Collection: Creative gift ideas for Mother's Day 2026

The origins of Mother's Day

Mother's Day as we know it today has its roots in the early 20th century in the United States. Anna Jarvis, an American activist, led the movement to recognise the achievements and contributions of mothers. On 10 May 1908 she organised the first official Mother's Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia, as a way of commemorating her late mother and highlighting the importance of all mothers. Her efforts led to Mother's Day being officially recognised as a national holiday in the United States in 1914.

Mother's Day across Europe

There is no single Mother's Day date in Europe. Portugal celebrates on the first Sunday in May, while Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Finland mark it on the second Sunday in May. In France and Sweden it falls on the last Sunday in May, in Luxembourg on the second Sunday in June, and Poland keeps a fixed date, 26 May. Whatever the date, the customs are remarkably similar: flowers, a shared meal and a small, personal gift that shows some thought went into it.

How it differs from other holidays

Unlike holidays devoted to religious or historical events, Mother's Day is entirely about the personal relationship between mothers and their children. It differs from Valentine's Day, which celebrates romantic love, and from Father's Day, which focuses on the father figure, by honouring maternal care and the bond within the family. Mother's Day offers a unique opportunity to acknowledge the often unspoken contributions and sacrifices that mothers make throughout their lives.

Why it matters

Mother's Day is more than an occasion for handing over presents; it is a day to pause and appreciate the immeasurable value of a mother's love and devotion. By choosing a thoughtful gift that reflects what makes each mother unique, we can express our deepest appreciation and affection. Understanding the origins and the meaning of this special day lets us celebrate it in a way that is both personal and profound, continuing a tradition of gratitude and appreciation.