What mums really want for Mother’s Day

With Mothering Sunday fast approaching (Sunday 19th March 2023 by the way), the search is on to find the perfect present to thank all those amazing mums out there.

Perhaps something a little different from the usual flowers and chocolates?

So what would really make their day extra special this year? Holiday Cottage Compares takes a closer look!

What is Mother’s Day?

An annual celebration of motherhood, Mother’s Day is marked across the world on many different dates (but frequently sometime in March or May), as a means of thanking mums everywhere for their relentless hard work and love, much of which otherwise goes unnoticed!

Whilst motherhood has been celebrated by many cultures for centuries, the modern incarnation of Mother’s Day was established (and even trademarked) by American Anna Jarvis in 1908, to honour all mothers - because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".

Notably, Jarvis was clear about “Mother’s” being a singular possessive “for each family to honor its own mother” rather than a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world.

Increasingly commercialised since its establishment (something Jarvis was said to have deeply regretted), it nevertheless remains a great opportunity to celebrate the unsung mums in our lives, who do so much for us.

What do mothers want on Mother’s Day in 2023?

Each year, the sales of chocolates and flowers rocket around Mother’s Day. And of course, we’re all incredibly grateful for either of those, any day of the year!

But given the choice, what would mums choose themselves as a Mother’s Day gift?

Well, research seems to suggest that experiences count for a lot more than actual gifts, when it comes to celebrating Mothering Sunday.

Experiences rather than actual gifts

The Sun newspaper reported that mums on the online site Mumsnet really wanted the following on Mother’s Day (source):

• Hand-made card
• Flowers
• A walk with family
• Dinner cooked for them
• Hugs and cuddles
• Peace and quiet
• Hot bath
• Family time

Time with the family came out time and time again as a top wish, with country walks a big favourite.

One mum wrote hoping for “a nice homemade card, breakfast in bed, a simple dinner cooked by them and no fighting between them all day; best gift ever!”

Whilst another noted that “A card, a bunch of flowers and some chocolates is the usual. Time together as a family is the best gift.”

So if time together as a family is a recurrent theme, what are the options for spending Mother’s Day together?

The best present is time together

For parents of small children, alongside a handmade card, families might also consider doing something different on the day itself, for example, heading out for a family friendly lunch, with a walk afterwards to entertain the kids.

Of course, a special Sunday lunch out is always appreciated by mums of older children too. Even better if it doesn’t have to feature a soft play area because your kids have finally grown out of them!

There can be little better than your children returning home from far away to spend the day with you over a long lunch.

Looking to mark a special year for your mum?

If this last year has been a tough one for your mum, then you might want to make Mother’s Day extra special.

Perhaps consider a spa day with her and share some pampering treatments such as a facial or manicure. Or maybe take time off to spend the weekend with her, somewhere completely new?

You could choose to book a couple of nights somewhere your mum has always wanted to visit.

Or even better, book some unusual accommodation, for example, a lighthouse, tower or shepherd’s hut?!

Here at Holiday Cottage Compare, we’ve already taken bookings for short breaks over the Mother’s Day weekend – and of course, your break doesn’t need to be limited to this particular weekend.

Booking a holiday cottage break away for Mother’s Day 2023

Whether you’re looking for a larger holiday cottage to accommodate you all gathering together as one big family, or perhaps a quirky holiday cottage such as a shepherd’s hut or lighthouse, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for at Holiday Cottage Compare.

If you all fancy relaxing together, you might also want to consider a holiday cottage with a hot tub.

Whatever you are looking for, our search functionality makes it quick and easy to find the perfect holiday cottage.

And with over 14,000 holiday cottages and self-catering apartments throughout the UK, we have definitely got something for everyone.

But if you’d rather we find the perfect place for you, then please contact our concierge service and tell us what you are looking for in your next holiday cottage.

We aim to get back to you with tailored suggestions that meet all your requirements within 24 hours.