Since Lehman’s is celebrating 60 years in business this year, we thought it would be fun to reminisce about how Mother’s Day gifts and celebrations have changed (or not!) over the decades. Here’s what we learned, along with our top 2015 ways to spoil mom on HER DAY.
1955 to 2015 – Mothers of the 1950s were mercilessly marketed to by makers of “domestic” products like vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies and the latest kitchen gadgets of the time. Today, some moms would be offended if their children wrapped up a blender, but on the other hand, we know some homesteading mothers who would be absolutely delighted with a brand-new grain mill, chicken coop or pressure canner. So obviously, make sure to choose a gift that YOUR mother will appreciate, whether it’s pampering or not!
1. Cookbooks – Very popular then, and now. Yes, moms of 2015 – and dads too, for that matter – tend to go online to find the latest and greatest recipes (I’m not even sure quinoa would exist if it weren’t for Pinterest), but what about those other times when you just need to find that tried-and-true, no-frills recipe that’s been around for decades?That’s where cookbooks come in. In fact, one of our most popular ones was published in 1950 – before the advent of canned soups and processed foods. Of course, we’re partial to our latest cookbook, which celebrates our 60th anniversary with recipes from the owners, employees, friends and family of Lehman’s. We’ve also started carrying a great
line of “500” cookbooks – 500 Breads, 500 Soups, 500 Salads, 500 Cookies … you get the idea. There’s even 500 Gluten-Free Dishes and 500 Ice Creams, Sorbets and Gelatos! These are hardcover with gorgeous photos – beautiful as coffee table books and conversation starters.
2. Child Artwork. Ok, this one is a no-brainer. Even back in the 1950s, one of the most popular gifts for mom was a child’s handprint preserved in clay that younsters would then paint or decorate for Mom.* Heather, one of our employees, still keeps a flower pen her daughter made 12 years ago in her desk pen jar at work (see photo at right – awwwwwwe!).
3. “Smelly Stuff.” Perfume has been popular since the 1950s, when Fathers probably helped children pick out the scents mom liked (and he liked, too). Soaps, lotions, body wash… Most moms, even the hardiest, pioneer homestead ones, appreciate feeling and smelling great and using products with natural ingredients like honey, goat’s milk and herbs. Plus, most moms lack the time and energy to go out and shop for these things for themselves, so they’re always appreciated!
COFFEE. And Everything That Goes With It. This one’s new to 2015. In the 1950s, moms, and moms alone were the keepers of the kitchen, and most men wouldn’t have known their way around a grocery store to buy coffee, let alone what kind to get. Plus, in the average 1950s home, coffee was coffee. There were no lattes, frappes, espressos made in the comfort of your own kitchen. These could have been a fancy treat when mother and dad enjoyed dinner out (alone) at a fancy restaurant. Today, women
AND men take a hands-on approach to making great coffee at home. And if mom’s not a coffee drinker, you can treat her to a delightful spot of tea.
Dinner In. Another modern gift suggestion. It’s hard to imagine what would have happened in 1955 if the husband and children tried making dinner for mom to enjoy (but it might’ve been tried!). Even today, lots of dads opt for the dining out route. As my husband says, “Let’s keep the kitchen clean tonight.” However, many spouses share cooking jobs these days, so may we suggest creating a homemade feast in your own home?
However you choose to celebrate this Mother’s Day (May 10th, by the way!) make sure you let Mom know just how special and appreciated she is. Happy Mother’s Day to ALL moms.
*Source: http://wardrobeadvice.com/
