To paraphrase an etiquette expert: “If you got a mug for Mother’s Day, it means you’re insecure.”

Now that MOTHER’s Day has arrived, you might want to think twice before posting a photo of the cute present your kid gave you on social media.

For his take on the tried-and-true Mother’s Day presents, we sought out etiquette guru William Hanson.

3

3

William not only exposed the tacky presents that are a waste of time and space, but he also broke down what they say about the giver.

Be prepared for an assault if you so much as cracked open a ‘World’s Best Mum’ mug or a ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign.

MUGS

William told Fabulous that he doesn’t like “I Love Mum” or “World’s Best Mum” mugs.

He went on to say, “It’s very interesting when people feel the need to bring those into work or get them out when they have friends over for a cup of tea, to show them that their child has got them such a saccharine mug. I see it as a form of posturing.

“But also, if you’re giving a World’s Best Mum mug, from a scientific point of view, you’ve probably had only one mum, maybe a step mum, so I wouldn’t actually say that you can give much claim that they’re the world’s best mum and it’s a bit over the top in my opinion,” the speaker continued.

According to William, if your child gave you one of these mugs, you’re either an incredibly proud parent or a terribly insecure one.

He continued, “It shows that you are proud, or maybe are so insecure that they feel they have to get it out to prove that they are the world’s best mum. We can’t use that phrase in any official capacity. All of a sudden, they’re everywhere.

MUM JEWELLERY

According to William, if you were given a “Mum” necklace today, it might suggest that your identity is rooted in your role as a mother.

Specifically, he mentioned, “I don’t love the idea of jewelry that says ‘Mum’ or the person’s name. Particularly the use of “Mum” in this context.

“I hope you’re more than just a parent; it would be sad if that were all people knew about you.

In the year 2023, I would never be caught dead in something that clearly identified me as a male.

If your mom likes wearing necklaces with their name on them, that’s great, but keep in mind that some people who aren’t moms might roll their eyes if they saw you wearing one that said “Mum” in public. After all, your mom is more than just a mother.

It’s lovely and sweet if your child is very young and has learned it from their father or grandparent, but it might not be so much if they’re over the age of 18.

TEDDY BEARS 

When it comes to giving and receiving presents, William says you should leave teddy bears where they are sold.

William stated plainly, “I think they’re horrible and collect dust.

“As a parent, I’d be furious if I were given one of those.

I don’t think it’s the best present because it’s like treating the parent like a child.

Buying your mom a teddy bear may make you seem soft, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion. It may also be a sign that the mother is particularly sentimental.

PERFUME

William believes you are glamorous if you received a bottle of perfume from a child today.

He went on, “When it comes to perfume, don’t just say’she likes citrusy smells, so I’ll get this one.

“When it comes to fragrances, it’s important to get the one they’ve specifically requested.

Someone who wears perfume is likely to have high standards for their appearance and to be glamorous.

SIGNS

William said that if you unwrapped a sign for Mom on Mother’s Day, it might mean that you’re a nervous wreck inside.

William let slip, “Studies have shown that generally people who have to have ‘Breathe’ signs in their home are generally more neurotic,” in reference to ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ or similar signs.

If you buy your mom a Breathe sign, it sounds like you think she’s pretty neurotic.

Personally, I think they’re a waste of both time and money.

FLOWERS

While William agrees that flowers are a thoughtful token of appreciation, he noted that their presentation can be overly conventional.

Then he added, “As long as your mother is not allergic to pollen, I think flowers are fine, everyone loves flowers.”

Taking this into account, William concluded that you are a traditionalist and an easy person to please.

He elaborated, “It’s obviously very traditional; it caters to the notion that women like flowers.

But in my opinion, flowers are always a great option because they are a seasonal classic.

The hope is that you know your mother well enough to give her flowers she will enjoy.

FAKE FLOWERS

William wasn’t so enthusiastic, however, about artificial blossoms.

He elaborated, “They’re great for those who are allergic to flowers, but fake flowers often look fake.

I haven’t seen any artificial flowers that look convincing. “They look naff” is something I often find myself saying.

To paraphrase William: “All about show and not about quality,” which is the message sent if your child gives you a bouquet of fake flowers for Mother’s Day.

CANDLES 

William says that today, opening a candle could be interpreted as a sign of being too uptight, despite the fact that many women enjoy candles.

He noted: “Hopefully you know if your mum likes candles or not and what particular smells she likes. The candle is a bad idea if she doesn’t like pleasant aromas.

If she does enjoy scented candles, however, it’s important to get one with a scent she enjoys rather than just thinking, “Oh yeah, this will do,” since the sense of smell is so individual.

A candle makes a nice present for someone who may be anxious and could use some quiet time to unwind.

PERSONALISED MOONPIG CARDS

William believes you are immediately labeled as high-maintenance if you receive a large Moonpig card covered in pictures of yourself from your child.

I don’t really like these cards,” he said. Large cards just seem like a waste of paper and space to me, so a standard size is fine.

Instead of appreciating something that is personal and private, it shows that the mother is “high-maintenance” and “keen to show off to everyone in their social circle that they have been thought of in such a way by their child or children.”

FLAVOURED GIN

Finally, if juniper gin or Parma Violet gin was given to you as a gift, you probably overcompensate.

William summed up, “Gin by itself is pleasant. There’s nothing worse than a gin with a weird flavoring. I think the mother, and perhaps the children, are just as saccharine as their parents.

It screams that the mom is trying too hard to be cool.

It’s a useless present that suggests the giver may be ill-informed.