Mother's Day
Did you know that around 141 million cards are bought for Mother’s Day in the UK each year. If they are wrapped in plastic, as a lot of cards still are, then that creates a lot of plastic waste. However, with a little extra thought you can make sure you have a plastic free Mother’s Day. Make sure it’s a good day for the planet as well as a good day for your mum.
But where did Mother’s Day begin?
Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent and this year it falls on Sunday 27th March in the UK (2022).
Traditionally, Mothering Sunday in the UK was a day that both Roman Catholic and Anglican’s went to their “mother” church. It was considered important for people to return to their “mother” church once a year. So, in the middle of Lent people returned to either their main church in the area or one they were baptised in for a service to be held on Laetare Sunday. It is believed that as domestic servants and apprentices were given the day off to return home, it also became a family celebration and hence what we know today as Mother’s Day.
However, in the USA Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and recognises mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well as the positive contributions that they make to society. It was established by Anna Jarvis in 1908.
Wherever you are in the World Mother’s Day should be a day to appreciate all Mother’s. By taking the time to choose the right gift or token. You can do this whilst still following a Zero Waste ethos and helping to ensure it’s a plastic free Mother’s Day.
10 Plastic Free Mother's Day Gift Ideas
When you’re choosing a gift for Mother’s Day it really is the thought that counts. Here are 10 of my plastic free Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.
Pot Plant or Garden Plant
Rather than buying a bunch of flowers that will only last a few days why not buy a pot plant. You can choose a plant that is designed to stay indoors all year round or you could choose something like a Rose Bush that could be planted outside and enjoyed for years. If possible try to buy one that isn’t in a plastic pot or covered with plastic wrapping.
If you’re feeling creative you could make your own planter. An old pair of wellies upcycled and filled with peat free soil and planted with flowers or bulbs works really well.
Locally Grown Sustainable Flowers
If you do buy flowers for Mother’s Day then if possible buy locally grown in season flowers. The flowers are more likely to be plastic free and are a much more sustainable option. Locally grown flowers will have a much lower carbon footprint and are a more eco friendly option.
Check out your local farm shops and independent growers. To find locally grown flowers near you use Flowers From The Farm
Theatre or Concert Tickets
Everyone in our family enjoys music and the theatre. My mum especially loves musicals and the ballet. I know she’d be very happy if I bought her tickets to a show for a Mother’s Day present.
If you don’t want to buy tickets to a specific event you could always buy a Theatre Tokens so that the person you’re giving the gift to can choose their own tickets.
Eco Friendly Plastic Free Gift Set
There are lots of eco friendly gifts that you can buy plastic free. Why not put together a plastic free gift set. Check out the ones available on Etsy
You could either do one for the Bathroom with a bamboo toothbrush, reusable face wipes, lovely handmade soap etc. Or, maybe do one for when they’re out and about with a reusable cup, some organic cotton produce bags and maybe a reusable straw. A pamper set with candle and bath bombs would make a lovely gift as well.
If you take a look at TMG Zero Waste Shop you’ll find lots of ideas and everything comes in plastic free packaging 🙂
Monthly Subscription or Annual Memebership
You can buy subscriptions for so many things from books to Gin !
Or you could buy an annual membership to the National Trust or something similar. The possibilities are endless it just takes a little thought and research to find the right one.
Gift Promise Note
And, remember it doesn’t have to be something you buy to make it a wonderful gift. You could make your own promise note for something you know that your mum or someone would really love. It could be as simple as offering to give the house a spring clean or cook a family meal. You just need to choose something that you know will be appreciated.
Homemade Gifts
There’s an endless list of homemade gifts that you can make and it’s so nice to receive something that you know has taken someone time and effort to make.
You could try making jam, pickles, chilli or herb infused oil. If you’re good a sewing, you could make reusable kitchen cloths to replace paper towels or reusable makeup wipes.
A jar of homemade biscuits or fudge would always be welcome in our house. And, you can package your homemade items in a reusable tin or jar.
Experience Gift
There are so many experience days that you can buy now and they’re a great way to give someone a great present that they will enjoy without any waste.
If you want to do something where you share the experience then a Spa Day or Afternoon Tea might be good choices. I know I’d love either of those and it also gives you the opportunity to spend time with your mum and sometimes that can be the most important part of the gift.
Vintage / Second Hand
You don’t always have to buy new when looking for presents. And, these days you can buy virtually anything second hand from books to bikes. Etsy is a great place to look for vintage or upcycled gifts.
They have some gorgeous vintage jewellery and vintage scarves on their.
Books
Books make wonderful presents and I still love holding a real book to read. And, I love browsing in book shops.
If you want to buy a book as a gift but don’t have time to go to a book shop you can still support independent book stores by buying online from Hive. This is what Hive has to say:
We give independent bookshops a chance to be seen online. We hope it will help them to reach new and different customers. We help them benefit from the sale of all kinds of stuff.
Be a conscious consumer this Mother's Day
This plastic free Mother’s Day Gift Guide is just to help you start thinking about the perfect Mother’s Day present. When you’re looking for gifts be a mindful consumer and think about what you’re buying.
Is it something that will be useful? Think about what it’s made from, is the packaging it’s sold in easy to dispose of without going to landfill.
You should be looking for gifts that are unpackaged or if they do have packaging then it should be minimal and preferably compostable like cardboard. Handmade soaps, books, a nice woollen throw all make lovely presents.
When it comes to buying a card for Mother’s Day make sure that if you buy one that you buy it from an independent shop and it’s not wrapped in plastic or covered with glitter. You don’t even have to buy a card you could write a note or poem on a postcard or even a nice piece of writing paper.
I hope my Plastic Free Mother’s Day Gift Guide has given you some inspiration.
And, remember giving and receiving presents should be fun; and half the fun in giving presents is choosing them.
Make sure you’re a conscious consumer and I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
