Do you know who invented Mother’s Day? Last week I asked several people that same question. Almost every response was "some greeting card company."

According to the history books, the idea for Mother’s Day in the U.S. took hold around 1907 when Anna Jarvis, a West Virginian, wanted to honor her recently-deceased mother. Anna’s mother had organized women throughout the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, and in 1868, she began work to reconcile Union and Confederate neighbors.

In1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it official by proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that was to be held each year on the second Sunday of May.

So, when did Mother’s Day turn into yet one more reason to hit the mall?

In 2004, American’s spent $10.4 billion for Mother’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day ranks as the fifth most significant consumer spending time of year in America.

And you know what that means? Ads -- lots and lots of ads telling us that in order to be a good son or daughter we should buy something for mom. I heard a radio commercial the other day telling me there were only 10 days left before Mother’s Day so I should “come in today and buy mom a new camera phone for only $49.99. She’ll love it!”

Special Section: Mother's Day

So for the most part, Mother’s Day has turned into a guilt-ridden frenzy to move more merchandise -- certainly a far cry from the original purpose that Anna Jarvis envisioned.

If there is one thing I really don’t like, it is someone telling me that I have to spend money on a camera phone to express love or gratitude for having a great mother. My mom and I have had several conversations about this. She knows how I feel. Yet if I opt out of the frenzy I feel oddly uneasy.

So what’s a person to do?

This Mother’s Day, consider an alternative approach. Instead of buying your mother something (like a new cell phone), set aside time to do something together -- sans spending money. If geography is an issue, consider volunteering for a nonprofit organization in honor of your mother.

My mom is a devoted volunteer for the Red Cross. On Tuesday afternoon, I have an appointment to give blood at one of their local offices (for more information, visit www.givelife.org). It’s my way of honoring her for being such a wonderful person.

How many different ways can you honor your mother throughout the year without spending money?

It might seem like a bit of an odd question, but our culture today works overtime to connect celebrations to buying things.

This question is designed to build on the Share-Save-Spend tip for the week and can be used as a springboard for additional conversations with family and friends.

High-profile designers are creating luxury lines for babies. Top picks include Tiffany's silver spoons, tiny Corsican canopy cribs, Bobbi Brown bath goods, Hermes wool-and-cashmere baby blankets, Silver Cross baby carriages, and diaper bags made by Gucci, Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton.

Source: INVESTORS.COM

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