For many, Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women who raised us — with flowers, brunches, and heartfelt cards (take inspiration from the 15 gift ideas in this blog).

For countless other moms in Canada, it’s not so simple.

In Canada, many moms are quietly struggling — with financial stress, mental health challenges, and the daily demands of parenting without a support system. While social media is full of picture-perfect tributes, the truth is, some of the most powerful moments of motherhood go unseen.

This Mother’s Day, we’re shining a light on both the unseen struggles and the quiet support that shape a mother’s journey. Because while motherhood may be invisible at times, no mom should feel alone.

The History of Mother’s Day in Canada

Mother’s Day is celebrated in many cultures around the world, though the date varies by country. In Canada and the United States, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May.

The very first Mother’s Day took place in 1907, when Anna Jarvis organized a memorial service in Philadelphia to honour her own mother, who had devoted her life to organizing women’s groups that promoted health and friendship. That heartfelt tribute sparked a movement. Just five years later, nearly every state in America was marking the occasion. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother’s Day a national holiday – and Canada soon followed.

What began as one woman’s tribute to her mother became a global tradition, giving families everywhere a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the women who raised them.

What is Mother’s Day all about?

Although it’s not a stat holiday – we don’t get the day off work – Mother’s Day is meant to be a day of recognition and gratitude for the moms in our lives.

Because Mother’s Day takes place in May, it is seen largely as a spring event – which is why the majority of mother’s day gifts tend to be flowers. 

In 2024, the Retail Council of Canada noted that the trend to celebrate Mother’s Day in Canada waned slightly, from 72% of Canadians observing the mom-focused holiday in 2023, to 60% in 2024.

Like other holidays, Mother’s Day has become commercialised. Of those who planned to purchase a gift for Mother’s Day, 56.2% planned to spend more than $50.00 in 2024 – something that many Canadians aren’t able to do.

The amount you’re spending doesn’t matter half as much as whether or not your choice of gift is truly thoughtful.

Choosing a Mother’s Day Gift

Brunch and flowers are lovely—but they’re not everything.

Contrary to what the commercials might suggest, most moms aren’t just hoping for a bouquet and a reservation. What they truly want is to feel seen, appreciated, and deeply loved by the people they care for every day.

The best Mother’s Day gift is one that reflects who she is—not just as a mom, but as a whole person.

Start by asking yourself: What brings her joy?
(And if you’re shopping on behalf of your kids—what lights up their mom?)

🌸 Does she need a break?
Offer to take the kids for a few hours or head out with them so she can enjoy uninterrupted time. Whether it’s a nap, a bath, or a quiet book, peace and quiet can be the most luxurious gift of all.

☕ Is she a tea or coffee lover?
Pick out a specialty blend, or go all out and treat her to high tea at a local venue.

📚 Does she love books?
Take her to the bookstore—or even better, send her there solo or with a friend while you hold down the fort. Giving her the time and space to browse at her own pace (without toddlers tugging at her hand) can feel like magic.

This year, skip the generic. Give her a gift that says: I see you. I appreciate you. I know what makes you smile.

Also Read: What to write in a baby shower card – take tips from this blog to draft your Mother’s Day card! 

15 Mother’s Day gift Ideas for Canadian Moms

​Celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Often, the most cherished gifts are those that come from the heart and involve thoughtfulness and time. Here are ten low to no-cost gift ideas that Canadian moms will appreciate:​

1. Personalized Playlist
   • Create a playlist of songs that hold special memories or that you think she’ll enjoy. This thoughtful gesture can accompany her during daily routines or relaxation time.
2. Memory Jar
   • Fill a jar with notes recalling fond memories, reasons you appreciate her, or quotes that remind you of her. She can read one whenever she needs a pick-me-up.
3. Handwritten Letter
   • In the digital age, a heartfelt handwritten letter expressing your love and gratitude can be a treasured keepsake.
4. Digital Slideshow
   • Compile family photos and videos into a digital slideshow set to her favourite music. This can be a touching trip down memory lane.
5. Homemade Coupon Book
   • Create coupons offering services like a home-cooked meal, a day of chores done, or a movie night of her choice. This allows her to redeem thoughtful acts when she wishes.
6. Nature Walk Together
   • Spend quality time together by taking a walk in a local park or nature reserve. The fresh air and conversation can be rejuvenating.
7. Cook Her Favorite Meal
   • Prepare a meal or bake a treat she loves. Sharing food made with love can be a delightful experience.
8. At-Home Spa Experience
   • Offer her a relaxing spa day at home with a foot massage, a warm bath prepared with care, or a simple facial using household ingredients.
9. Book Exchange
   • If she’s an avid reader, suggest exchanging favourite books with each other and discussing them, creating a mini book club experience.
10. Gardening Together
    • Spend time together tending to her garden or planting new flowers or herbs. This not only beautifies her space but also provides a bonding activity.
11. DIY Photo Frame or Scrapbook
    • Use materials you already have at home to craft a simple photo frame or mini scrapbook. Add a few favourite printed photos and write little captions — it’s a timeless keepsake she can display or flip through.
12. Sunrise Coffee or Tea Date
    • Wake up early and surprise her with coffee or tea outside to watch the sunrise together. Whether it’s on the porch, balcony, or backyard, it’s a quiet, peaceful way to connect before the day begins.
13. Podcast Walk or Drive
    • Pick a podcast episode she’d love, invite her on a walk or drive, and listen together. It’s a fun way to share something new and have a conversation afterwards.
14. Organize Something for Her
    • Whether it’s the junk drawer, the pantry, her digital photos, or calendar — pick a small area she’s been wanting to get to and take care of it for her. It’s a silent task that speaks volumes.
15. Curated “Me Time” Hour
    • Create a no-interruptions “Me Time” hour: draw her a bath, leave her with her favourite book, show, or journal, and handle everything else so she can fully unplug and unwind.

Remember, the essence of Mother’s Day is to show appreciation and love. Thoughtfulness is a gift that fills the heart.

Mother’s Day isn’t easy for every mother

Sadly, not every mother gets acknowledgement on Mother’s Day.

While many celebrate, thousands of Canadian mothers face Mother’s Day feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unseen. In 2020, over 350,000 single mothers aged 35–44 lived in Canada, and many spend the day without acknowledgment or support.

Low-income families – with 2.32 million Canadians living below the poverty line between 2020 and 2021 – often face financial barriers that make gift-giving or experiences feel out of reach.

Mental health adds another layer of complexity. As of 2022, nearly 12% of women reported generalized anxiety, and over 18% experienced major depression—with many of them also being moms. For some, Mother’s Day can trigger grief, loss, or unresolved trauma, especially for mothers who have experienced miscarriage, infertility, strained maternal relationships, or the loss of a child.

That’s why support matters so deeply. Whether emotional or practical, having a village around her—especially on days like Mother’s Day—can make all the difference. Every mom deserves to feel seen, supported, and remembered.

Read our other blogs to find out the importance of mom friends postpartum, and some tips for how to make friends as an adult.

Mother’s Day in Canada: Share the Love with More Canadian Moms

 What every mom needs for Mother’s Day is support, love, recognition of her efforts, and help with the things that feel difficult. Maternal health is important for healthy child development, and we want to provide the support moms need to feel healthy and confident in their parenting. 

At Care For Women, we believe that motherhood was never meant to be done alone. On Mother’s Day every year, we want to raise moms up and connect them with the support they need.  

Care For Women exists to come alongside women in the complex and challenging first stage of motherhood – the newborn stage – by providing compassionate care and support through the postpartum journey… A time when mothers are tender, both physically and mentally, and benefit greatly from the support of a motherhood mentor. 

Our mentees are new moms who are:  

• Eager to find seasoned moms who are here to help and support you 
• Connect with other mothers in the same stage as you
• Hoping to access in-house support for approximately 4 weeks postpartum 

If you are seeking support, you can sign up for care to be connected with a mentor before your due date. 

 We are currently accepting applications for pregnant mothers in need of assistance in Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, and Chilliwack, BC. 

Whether you have personally struggled with motherhood or not, consider becoming a mentor, a friend, and a helper to a mother who doesn’t have the benefit of the support she needs to thrive in her parenting journey. 

If you don’t live in the geographic location of our services, but this mission is important to you, you can still support new mothers. Mothering doesn’t just happen on Mother’s Day – and moms need support year-round. 

Donate today, and help us do motherhood, together.