Britain’s mums and grandmas crave something different this Mother’s Day, with traditional gifts like chocolates, flowers and slippers topping the list of unwanted presents, according to new research.
Mother's Day on Female First
Six out of ten mums said they hoped their offspring would avoid getting them the sort of ‘default’ gifts they have been accustomed to receive, with a quarter suggesting a new hobby could fit the bill instead.
A third of mums questioned by adult learning website Love to Learn said they would love a present relating to their personal interests, while another third said the ideal gift should make a tangible difference to their long-term happiness – firmly ruling out conventional gifts like store-bought flowers, chocolates or a meal in a restaurant.
This was borne out by nearly three-quarters of mums who described themselves as “eager to learn new things and take up new challenges”.
Gill Jackson, Director of Love to Learn, said: “Mums these days are sassy. Our research shows they want to be surprised with creative and interesting presents.
“We also know that offspring are busy, so tend to leave present buying to the week before – and even the day before for some sons – so shopping online is a great option.”
Love to Learn also questioned sons and daughters on their present-buying choices.
Overall the results showed a major contrast between what Mum wants and what she gets for Mother’s Day, with one in three admitting they tend to buy chocolates or flowers; over half of all sons and daughters concede they struggle when buying gifts; whilst one in five said they do not buy their mum anything at all; and only 43 per cent of kids try to buy their mum something different.
That desire for something special was further illustrated by the choice of top ten celebrity mothers who challenged the stereotype of middle-age, as identified by women who responded to the survey: with actress Joanna Lumley coming top, followed by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, comic Jo Brand, former Countdown brainbox Carol Voderman and Splash! star Linda Barker – none of whom could be described as conventional.
Linda Barker, Celebrity mum and designer, said: “Wouldn't it be fabulous to be given the gift of learning this Mother's Day? The chocolates and the flowers are wonderful of course but how about something a little more long lasting and empowering?
“The research by Love to Learn reveals interesting results that show Britain’s mums are hoping for a gift that has a wider reaching potential.
“Tracing back through a family history to discover forgotten relatives perhaps? Or unleashing the potential of digital photography or how about learning how to get more of what you need from the mighty powers of the Internet?
“Today's it seems that the modern woman is hoping to unleash her true potential and she'd love to receive a gift that simply keeps on giving - Love to Learn can offer her that.”
Love to Learn spoke to more than 1,000 British mums about their expectations of Mothering Sunday presents.
The results make sobering reading for the nation’s children, and, perhaps their dads, especially those who were planning to leave their mum’s Mother’s Day gift to the last minute again this year.
Surprisingly perhaps, a fifth of mums even dismissed the age-old Mother’s Day luxury of breakfast in bed cooked by their kids – because they would only have to clear up the mess in the kitchen afterwards.
The most common complaint about chocolates was that mums were dieting or watching their weight. Flowers came in for criticism as a potential present because they were relatively expensive and didn’t last long.
Gill added: “Our Love to Learn courses will appeal to a wide range of mums. From craft-loving mums to those who are green-fingered; culture appreciators; history lovers and mumpreneurs as well as family history fans.
“With just three clicks, the course is in an online shopping basket ready for the perfect Mother’s Day surprise. Nothing could be better for a mum who’s had enough of chocolates and flowers and loves to be appreciated in a fun and engaging way this year.”
Adult learning website Love to Learn www.lovetolearn.co.uk has launched a series of new courses –for people who want to keep learning on an informal basis in their own time.
Let us know what you get for Mother's Day in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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