Mother and Daughter Illustration (Source: Pixabay.com)

As the end of the year approaches, many of us focus on celebrating the New Year. However, there is another important day at the end of the year, which is National Mother’s Day.

National Mother’s Day is celebrated on 22 December. According to Irianti (2023), as reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Finance website, 22 December was chosen as National Mother’s Day to commemorate the First Indonesian Women’s Congress, held from 22-25 December 1928 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

To make Mother’s Day more special, it’s a good idea to prepare a gift for the mothers in our families, whether it's for the biological mother, mother-in-law, adoptive mother, or partner who has become a mother to the children.

To make the gift more meaningful, let’s give a gift based on the mother's love language!

What is Love Language?

Heart Illustration (Source: Pixabay.com)

The term "Love Language" has become increasingly popular, especially on social media. The concept of Love Languages was first introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor, in 1992 through his book The Five Love Languages. According to Halodoc.com, a love language refers to the behaviors that make us feel loved.

5 Types of Love Languages and Gift Recommendations

Based on sources from Halodoc.com and CNNIndonesia.com, here are the 5 types of love languages according to Dr. Chapman, along with gift recommendations that match each love language:

1. Words of Affirmation

For people with this love language, encouraging words, motivation, and expressions of love are very meaningful. Examples of words of affirmation include:

- "I love you."

- "I’m proud of you."

- "Thank you for everything you do."

- "You’ve been fighting hard."

- "You’re amazing."

Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: Compilation Video/Photo Collage

We can create a collage or video compilation of photos and videos from when the mother was young up to the present day. The video can be played in the morning in the living room before the mother gets busy, or during lunch break. The entire family can watch it together and then end with everyone saying, "Happy Mother’s Day! We love you!"

2. Acts of Service

People with this love language prefer that their loved ones do things for them or help them with tasks. If we’re unsure, they don't mind being asked what we can do to help, although they also appreciate it when we take the initiative. Examples of acts of service include:

- Opening the car/door for them.

- Carrying groceries.

- Doing household chores.

- Taking care of their baby/child so they can rest.

- Offering to help when they’re working late.

Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: Cleaning the House and Decorating

Mothers with the "Acts of Service" love language will appreciate when family members clean their own rooms, wash the dishes, or scrub the bathroom, rather than receiving any other gift. On this special day, we can collaborate with other family members to clean the entire house, cook or order food, and prepare decorations so that the mother can rest.

3. Physical Touch

People with this love language deeply appreciate physical touch, such as holding hands, hugging, and pats on the back. Examples of physical touch include:

- Kissing hands or salim (greeting kiss).

- Hugging.

- Holding hands.

- Ruffling their hair or patting their head.

- Giving a shoulder pat.

Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: Movie Night/Day

Mothers with the "Physical Touch" love language will love gathering closely with the whole family. We can organize a movie night/day at home by watching the mother's favorite shows while sitting closely together on the same sofa. Don't forget to prepare her favorite drinks and snacks, such as premium butter cookies.

4. Quality Time

People with this love language feel loved when we focus on them and give them our full attention. Examples of quality time include:

- Not using a phone while spending time together.

- Going on vacation together.

- Having a conversation before bed.

- Doing activities together that they enjoy, such as cycling, playing games, etc.

- Coffee/tea break together while chatting.

Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: Dinner Out or Coffee/Tea Break Together

For mothers with the "Quality Time" love language, the best gift is doing something together, even if there’s no physical contact. We can make a reservation at her favorite restaurant for a dinner or prepare a coffee/tea break at home with snacks that pair well with tea or coffee, such as butter cookies, while having a conversation. Don’t forget to capture the moment.

5. Receiving Gifts

People with this love language feel loved and appreciated when they receive gifts. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive because what they truly value is the thought and effort put into finding or making the gift. Examples of receiving gifts include:

- Giving greeting cards on birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions.

- Giving something they’ve long wanted.

- Giving a gift inspired by old memories, such as a photo album.

- Surprising them with concert/travel tickets.

- Giving their favorite cake or dish.

Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: DIY Greeting Card, Flower Bouquet, and Favorite Food

We can make a handmade Mother's Day card, such as a handprint card, a painted card, or a pop-up card, all without the mother knowing. In addition to the card and a flower bouquet, we can also add an exclusive gift, like premium butter cookies.

One recommended gift that the whole family can enjoy on Mother’s Day is Danisa Premium Butter Cookies, made from butter and fresh eggs, with elegant packaging, making it a perfect gift for loved ones.

For trusted product recommendations for the family, you can visit the well-known Indonesian advertising agency site, AdLink SineMedia, at https://adlink.co.id

Source:

1. CNN Indonesia. (2022). 5 Macam Love Language, Kamu Termasuk yang Mana?. CNNIndonesia.com. Accessed at 11 November 2024 from https://www.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20221128124033-289-879703/5-macam-love-language-kamu-termasuk-yang-mana

2. Irianti. (2023). Memahami Lebih Jauh Tentang Sejarah Peringatan Hari Ibu di Indonesia. Djkn.kemenkeu.go.id. Accessed at 11 November 2024 from https://www.djkn.kemenkeu.go.id/kpknl-singaraja/baca-artikel/16715/Memahami-Lebih-Jauh-Tentang-Sejarah-Peringatan-Hari-Ibu-di-Indonesia.html

3. Makarim, Dr. Fadhli Rizal. (2024). Ini 5 Love Languages yang Mesti Diketahui. Halodoc.com. Accessed at 11 November 2024 from https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-5-love-languages-yang-mesti-diketahui?srsltid=AfmBOorCCHimf3DCtiYjNEpII3E6CWZE3PlsWqNhXn0e5a3XHOAzV4QU