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Gifts of green: Flowers, jewelry top Mother’s Day gift lists

By Walt Frank 5 min read

Flowers -- either in pots, vases, flats or hanging baskets -- are one of the most popular gifts for Mother's Day and that's good news for area greenhouses, and at least one local fire company, too.

The Excelsior Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 will be holding its annual flower sale May 11-19 in Bellwood, the company's second largest fundraising event of the year.

"We usually go through 1,500 to 1,800 hanging baskets," said Captain Joe Whiteford. "The flats and pots numbers are huge. We do about 150 cemetery planters the first weekend."

Whiteford said the event draws people from throughout the region who are supporting the fire company and picking up Mother's Day gifts at the same time. When the sale wraps up, the fire company expects to make $25,000 to $30,000 for its continued operations.

Those shopping for flowers at the fire company sale aren't alone in their choice of flowers for a Mother's Day gift. According to a recent survey, 74% of shoppers will buy flowers for their mother, grandmother or significant other.

Amanda Bernton of the Tipsy Tulip, Altoona, said Mother's Day is the shop's busiest holiday of the year.

"We will be selling lots of fresh flowers, and hanging baskets are very popular this time of the year," Bernton said.

Andrea Hammel, owner of Peterman's Flower Shop, Juniata, calls Mother's Day an elongated holiday.

"It is not one day specifically like Feb. 14," Hammel said. "A nice variety of flowers go out, some blooming plants, some potted plants, hanging baskets, outdoor plants and fresh cut flowers are all popular."

Mother's Day spending is expected to reach $33.5 billion this year, the second highest in the history of a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Last year, a record $35.7 billion was spent on Mother's Day gifts, the survey reported.

"Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in our lives," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Retailers know the significant importance of this day and are ready to help their customers with a wide selection of meaningful gifts for loved ones to show their appreciation."

Jewelry will be among the many gifts mothers will receive, with the survey estimating $7 billion will be spent on pieces that showcase customers' love for their mothers.

"When I heard those numbers it blew me away," said Mike Dorman, owner of Dorman's Jewelers, Altoona. "It is not near Christmas but it has overcome Valentine's Day to become our second biggest holiday."

Dorman said Mother's Day has always been consistent and helps businesses make a nice May, as far as sales.

Some of the top gifts are mother's pendants and rings with birthstones of the children, he said, noting the store needs a few extra days to get the rings ready, but birthstone pendants can be created on the spot.

Mother's Day has always been a good season for jewelers, said Michael Kranich Jr., president of Kranich's Jewelers, Altoona. The holiday coincides with bridal and wedding season, he said, adding "sales have been brisk this year."

Dining out for Mother's Day is also popular, as the survey results show that $5.9 billion will be spent on special meal outings for moms. It's a trend local restaurants plan to embrace.

Mother's Day is the only Sunday of the year that Finelli's Italian Villa, Altoona, is open for business -- hours are noon to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are required.

Owner Frank Finelli said the restaurant will cater to moms all day.

"It is all service," he said. "Mom needs to be catered to. ... We need to take care of her."

At the Altoona Grand Hotel, the Mother's Day buffet will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are required.

"This is our second biggest event of the year, we expect to serve about 300 people," said sales director Shaina McNally. "Menu highlights include roast turkey and steak diane and something new this year will be spinach and ricotta cheese filled ravioli in sage brown butter sauce."

A Mother's Day brunch will be served at the Bistro at the Village Green in Martinsburg from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with two reservation slots at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The buffet will include breakfast and lunch foods, including sugar waffles, bacon, eggs, stuffed chicken, roast beef and sides. In addition, there will be a build-your-own omelet station as well as homemade desserts like coconut cream pie, cheesecake, peanut butter pie and more, said Jaret Sweeney, event coordinator.

Purchasing gifts like flowers or jewelry, or taking mom out to eat, shows appreciation to mom on her special day, retailers said.

"We sell a lot of fresh arrangements as well as planters and hanging baskets," said Chelsea Kerr Veneskey, operations manager at Kerr's in Hollidaysburg. "Everyone loves to show their moms and grandmas how loved and appreciated they are with flowers."

"Mothers are special," Finelli said. "This gives us a chance to take care of mom."

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.

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