaries Day became a little too old-timey and evolved to be more inclusive and better reflect the diverse range of administrative roles in the modern workplace. In 2000, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the organization that succeeded the National Secretaries Association, officially changed the name to Administrative Professionals Day.

I hope you’ve been paying attention, because there will be a quiz. Kidding. 

How to Show Recognition

How do show these unsung heros some love?

We’ve got suggestions:

  1. Show appreciation with a personalized note or card: A handwritten note expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication can make a world of difference. Take the time to write a heartfelt message acknowledging the specific ways they contribute to your team’s success.
  2. Give a thoughtful gift: Consider gifts that will help make their work life more enjoyable or comfortable, such as a quality planner, a comfortable ergonomic chair, or a gift certificate to a local café or restaurant where they can enjoy a meal or coffee break. But for the best gift, see SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT below.
  3. Organize a team lunch or event: Plan a special event, like a team lunch or after-work gathering, to celebrate your administrative professionals together. This can be an excellent opportunity to foster team spirit and strengthen relationships among colleagues.
  4. Offer professional development opportunities: Encourage and support their growth by offering professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, or online courses that will help them advance in their careers.
  5. Publicly acknowledge their contributions: During a team meeting or in a company-wide communication, highlight the hard work and dedication of your administrative professionals and thank them for their contributions.

Another way to show recognition is…

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Is there a gift more tailored-made for Administrative Professionals Day than our Inner Zen Relaxation Gift Basket

That’s a rhetorical question. 

You can’t thank them enough with this R&R basket, built in a faux leather storage box, including a mini Buddha Board drawing easel, Aloe infused socks, travel candle, black raspberry vanilla soap, and more!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.