09/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2026

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o ‘Emotional value of gesture outweighs price tag’ Mother’s Day celebrations swayed by financial realities

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, many are balancing appreciation for their mothers with financial realities, leading to a mix of modest yet meaningful gifts and higher-end luxury spending. In many Malaysian households, Mother’s Day often comes with the same familiar response from mothers: “Why spend money?” Yet every year, children across different income groups continue finding ways to express appreciation, whether through budget-friendly gifts, handwritten notes, simple meals or premium luxury treats. For 43-year-old Nurul Hayati Abdullah, Mother’s Day is often marked by meaningful, high-end treats that go beyond material value, focusing instead on shared experiences with her mother. She said one of her preferred ways to celebrate is by taking her mother on a two-night stay at a five-star hotel, describing it as an experience that goes beyond simply making her happy. “It is not only to make her happy, but also to build memories together.” Nurul Hayati added that preparations are usually made in advance, although not too early. “It depends. Sometimes we plan ahead, rarely last minute. At least a week before.” When it comes to choosing gifts, she said she tends to lean towards items her mother genuinely enjoys. “She loves handbags and clothes, so I will get her both,” she said, adding that her spending typically ranges between “a thousand or two” ringgit for the occasion. Despite the higher spending, Nurul Hayati said the emotional response remains the most meaningful part of the celebration. “For me, it is the unwavering love. Seeing her smile makes my world feel better.” She added that her mother’s reaction is often simple but deeply meaningful. “Big smiles and big thanks from her.” At the same time, Nurul Hayati stressed that she prioritises practicality when selecting gifts, Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

ensuring they are items her mother can use for a long time. “I prefer buying reasonable and practical things that she can keep using. That way, it feels worth it.” She also said she does not feel pressured to overspend for Mother’s Day, viewing it instead as a dedicated moment of appreciation. Reflecting on the meaning behind the occasion, she described Mother’s Day as a reminder of the sacrifices mothers make in raising their children. “It is about appreciating all the efforts, honouring the blood, sweat and tears poured into raising children to where we are today. Motherhood is not easy, after all. Trust me,” said Nurul Hayati, who is also a mother of four. Meanwhile, for 26-year-old Naja Nabihah Zulkeflee, Mother’s Day celebrations are usually kept relatively budget-friendly rather than extravagant, although she jokingly added that she hopes to “get rich soon” to afford more lavish gifts in the future. She said her go-to presents include flowers, chocolate bouquets, scarves, prayer-wear, handbags or treating her mother to a nice meal. While she often plans ahead, she admitted that preparations do not always go smoothly. “Sometimes I plan ahead but there are times I end up panic-buying at the last minute.” Despite the modest approach, she said some of the simplest gifts have often triggered the most heartfelt reactions from her mother. “Sometimes, even the simplest gifts can make her really emotional and happy. “My mum would say things like: ‘You really did not have to go through all this trouble, even just a simple wish is enough. Are you not trying to save money? Thank you, dear. I love you!’” She added that such moments often make her realise that the emotional value of the gesture outweighs the price tag. “No gift could ever compare to everything she has done for me.” Although one of the more meaningful gifts she has given her mother was a handbag, Naja believes Mother’s Day does not need to be defined by spending. “Our mums do not really care whether the gift is cheap or expensive. As long as their children have them in thoughts, that is enough.” Today, Mother’s Day is observed in many countries, although some nations follow the US tradition of the second Sunday in May while others celebrate it at different times based on local cultural and religious practices. In the United Kingdom, the tradition evolved from “Mothering Sunday”, a practice dating back to the Middle Ages when families would return to their “mother church” during Lent, which later became associated with visiting one’s mother. This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 10 in countries that observe it on the second Sunday of May, including in Malaysia. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

History of maternal appreciation events PETALING JAYA: Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a day dedicated to honouring mothers and motherhood, recognising their role in families and society through gestures of appreciation, gifts and time spent together.

The modern version of the celebration originated in the United States through the efforts of social activist Anna Jarvis, who sought to formally recognise her mother’s sacrifices and the broader contributions of mothers. The first Mother’s Day church service was held on May 10, 1908, before the occasion was officially recognised as a national holiday in the United States six years later.