The History of Mother’s Day & the Art of Gifting

At Stardust & Stems, we recognize that Mother’s Day can stir up a wide range of emotions. Not everyone has a mother who is still living, and not everyone has a relationship with their mother that feels celebratory. While this article explores the history of Mother’s Day and meaningful ways to honor maternal figures, we want to preface it with compassion. However you choose to spend the day—whether in remembrance, quiet reflection, self-nurturing, or celebration—we see you, and we hold space for your experience.

Some of us are honoring mothers who have passed on, carrying their memory in small rituals and scent-soaked nostalgia. Others may feel distant, estranged, or uneasy with the idea of celebration due to complicated or painful maternal relationships.

Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration—but for many, it’s also tender, complex, or bittersweet.

Before we step into the history of Mother’s Day and explore traditional ways to honor it, we want to share a few gentle, alternative ideas for observing this day in ways that feel more supportive, grounding, or personal—especially if you’re navigating grief, distance, or emotional complexity.

You might consider:

• Creating a perfume altar or scent ritual in memory of someone you’ve lost

• Writing a letter you never send, to process feelings or find closure

• Gifting yourself something soft and indulgent as an act of self-nurturing

• Celebrating a friend, mentor, or chosen family who’s offered love in maternal ways

However you choose to spend the day, we invite you to approach it with kindness—for yourself, for your story, and for the emotions this season may stir.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who have nurtured, loved, and shaped us. Whether honoring a mother, grandmother, or a maternal figure, the act of giving a thoughtful gift is a tradition that spans centuries. At Stardust & Stems, we believe that scent is one of the most powerful ways to evoke memories, emotions, and connection—making it the perfect gift for this special day.

The Origins of Mother’s Day

The modern Mother’s Day we celebrate in the U.S. was first championed by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. She wanted to honor her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had dedicated her life to helping mothers and children. The holiday quickly gained popularity, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

However, long before Anna Jarvis, ancient cultures recognized the importance of honoring motherhood. The Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of the gods, with lavish offerings, while the Romans paid tribute to Cybele, a maternal goddess, with grand festivals. In England, “Mothering Sunday” was observed in the Middle Ages, encouraging people to return to their home churches and spend time with their mothers.

Over time, the holiday has evolved from a simple day of reflection and appreciation into a time-honored tradition of gift-giving. Perfume, body care, and handmade goods—symbols of beauty and love—have remained some of the most cherished Mother’s Day gifts.

Perfume: A Time-Honored Gift of Love

Fragrance has long been associated with sentimentality and connection, making it an especially meaningful Mother’s Day gift. Ancient Egyptians crafted perfumes from flowers, oils, and resins, believing scent could connect the wearer to the divine. In the Victorian era, fragrance was a deeply personal gift, often given as a token of love and admiration.

At Stardust & Stems, our handcrafted perfumes are made with natural botanicals and essential oils—free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates—offering a luxurious yet health-conscious way to celebrate the maternal figures in your life. Each scent is designed to evoke a story, a feeling, or a cherished memory, making it a deeply personal and heartfelt gift. Our Spring Perfumes are a great choice for Mother's Day.

Beyond Perfume: Thoughtful, Handcrafted Gifts for Mother’s Day

While fragrance is a classic choice, Mother’s Day gifts are most special when they come from the heart. The Victorians exchanged dried flowers, symbolic of everlasting love, while handmade soaps and botanical elixirs were treasured for their beauty and personal touch.

At Stardust & Stems, our offerings extend beyond perfume to include carefully curated items that celebrate nature, nostalgia, and artisanal craftsmanship. A rich, nourishing body butter, infused with botanical extracts, is a perfect way to encourage moments of self-care and relaxation. A luxurious lip balm or skincare treat, crafted with natural ingredients, offers a little indulgence that she can enjoy daily. Each piece is made with intention—just like the holiday itself.

Honoring Motherhood with Meaningful Traditions

Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts—it’s about the moments we create. A handwritten note, a cup of tea shared in the morning light, or a scent that transports her to a cherished memory can all be part of the celebration.

This Mother’s Day, whether you’re gifting a signature perfume, a botanical-infused treasure, or simply sharing time together, remember that the heart of the holiday is appreciation and love. And sometimes, the perfect way to say “I love you” is with something as simple—and as magical—as a scent that lingers in the air.

Explore our Mother’s Day collection at Stardust & Stems and find a gift as unique as she is.