Mother’s Day falls this weekend, prompting reminders for cards, gifts, and thoughtful gestures. As families across Australia plan celebrations, some mothers have shared personal stories of gifts that stood out.
These stories reflect gestures ranging from kind strangers to practical tools. The responses serve as a reminder that meaningful gifts come in many forms.
A Stranger’s Kindness Leaves a Lasting Impact
Gay Prater from Lake Wales, Florida, recounted an act of kindness that deeply moved her. She had gone out for breakfast on Mother’s Day and felt a wave of sadness.
“When the waitress came I asked for the check and she said, ‘Oh, the gentleman who was sitting at that table over there — and he had already left, of course — paid your check.’ And he was about the age of my children. And it’s like, well, you know what? I guess he’s missing his mom, just like I’m missing my children.”
A Message That Meant Everything
Lyn Comer in Mount Prospect, Illinois, recalled a heartfelt text message. At the time, she had not yet become a mother.
“A work colleague knew we were adopting and in a simple act of genuine kindness on the morning of Mother’s Day, she sent me a text message wishing me a very happy Mother’s Day. Although we wouldn’t bring our son home until the following March, her thoughtfulness moved me to tears.”
Gifts Found in Simplicity and Nature
Analisa Allen from Chatham, New York, embraced a gift rooted in experience. She asked her family for a “no complaints hike.”
“Having my children hike in the woods and not ask, ‘When are we going to be home?’ made me feel loved. And as my two children grew older, the hikes became longer. And now they have moved from the East Coast to the Rockies. So guess what they do for fun on weekends?”
Barbara Mantler in Baltimore shared a unique hiking memory involving a carefully planned surprise from her husband.
“As we were hiking, we happened upon subs and a bottle of prosecco that were hidden in the woods. My husband had gone out earlier to hide the food so that we could have this lovely surprise.”
Time for Themselves Offers Renewed Energy
Laura Atkins in South Bend, Indiana, decided to take control of her Mother’s Day experiences. She began giving herself what she called “do-overs.”
“I finally decided to start gifting myself Mother’s Day do-overs. It’s usually a day out with myself or a few friends, but the most fun one I had was going to an amusement park with a friend who was also another disappointed mom. We had a great time.”
Amy Hill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, received a different kind of gift that allowed her to recharge. She enjoyed a weekend alone.
“I was given a weekend in Cape May, N.J, all by myself. I walked on the beach, read, journaled, prayed, slept in late, and when I came back home, I was refreshed.”
Making Memories Across Distance
Mary Janacek lived in Los Angeles while her mother remained in Arkansas. With limited funds, she decided to send a homemade gift.
“I barely had anything to spend on Mother’s Day, but I did have a margarita recipe. I went to the store and I got some limes and made fresh margaritas for my mother, packed it up in a thermos and packed the thermos in a box and overnighted it to her. And she called me on Mother’s Day after a couple of margaritas and was beyond delighted. Though she passed away almost six years ago, I can still hear her in my head, like those grateful giggles over the phone.”
Functional Gifts That Last
Nancy Sage in Charlton, Massachusetts, received a gift that she continues to use more than two decades later. It came from a hardware store.
“Years ago, my husband bought me a dolly: not the toy, but the tool. Over the two decades that I have had it, we have put that baby to work in the garden, moving furniture and appliances, stone blocks and other heavy things. When my daughter was little, my husband would even give her rides around the yard.”
Chocolate as the Universal Gift
For those uncertain about gifts, chocolate remains a simple and appreciated option. Many families rely on this standby when short on time or ideas.
Australia Gets Ready for Mother’s Day
Australians are expected to spend significantly this weekend. The Australian Retailers Association forecasts $925 million in Mother’s Day spending. Florists, restaurants, and gift shops report surges in demand.
Families will mark the day with breakfast outings, flowers, and gifts both grand and small. Whether a thoughtful message or a piece of hardware, these gifts show the many ways people honour mothers in their lives.
