Mother’s Day in Australia is one of the most beloved holidays of the year, and in 2023 there are tons of ways to make it a special day for your mum.
Here on this page, you’ll find plenty of ideas and tips to help you plan the perfect Mother’s Day celebration.
From indulging in a special brunch, to going for a picnic in the park, to giving her a heartfelt handmade gift- there are so many ways to show your love and appreciation for your mum this coming Mother’s Day. Make sure to plan ahead and make it a day that your mum will always remember!
When is Mother’s Day celebrated in Australia?
In Australia, Mother’s Day is celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May, similar to the way it is observed in many other countries.
This day provides the opportunity to recognize and express love and appreciation to our mothers, grandmothers, and all the special women in our lives.
Special activities and events may be planned to honor mothers in the family and community, or simply taking the time to spend together. Gifts of flowers, cards, and chocolates are often given as a token of appreciation for all the things mothers do for us.
What day is mothers day in 2023?
This year Mother’s day will fall on Sunday, 14th May.
In the following years Mothers Day will be on:
- 2024 – Sun, May 5, 2024
- 2025 –Sun, May 4, 2025
- 2026 – Sun, May 3, 2026
Mothers Day Australia history and significance
For more than 100 years, Mother’s Day has been celebrated in over 40 countries around the world. It was first initiated in the United States by peace activist Anna Jarvis in 1908.
The idea was sparked by the passing of her mother in 1905 and Anna’s efforts to make the holiday a recognized event. Unfortunately, her proposal was continuously denied by the US Congress. Despite this, Anna continued to honor her mother and held a memorial at St Mathews Methodist Church in West Virginia to celebrate her.
Through Anna’s dedication and perseverance, Mother’s Day has become an internationally recognized occasion to honor the mothers and mother figures in our lives.
When was it first celebrated in Australia?
Mothers Day has been celebrated in Australia since 1910, according to the National Library of Australia, a decade after the tradition started in the USA.
This day is a special time to recognize the incredible strength and courage of mothers, and to thank them for their unconditional love and support.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which mothers have shaped our lives and the lives of those around us. It is a day to celebrate the incredible impact mothers have on the world.
The Leader and Orange Stock and Station News in 1910 stated “Australia celebrated “Mother’s Day” yesterday for the first time…. At special services held in Sydney, white carnations were worn.”
Australian Mother’s Day traditions: things to do on Mothers day with your Mum
Over the years, Mother’s Day has grown to be one of the most widely observed holidays in Australia, with its popularity rivaling that of Father’s Day.
If you are looking for ideas for celebrating your mother in 2023, you are in luck! Australia is a vibrant country with its diverse scenic landscapes, and there are plenty of options available for an unforgettable Mother’s Day.
To name a few, you could organize a picnic in the park, a scenic drive to the beach, or a delicious meal at a cafe or restaurant. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you give your mother the attention and appreciation she deserves!
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Australia on mother’s day which you could think about doing:
- Visit the zoo, art gallery, museum or any other educational sites your Mum might be interested in;
- Take your Mum to the movies and treat her to a new film;
- Do something special that your Mum loves, like a spa day or a shopping trip;
- Go for a family picnic together;
- Have a home cooked lunch together;
- Go to a high tea – always fun;
- Visit a fancy restaurant together
Best Gift Ideas for Mothers Day
In 2023, Mother’s Day has become a widely celebrated holiday, with gift-giving being one of the biggest expressions of love from families all around the world.
Anna Jarvis, the woman who is credited with starting the holiday, once said that “Mothers do more for children than anyone else in this world”.
This serves as an important reminder of why it is so important to show our appreciation and love for our mothers and all mothers on this special day. From flowers to thoughtful cards and jewelry, Mother’s Day is a time to spoil the woman who has done so much for us and deserves the world.
No matter what type of gift you decide to give to your mother on Mother’s Day, it is important to remember that the best gift of all is love and appreciation.
A simple hug and telling her how much you love her is worth more than any material gift. However, if you are looking for something special and memorable to show your mother your appreciation, there are many options available.
You could take her out for a special meal, gift her something she loves or take her on an adventure she’s always wanted to go on. Whatever you decide, make sure it comes from the heart and your mother will be sure to appreciate it.
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances are essential for making life easier in the kitchen. It’s always worth checking to see if your mum needs a new blender or toaster to help make cooking and baking a breeze.
From the newest food processors to the latest coffee makers, there’s a kitchen appliance to make every Mum’s life easier.
So it’s not boring, we would recommend buying her something a little fancy and fun than just a standard frypan. Heres a cool retro breakfast station that we just love and would look great in the home.
Personalised photo book
A personalised photo book for mum is an ideal gift idea. Choose pictures that capture memorable moments you’ve shared together – like birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
You could also throw in some funny photos and funny stories from the past to make her laugh. Not only will this be a meaningful way to show your appreciation, but it will be a great way for your mum to preserve special memories for years to come.
We personally love this photo book for Mum as it is very stylish and practical.
Online Prescription Glasses
Thinking about something practical for Mum, especially if she is a little older and possibly a pensioner who can’t afford the necessities anymore, a pair of online prescription glasses is a great idea as it is something that would be super useful to her.
We have made a guide to the best online prescription glasses that we use. The trick with this present is secretly getting her script from Dad or another family member. After that, the hardest job is done as you can simply attach her script to a reliable online retailer and they come back to you in the mail.
It is even possible to buy prescription sunglasses for a pressie which is a little more fun.
Jewellery
Jewellery is a great way to show your mum how special she is – and if you have the budget, you can truly spoil her with a stunning piece of jewellery.
Watches, chains, and bracelets are all classic Mother’s Day gifts that she’s sure to love – or you could go for something more unique, like a necklace or ring with a special engraving or charm. If your mum loves to accessorise, she’s sure to appreciate a beautiful piece of jewellery that she can wear and cherish for years to come.
If you have the budget to splurge on Mum this year, this necklace is stunning and one she is sure to love.
Perfumes
Perfumes are a great way to show your mom how much you appreciate her on Mother’s Day. Not only is it an amazing gift, but it’s also a chance to show her how much you know her.
Pick out her favourite perfume and watch her face light up with joy when she opens it. It will make the special day even more memorable for both of you and it’s a gift she will be sure to cherish for years to come.
Don’t know which to pick, one of my all time favourites is Coco by Chanel.
Skincare
With so many different skincare products available, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your mother. Whether you’re after something luxurious and high-end or something more affordable, there’s an option for everyone.
You could even opt for a custom set of skincare products, tailored to your mother’s individual needs. From local Australian brands to premium international products, you can find the perfect skincare set for your mum.
Don’t know what to pick? This gift box is SO fun and is sure to put a smile on her face.
Flowers
Flowers are a timeless gift to show your appreciation and love on Mother’s Day. Carnations and Chrysanthemums have long been the classic flowers of choice in Australia for this special day.
But with florists becoming quickly sold out of stock, it’s important to plan ahead and order your bouquet in advance. Show your mother or the mother figure in your life just how much you care by honouring her with a beautiful, heartfelt bouquet – nothing says ‘I love you’ more.
Is Mothers Day Australia a Public Holiday?
Mother’s Day in Australia is not a public holiday, but it is still widely celebrated as it is observed on a Sunday so you don’t have to worry about work (at least for most of us!)
Many families use this special occasion as an opportunity to express their love and appreciation for their mothers, by spending quality time together, exchanging gifts, and preparing meals.
It is a wonderful opportunity to show how much mothers are appreciated and loved by their families, and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Is there a surcharge for restaurants on Mother’s Day?
Despite the fact it is not a public holiday, because of the popularity of the day, restaurants and other hospitality venues often charge a supplement or surcharge.
Is Mother’s Day in School Holidays?
No, generally, it falls mid-way through Term 2 of school for New South Wales and Victoria, which means it’s outside of school holidays.
This makes it an ideal time for families to get together and celebrate the mothers in their lives. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out or just spending quality time together, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to the special women in your life.
Are shops open on mother’s day in Australia?
Yes, as it is not a public holiday, shops will be open as usual on Mother’s Day. As mentioned above, some restaurants may have a service charge on the day.
How is Mother’s Day different in Australia to other countries?
Traditions are similar in Australia to the US and UK. The day it is celebrated can vary by country.
Mother’s Day is celebrated across the globe in over 168 countries, with each country having its own unique traditions. While the majority of countries, such as Australia, the United States, and Canada, celebrate the holiday on the second Sunday of May, the UK observes Mother’s Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
As times have changed, many countries have adapted their own dates to recognize the holiday. For instance, Japan and Thailand celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, but in India, the holiday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of April.
No matter the date, the celebration of Mother’s Day is a time to recognize and show gratitude to the mothers in our lives.
Why is it celebrated on a different day in the UK?
There is no exact reason for this – other than it is just the day that a particular country selected. Behind the scenes there can be some politics to it, such as time of year (whether it will be warm and sunny) and how many special days are around it.
Mother’s Day is widely celebrated on different dates around the globe as a civil holiday. While many countries, such as Australia, Canada, China and New Zealand, opt to follow the United States in celebrating it on the second Sunday of May, other countries have chosen to designate a different date in order to honour mothers when they deem it most appropriate.
Regardless of the date, Mother’s Day is a special occasion that is cherished by many, as it provides the opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to the maternal figures in our life.
Similar Holidays to Mother’s Day in Australia
Despite Mother’s Day being voted as the most important special day of the year by almost half of Australians, it is not an official public holiday. Other significant days that are not public holidays include Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day and Remembrance Day.
Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, a day dedicated to honouring fathers and father figures in our lives.
Furthermore, other traditional holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas are widely celebrated across Australia. These holidays bring families and friends together, providing an opportunity to enjoy quality time with each other.
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What are you doing this mother’s day? Do you have a cool special tradition – let us know!