With Mother’s Day just a little more than a week away, who can’t use a gift suggestion?
According to a new survey, mothers today feel more stressed out than ever. And for Mother’s Day, an astounding 93 percent would rather be treated to a relaxing experience like a dinner out, spa visit, or a trip than receive material gifts like jewelry, flowers, or candy.
Those are among the findings from a new survey released by SpaFinder, the world’s largest spa and wellness media, marketing and gifting company.
The survey revealed that most mothers with kids at home have little or no time for themselves and believe they are much more stressed out than their own mothers were a generation ago. That is why most said that the perfect Mother’s Day gift would involve doing something relaxing as opposed to receiving a material gift.
Other key findings from the survey:
· Stress: 97 percent of moms report they are either “occasionally” or “frequently” stressed out, with the majority (51 percent) saying that they are frequently stressed out.
· No “me” time: 63 percent of moms report that they have an hour or less to themselves each day, while 26 percent report they have no time alone. For moms with kids still at home, 72 percent report they have an hour or less for themselves each day.
· Top ways to de-stress: Go to a spa/get a massage (49 percent); watch TV or a movie, or play video games (16 percent); read (15 percent).
· Feeling more stressed than their own moms: 87 percent of respondents claim moms today are more stressed out than moms one generation ago. 57 percent claim they are significantly more stressed today. Among moms with kids at home, 63 percent report believing they are more stressed than mothers a generation ago.
“With moms more stressed out now than ever before, it’s not surprising that quality relaxation time is the number one gift on their wish list,” said Sallie Fraenkel, executive vice president of SpaFinder. “This survey reveals that moms know instinctually that the best thing they could receive this Mother’s Day is some serious down time, like a meal out or a day at the spa, as opposed to candy, flowers, or jewelry.”
The survey of 740 mothers was conducted online in April 2012.
Mother’s Day is May 13.
