In Australia, the tradition of giving gifts on Mother's Day began in 1924 with a kind and enterprising woman who was concerned about people who were lonely or forgotten.

While Australians were encouraged to follow the practice of commemorating mothers on the second Sunday in May before World War I, gift giving on Mother's Day was started by Janet Heyden in 1924. 

Encountering lonely, forgotten, and elderly mothers worried Mrs Heyden and she started to campaign for donations to buy presents for these women. Retail stores all over the nation took up the idea in the following years.

We've strayed a long way from Janet Heyden's intent, but it's still a great day to show appreciation for all the mothers in our lives. And while foodie gifts and and fine wine are always appreciated, something that will make her feel great for more than a day gets my vote.