Mother's Day Gift and Activity Guide For Seal Beach, Los Al

Whether your mom is glamorous, girly, or even a little geeky, celebrate her in all her glory this Mother's Day by giving her the perfect gift. 

So, what to buy? What to do?

First, a little history.

Many people are inclined to believe Mother’s Day is a Hallmark-inspired holiday—but while they may profit from it, they certainly didn’t invent it. After a few false starts—including one by famous abolitionist Julia Ward Howe—Anna Jarvis and the culmination of her tireless efforts to honor mothers brought on the inaugural Mother’s Day in 1914. Woodrow Wilson officially signed it into law, thereby ensuring its place on our calendars on every second Sunday in May.

To get an idea of who is behind the spending, as well as identify the different lucky gift recipients, Patch contacted Shari Brown, communications specialist with the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“Predictions on expenditures are based on our consumer spending survey,” Brown said. According to 2012 NRF data, “nearly 65 percent [of shoppers] will shop for their mom or stepmom, while others will buy gifts for their wife (22.4 percent), daughter (10.5 percent), grandmother (8.2 percent), sister (8.4 percent), friend (7.6 percent) or godmother (2.1 percent).”

But neither history nor the NRF are in charge of your Mother’s Day shopping this year—you are. Luckily, there are a host of gift and activity choices.

Here are some of them:

—It’s an oldie but a goodie: Get her flowers. Devynn’s Garden in Seal Beach urges people to make their mother’s day bouquets orders now. If you need some ideas, florist Chelsea Kline says most people order tulips, lilacs or roses for Mother’s Day. The business will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 712 Marina. For more information call 562-594-0104.

—Shenandoah at the Arbor will provide a Mother’s Day menu with several items from their dinner menu and lunch menu a la carte.  They’re open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at 10631 Los Alamitos Boulevard. According to one hostess, they don’t have any reservations left for groups but two people may able to find a seat. For more information call 562-431-1990 or email eatatthearbor@aol.com

—McKenna’s Tea Cottage in Seal Beach is booked up, at least according to their recorded phone message. So why not hold your own tea party for mom at home or at a park? She’s worth it.

—The Original Fish Company in Los Alamitos will be offering three special meals for a mother’s day brunch: an omelet, the fish company mess, or eggs benedict. The brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2p .m. at 11061 Los Alamitos Boulevard. There are no reservations. It’s first come first served. For more information call (562) 594-4553

—Target in Seal Beach is offering a number of gifts for mom. Click here for some suggestions, and then visit the local store at 12300 Seal Beach Boulevard. For more information call (562) 596-9887.

—Moms love to be pampered, and they deserve it too! Massage Envy at 12340 Seal beach Boulevard is offering a Mother’s Day package, a 3-month membership for $177. The membership includes three free massages during a three month period, and during the three months, other spa treatments are available for member prices. Also, it's not in honor of mother's day but they’re offering a one-hour introductory massage session for $49 and a one-hour healthy skin facials for $59. For more information call (562) 596-1500.

—O’Malley’s on Main Street will do their normal breakfast with a twist. Moms get a free carnation. The first 125 or so mothers who walk in the door will get a carnation (unknown color). O’Malley’s opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday at 140 Main Street. For more information, call 562-430-0631.

Once you've solved the Mother’s Day puzzle, relax and take a deep breath—it’s time to plan for Father’s Day.

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