Mother's Day 2024: What you need to know to give mom the perfect day this year

Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·4 min read

CORRECTION: Earlier versions of this story gave an incorrect date for Mother's Day in 2024. It's May 12.

Mother's Day is right around the corner so it's time to make sure you're checking things off your list.

  • Make brunch reservations.

  • Order your flowers.

  • Purchase a card.

  • Buy the glue and glitter so your children can make the homemade Mother's Day card (only works for kids under the age of 13).

  • Make sure the Dustbuster and Roomba are charged to clean up after the children.

  • Get the house cleaned, making sure it's Mom clean – which is an infinite number of levels above Dad clean.

There's much to do to ensure Mom has a relaxing day so here's some information to help you plan.

When is Mother's Day 2024?

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12, 2024.

What to get Mom for Mother's Day?

Either you have a job or Dad gave you $50 to go out and find something nice for your mother. Here's a hint, don't buy her a card and pocket the remaining $45. No good will come from that. And Dad, don't go out and buy her something you like and pass it off as a gift to her. Many a TV sitcom has humorously shown how both plans will end up and it won't be funny.

Here are a few ideas on what to get Mom.

  • 41 Best Mother's Day Gifts Your Mom Actually Wants: While there are a variety of different types of moms, this list has something for everyone. From the practical mom who wants useful gifts (a Dutch oven, ceramic canisters or slippers) to a pampered mom (bath bombs, a bathtub caddy or eye massager) to party moms (cupcakes or wine subscriptions) to athletic moms (Fitbits, water bottles and yoga mats).

  • 15 Mother's Day gift basket ideas for any kind of mom: Your mom is so awesome that one present just isn't enough. Here's a list of gift basket ideas including a Red Wine gift basket, white wine, cheese and fruit gift tower, a classic soup package for comfort food night and, of course, Ghirardelli's Chocolate.

  • 23 thoughtful Mother's Day gifts for your wife: Ok Dad, it's time to deliver. She may not be your mom, but not delivering on Mother's Day is akin to forgetting a birthday, anniversary or Valentine's Day. It's not a solid idea. Here are some options from Lululemons to memory foam slippers to Apple AirPod Pros.

Just in time for Mother's Day 2024: Starbucks releases new drinkware for mom on her special day

Where to take Mom on Mother's Day 2024

OK, time to get real about the brunch thing. If you have a reservation, great, but be prepared. To put it in terms guys will understand – Mother's Day is the Super Bowl Sunday for restaurant owners. It's busy and if you don't have a reservation it might feel like Super Bowl Sunday before you get a table.

But, if you do your homework and make reservations you have a shot at a pleasant morning. Here are some restaurant options from Krys'tal Griffin.

Instead of facing a crowded dining room for brunch or dinner, a classy option might be taking Mom to tea before or after the holiday. It's not as frumpy as it sounds, and it's a much more relaxing and civilized way to enjoy some one-on-one time with a woman who deserves to be pampered. Here are some options from Patricia Talorico

When did Mother's Day start?

According to History.com, the first modern-day celebration of mothers was Mothering Day in Europe. It was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was seen as a time to return to "mother church." The holiday became more secular with children giving their moms presents or flowers.

The seeds of Mother's Day in the United States started around the time of the Civil War. Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia would teach women how to care for children with "Mother's Day Work Clubs." The clubs became a unifying force after the Civil War as mothers gathered with Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Jarvis' daughter, Anna Jarvis, conceived Mother's Day as a way to honor her mother, and with the help of Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker, she organized the first Mother's Day in 19087 at a Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. On the same day, thousands of people attended a Mother's Day event at Wanamaker's store.

After the initial success, Anna Jarvis pushed for the holiday to be added to the national calendar, noting that American holidays were slanted toward male achievement. Her work paid off as President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure establishing Mother's Day in 1914.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Mother's Day 2024: When is Mother's Day this year & Mother's Day gifts