Mother's Day Guide
Date, gift ideas, brunch planning, and ways to make the second Sunday of May meaningful without the last-minute scramble.
Mother's Day is always the second Sunday of May - May 10 in 2026, May 9 in 2027, May 14 in 2028, and May 13 in 2029. It celebrates mothers and mother figures with gifts, cards, meals out, and time together.
Upcoming Mother’s Day Dates
| Year | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, May 10 | Two weeks after Easter |
| 2027 | Sunday, May 9 | Day before May spring break ends in some districts |
| 2028 | Sunday, May 14 | Mid-May, before summer moves in |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 13 | Mother’s Day and the beginning of summer vibes |
$0 to Thoughtful: Gift Ideas
The best Mother’s Day gift is a clear knowing - something tailored to the person, not the holiday. Quick ideas:
- Time: a no-phones lunch, a photo walk, or taking one task off her plate completely.
- Handmade: a card, a framed family photo, or a favorite recipe boxed up.
- Experiences: a spa day, a class, or tickets to a concert from the concert calendar.
- Subscription-level thought: a delivery of her favorite coffee or tea through the following season.
Brunch: Book It Early
Mother’s Day brunch is the most-booked meal of the spring. Restaurants typically open reservations 2-6 weeks ahead, and prime slots vanish within days. Mark the date, call at opening time, and confirm the number in your party plus any dietary notes. If a reservation is out of reach, a home brunch with a few flowers and good coffee is every bit as loved - and never bookable-out.
What About In Between?
Mother’s Day sits right between spring break and the summer season. Spread the thoughtfulness across the week - a note early, the main event on Sunday, and a follow-up walk later in the week - so the holiday feels less like a single chore and more like a whole season of appreciation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official date of Mother's Day?
The second Sunday of May in the United States and many other countries. In 2026 it is May 10; in 2027, May 9; in 2028, May 14; in 2029, May 13.
Why is Mother's Day on a Sunday?
The US tradition, formalized by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s, set it on a Sunday so families would have a church-friendly day to honor mothers. Other countries celebrate on different dates.
How early should I book a Mother's Day brunch?
As soon as reservations open, commonly 2-6 weeks before. Prime times disappear fastest, particularly in the two weekends leading up to the holiday.
What if I can't see my mom on the day?
Celebrate a day early or a week later, and send a note on the day itself. The date is a convenience, not a contract - the thought is what counts.