Mother's Day with H. Samuel

We look back at the history of Mother’s Day and how it came to be celebrated. We also answer the question ‘when is Mother’s Day this year’, and of course, we also share some Mother’s Day gift ideas to help you find the perfect gift for your perfect mum.

Whether it’s your mum or grandma, your wife, or a friend who’s becoming a mum for the first time, Mother’s Day is all about showing these special ladies just how loved and appreciated they are. It’s a day of well-deserved pampering, maybe breakfast in bed, being treated to lunch, sent a thoughtful card or even being gifted something extra special.

Read on to discover the history of Mother’s Day and how it came to be celebrated. We also answer the question ‘when is Mother’s Day this year’,and explain why the date changes. And, of course, we also share some Mother’s Day gift ideas to help you find the perfect gift for your perfect mum.

WHAT IS MOTHER’S DAY?

Mother’s Day, often known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, is a celebration of mothers and all the wonderful things they do. Celebrated in many countries throughout the world, albeit on different days, it is used as an opportunity to say thanks, give love and honour the lovely ladies in our lives.

There are no rules on how Mother’s Day should be celebrated, but whilst most people used to acknowledge Mother’s Day with a card and flowers, in recent years, many are choosing to spoil their mums with more meaningful and heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts.

MOTHER'S DAY: A HISTORY

To discover the origins of our Mother’s Day history here in the UK, you have to travel back to the 16th century. In those days, it was as known exclusively as ‘Mothering Sunday’, and it was very much a religious festival. Each year, it would be held on the fourth Sunday during Lent.

In America, Mother's Day history goes back to the turn of the 20th century, and it is their enthusiasm that is responsible for shaping the way we celebrate Mother’s Day today. Although previously there had been several smaller movements designed to acknowledge mothers and their vital role in the family, the Mother's Day that we know, and love was started by Anna Jarvis in 1907.

Anna’s late mother, Ann Jarvis, had been a social activist who’d committed her life to creating groups to support and educate mothers. To honour her, Anna worked tirelessly to create a widely celebrated day thanking all mothers for their contributions. The first celebrations took place in 1907, two years after the passing of Ann Jarvis, and, by 1914, Anna’s hard work paid off when US President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday. From then on, Mother's Day quickly became established in over 40 countries globally and the tradition of sending cards and gifts soon followed.

WHAT DATE IS MOTHER'S DAY THIS YEAR?

Mother’s Day falls on many dates around the world. First up on the calendar is Norway, which get the celebrations underway in February, whereas Indonesian mums have to wait until 22nd December before they can look forward to a well-earned day of being spoiled. But it’s the American practice of celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May that most countries mirror.

However, here in the UK, we still celebrate Mother's Day three weeks before Easter Sunday. As the dates of Easter vary each year due to the Paschal Full Moon, so does the date that Mother's Day falls on. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that a question often asked is ‘what date is Mother’s Day this year’? For those of you who are wondering, the date to remember in 2021 is Sunday 14th March.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY FOR MOTHER'S DAY THIS YEAR?

When it comes to choosing a Mother’s Day gift, we all want to find something that will make them feel super special, and maybe even a little bit spoilt. After all, whilst Mother’s Day is just one day, our mother figures are constant sources of support to us.

Flowers and chocolates have been the fallback choices for years, and whilst they are kind gestures, flowers can quickly fade, and chocolates can be quickly scoffed. But, with a little thought, time and imagination, you can find the perfect sentimental gift that will stand the test of time. Highly meaningful, luxurious and heartfelt, a jewellery gift or watch gift is something she’ll treasure forever. If you need a little inspiration, here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas:

WATCH GIFTS

Ladies’ watches are always a great choice and, as they are looked at so often, they offer an everyday reminder of you and the special day you gifted it. If your mum is active and health-conscious, a stylish smartwatch will allow her to track her daily activity, health, wellness and calories burned. Or, if you want to push the boat out, how about a designer watch from a leading brand such as Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Exchange, Tissot or Hamilton. Whatever her taste, you’ll be sure to find something that will make her feel extra special.

JEWELLERY GIFTS

Let’s face it, sparkling jewellery is always going to be a gift with real wow-factor. At H. Samuel, we have a gorgeous selection of rings, earrings, necklaces, lockets and bracelets, in a wide range of eye-catching styles. So whether she loves classic designs or the very latest fashion pieces, we’ve got you covered. Stunning, vivid and colourful gemstone jewellery would also make a fabulous gift. Their spiritual meaning and qualities, such as topaz which symbolises love and affection, give gemstones added sentimental value. For a gift that would be especially perfect for new mums, we have a range of ladies’ jewellery, such as delicate sterling silver pendants featuring the words ‘Mum’ or ‘Mummy’. Something she would undoubtedly treasure forever.

JEWELLERY GIFT SETS AND WATCH GIFT SETS

The perfect stylish gift for those who like wearing multiple pieces, jewellery gift sets are truly stunning and offer great value for money. Our gift sets usually feature a pendant and matching earrings, however, you’ll also find a range of other combinations, including elegant watch gift sets.

HEART-SHAPED JEWELLERY

You can make a really bold and loving statement with heart-shaped jewellery, and you'll be spoilt for choice at H. Samuel. From beautifully crafted sterling silver pendants to dazzling diamond detailed earrings, and even heart motif rings, there are some beautiful and ‘heartfelt’ designs to choose from.


CREATIVE GIFTS

A stylish photo frame, especially one with a lovely family photograph, a picture of her grandchildren, or your favourite snap of your mother, makes for a very personal and treasured keepsake. We even offer engraved photo frames for that extra special touch. You can also browse our full range of personalised Mother’s Day gifts, which includes jewellery boxes, mirrors, mugs, and homeware, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

SHOP MOTHER’S DAY WITH H.SAMUEL

At H. Samuel, we love helping our customers show their family and friends just how much they mean to them. And we hope this guide has given you a few ideas on how to delight your mum this Mother’s Day.

If you need a little more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our full range of Mother’s Day gifts Or, for a more personal service, book a free virtual appointment with one of our friendly team who’ll be more than happy to help you find that perfect piece.