Unpacking The Psychology Of Mother's Day Gifts
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - This Sunday is Mother's Day and, for many of us, finding the perfect gift for mom can be tough.
We checked out some ideas and talked with a psychologist about why we care so much about getting it right.
At Bibelot on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, they've made shopping for Mother's Day an event.
Joan Potter is a sales associate who's been helping those who need advice.
"The ones who know what mom wants are good because they just go pick it," she said. "But a lot of men, they walk in and they are like"--she turns her head around slowly--"you know that look: 'Well, I need a gift for my wife."
So why is there so much pressure to make mom happy on this holiday?
We asked Dr. Cheryl Bemel, psychologist for Allina Health in West St. Paul.
"It is the concept that mom carried us inside for nine months," Bemel said. "That was a big, big duty. And paying respects."
She said don't underestimate the power of helping out with household chores. Many moms love that.
"A lot of women just want things to be made easier, at least for that day," Bemel said. "Get some chores done, allow them to put their feet up. Maybe some pampering. Just allow them to relax."
Back at Bibelot, Potter showed us some items like Baggallini bags.
"This one is a backpack," she said. "I use this every day. It's lightweight. You can get lots of things in it. There's a little coin purse."
She also showed us colorful skirts with adjustable waists and small purses attached to them.
We talked with a high school student who found something for her mom but asked us not to spoil the surprise.
"I had a hard time today, but I found some more useful things that she'll actually use around the house, hopefully," Ines Siepmann said.
Bemel said if all else fails, try this: "Just ask her, What would make you feel special and remind you that you are the most important woman to me?"
That question alone could be considered a gift.
More phone calls are made on Mother's Day than any other day of the year. The holiday has been known to cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37 percent.