Mother’s Day is less than a month away. 

Cue the panic for you slackers who haven’t planned yet. Good news for you is that at the bottom of this post, there’s an awesome gift that will bail you out (you’re welcome). 

But first, a history lesson. 

Mother’s Day didn’t start with brunch reservations, flower deliveries, or a last-minute dash for a card that says just enough without saying too much.

The version we celebrate today traces back to Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, known for her community health work and Civil War support efforts.

After her mother’s passing in 1905, Anna created a day to recognize mothers everywhere, leading to the first official Mother’s Day gathering in 1908, a small and deeply personal tribute.

This is a tough act to follow.

From Personal Tribute to National Holiday

Anna Jarvis didn’t just suggest the idea. She pushed for it. Within a few years, the idea gained traction across the country.

In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing Mother’s Day as a national holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It was meant to be a day of reflection and gratitude, dysfunctional families notwithstanding. 

When the Meaning Started to Shift

As Mother’s Day grew in popularity, it also became commercialized. 

Florists, greeting card companies, and retailers quickly recognized the opportunity.

Ironically, Anna Jarvis became one of the holiday’s biggest critics. She believed the day had drifted too far from its original purpose, arguing that pre-written cards replaced genuine expression. She even protested the holiday she created.

How she must be rolling in her grave today. 

What Still Holds True Today

Despite the evolution, the core idea hasn’t disappeared: Mother’s Day still reflects derelict husbands whose procrastination couldn’t be more conspicuous with desperate last minute plans.  

What I meant to say was that Mother’s Day still reflects appreciation for the role mothers play in shaping families and communities.

The way people celebrate may look different now, but the most meaningful moments are still the simplest ones. 

A Tradition That Still Feels Personal

Mother’s Day has taken on a life of its own, but it can still feel personal.

At its core, it was never meant to be elaborate, but genuine, and that part is still completely within reach.

👩‍👧 SHAMLESS PLUG 👩‍👧

Give Mom the gift of me time with our Mom’s Escape Gift Basket. Starting with a bottle of Chardonnay (hello!), this one features a bath pillow, eye mask, body polisher, Blissful Bath times book, bath salt, candle, soap, hand cream, and more. 

Place your order soon!

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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