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Forbes
09-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Mother's Day Gifts That Show Love And Protect The Planet
Daughter hugging mother Mother's Day is just days away, and while we scramble for thoughtful ways to show love, we often overlook the hidden environmental costs that come with last-minute gift-buying. While this day is not just for biological mothers, it is a chance to honor anyone who has played a nurturing role in our lives, whether that is a grandma, an auntie, an older sister, or a teacher. These women deserve our appreciation and stemming from that, the planet deserves our mindfulness too. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are projected to spend $34.1 billion on Mother's Day in 2025, marking a slight increase from $33.5 billion in 2024 and approaching the record $35.7 billion set in 2023. This enduring commitment to honoring the women who nurture, guide, and uplift us reflects the deep value placed on these relationships. However, amidst this outpouring of affection, it is worth considering how our expressions of love can also honor the planet via embracing sustainable gifting practices that still honor them. You can show deep appreciation to the mothers, aunties, grandmas, and nurturing women in your life without harming the planet, or contributing to the exploitation of workers in underregulated supply chains. Here are 7 last-minute, sustainable Mother's Day gifts that are easy to pull off and rich in meaning. Peony boquet Globally, Mother's Day is among the top gift-giving holidays, with millions purchasing cards, flowers, and novelty items that often end up in landfills. Additionally, Mother's Day often is synonymous with giving flowers, however a single flower imported by air emits up to 3 kg of CO₂ based on a Tree Nation report. Choosing potted plants, such as roses or other native flowering species or locally sourced flowers, offer a sustainable alternative and serves as a lasting reminder of your affection once given the right care. For example, Appleyard London is a sustainable flower brand that sources blooms from British and Kenyan farms, reinvesting in local communities by supporting fair wages, safe working conditions, healthcare, childcare, and education; all while minimizing waste through smart forecasting, using mostly recyclable packaging, and constantly improving their eco-conscious practices. In the USA, brands such as BloomsyBox is a sustainable flower option. Mother and baby girl watering own organic garden. Does your mom have a garden or flower beds? Help her conserve water and reduce her utility bill by gifting a rain barrel or a basic irrigation system. In drier regions, outdoor watering can account for up to 60% of household water use, according to the U.S. EPA. A rainwater harvesting setup can save thousands of gallons annually, while also protecting local water tables. Not only is it practical and eco-conscious, but she will think of you every time she waters her plants. Here is a DIY video to get you started if you want to create this thoughtful gift for mom. herbs growing in kitchen Start her a kitchen garden with potted herbs like mint, rosemary, basil, and thyme. These are easy to grow on a windowsill or balcony, and perfect for teas, soups, or dinner. You can pick up seedlings from a local plant nursery for a meaningful gift that grows with time. Every mom has a house project that she has been quietly or loudly wishing would get done. Whether it is fixing the curtain rod, organizing the pantry, or helping her rehang photos, giving your time to check something off her mental to-do list is a love language that all moms understand. The bonus is that it costs nothing, creates zero waste, and means a lot. Schedule some time with mom to be her project support for a day or a few hours. Vaia Cube amplifies sound from cellphone Instead of the typical mass-produced body care kits, curate a gift basket from local artisans or farmers' markets. Handmade soaps, soy candles, ceramics, herbal oils, and naturally dyed scarves make for a luxurious and eco-conscious experience. If buying new, prioritize brands committed to ethics and the environment—like Vaia, which creates products made from the wood of the 16 million trees that were destroyed in the Vaia storm in Italy. A recommendation is the Vaia Cube which is a passive sound amplifier that requires no electricity and the added sustainable benefit is that each purchase supports reforestation efforts in the Dolomites, with one tree planted for every unit sold. Another sustainable option, is considering planting a tree in her honor through One Tree Planted—a $1 donation equals one tree, and supports global reforestation. Studies consistently show that experiences create more lasting joy than material gifts Plan something simple but meaningful: a paint-and-sip session, a movie night, a beach picnic, or even a cozy dinner at home where you do the cooking. Shared time is the gift that mom will talk about for years. If you are apart from mom, a virtual mom date with a surprise food delivery or a personal video message still carries heart and minimal environmental impact. Shot of a young woman helping her mother to use her cellphone Let's face it, your mom already thinks that you are a tech guru. It may not sound glamorous, but helping her figure out her TV remote, organize apps on her phone, fix her Wi-Fi, adjust her privacy settings or adjusting her phone volume can be a true act of service. You will save her time, frustration, and maybe a ton of missed calls as well as the temptation to replace her devices prematurely which are 'not working'. This act of service will contribute to reduced e-waste, which is the fastest-growing waste stream globally according to a Word Health Organization 2024 report. Mother's Day should be about reflection, gratitude, and intentional care, not just spending money. More of us are realizing that. According to a 2018 Accenture report, nearly 60% of consumers are now choosing brands that align with their values, including environmental and social responsibility. This year, skip the plastic-wrapped rush gifts and go for something deeper. Show her that loving her includes honoring the world she helped shape, the one you both live in.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Still don't know what to get your mom for Mother's Day? Here are a few tips and gift ideas
New moms, stay at home moms, working moms, foster moms, dog moms, moms who have suffered loss, moms of adult children, grandmas and mother figures; they all deserve to feel loved on Mother's Day. Sunday, May 11 is a day to honor moms and express gratitude and love. Flowers, a meal that mom doesn't have to cook or clean up or a fun family day are all nice ways to honor the moms in your life. Here's a list of some special local restaurants that serve brunch on Sunday: Where: 3129 W. Noble Ave. What to know: Restaurant is open from 6 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (559) 372-7149 Where: 210 N. Court St. What to know: Reservations are recommended. A special Mother's Day brunch is being served on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Call to reserve a spot: (559) 713-2114 Where: 6836 W. Pershing Ave. What to know: Store hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 216 N. Willis St. What to know: Mother's Day Brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for reservations: (559) 733-3033 Handmade cards, flowers, chocolate, a pedicure or spa day, jewelry and perfume are all traditional Mother's Day gifts that can make your mom feel special. May 2025 holiday schedule: Mother's Day, Memorial Day, more If you are looking for something less expensive but just as special for the moms in your life, here are a few fun ideas: Watch a movie or show with your mom; yummy snacks are a bonus. Create a custom slideshow/video of photos on your phone and watch it together. Take care of the chores she dislikes (Do the dishes, laundry, mopping, dusting. A little time and effort goes a long way and doesn't cost a penny). Help her with a project (yard work or deep clean part of the house) Pick her a wildflower bouquet. Go on a family hike or drive. Create an appreciation jar. Fill a Mason jar with pieces or paper that tell mom why she is special. No matter how you choose to celebrate the special moms/nurturers in your life, make sure to tell them how much you appreciate all that they do for you. Kind words go a long way for hardworking moms. This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Take mom to one of these Visalia restaurants for Mother's Day brunch
