Mother’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to share our appreciation with the moms and mother figures in our lives, but it is also prime time to see some great ads. The annual maternal celebration took place on Sunday, May 12 this year. In addition to showering moms everywhere with flowers and cards, advertisers jumped at the chance to share their perspectives on the importance of motherhood.
It’s not often moms ask for anything other than time with their loved ones, but that doesn’t stop children from getting them something special – and advertisers know that well. Flowers, jewelry, and beauty products reign supreme during the holiday, but they aren’t the only winners.
Advertising is ingrained in Mother’s Day. Product sponsorships played a major role in the holiday’s conception and advertising will continue to play a vital part for years to come.
Advertising is ingrained in Mother’s Day celebrations
The birth of Mother’s Day is often attributed to Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. When her mother died in 1905, Anna Jarvis decided to channel her grief into celebrating her mother’s love. The next year, Jarvis invited her community to commemorate the anniversary of her mom’s death in her local church. By 1907, the church service had become an annual event (although 1908 is often recognized as the first official Mother’s Day).
In her work to promote the holiday, Jarvis wrote to churches and politicians, but it was the response of a brand that helped her get the word out. John Wanamaker (a marketer and advertiser) and Henry J. Heinz (the founder of H. J. Heinz Company – inventor of Heinz Ketchup) helped Jarvis build a movement. Now, over a century later, Mother’s Day is an international holiday and its advertising roots still run deep.
Our top ads for Mother’s Day 2024
While there are dozens of fantastic ads to choose from this year, these are the best of the best.
Publix
The short, simple, and effective ad highlights the little things that moms do to bring a smile to our faces, and how we can return this favor this Mother’s Day. Ads like this work because they capture the audience’s emotions without overdoing it or running too long.
Tiffany and Co.
The classic blue box is front and center in this ad, bringing a sense of sentimentality and luxury to Mother’s Day. This ad makes a nice change by highlighting the relationship between two adult women and the beautiful ways in which a mother-daughter relationship can grow as we age.
Instacart
This ad brings some light comedy to the mix – after all, which mom hasn’t hidden away in the bathroom to get some alone time? Instacart highlights the humor in being a busy mom while presenting a solution for both Mother’s Day and the rest of the year.
Looking for more great ads? Check out the best Father’s Day and Mother’s Day ads of 2023.
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