Mother’s Day: When It Happens & What to Gift

In Canada, Mother’s Day always falls on the second Sunday in May; this year, that’s May 11, 2025. It’s not a state holiday, but it’s a tradition that sticks. Restaurants fill up, brunch tables get set, and people pick up the phone or knock on a door with something in hand.

If you’re wondering how it compares to elsewhere. In the UK, Mother’s Day (or Mothering Sunday) has roots in the church calendar and falls in March. In the US, the date is the same as ours, but the scale can be… different. Think bigger, louder, and more commercial.

What Makes a Good Gift for Mum? A Few Things That Always Work.

There’s always a bouquet.
There’s always a smile.
Sometimes, there’s a small box with jewellery inside.
Other times, it’s the lipstick she’s been holding off on buying for herself.
It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to feel like you noticed.

Maybe it’s a tall sculptural vase, because those flowers deserve better than the chipped one under the sink.
Or a candleholder, paired with a bottle of bath oil that smells like quiet.
A framed print that finally fills the blank spot in the hallway.
A bowl for her keys, or for nothing at all, just because it looks good sitting there.

These are things she’ll live with. Use, move around, and maybe even brag about.
You’re not looking for a grand gesture. You’re looking for something that fits the way she lives.

They aren’t filler gifts. They’re functional, beautiful pieces with just enough design to feel special, without shouting about it.

Dos and Don’ts

Do: keep it personal, useful, and well-considered. If she likes design, give her something for her space.
Don’t: default to whatever’s stacked by the checkout. Skip the one-size-fits-all gifts and anything that feels like an obligation. No one wants a mug that says “World’s Best Mum” unless they picked it themselves.