Belfast March 1st 2013: A recent survey by the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast has uncovered some interesting facts that should perhaps be taken into consideration by those heading out to purchase that perfect gift in the run up to Mothering Sunday on 10th March.
The research, which was commissioned by the hotel to celebrate the launch of their Mother’s Day package, asked mums across Northern Ireland about their favourite Mother’s Day gift as well as the most ‘interesting’ present they have received from their children.
The good news is that 90% of local children do buy their mums a gift for Mother’s Day, although 20% admitted that the present is not always handed over on Mother’s Day… but within ‘a week’ of the big day.
The most savoured present of all, with 89% of respondents choosing it as the ‘best’ gift was some quality time away in a (preferably) luxury hotel…although mums didn’t expand on whether this was with or without the kids!
Conversely, the ‘worst’ present ever received ranged from burned or undercooked home cooked meals (50%) to household appliances (30%) socks (10%) and even power tools (10%).
According to the results, children in Co. Antrim are most predictable, with 67% buying the same Mother’s Day token year on year…a box of chocolates. Kids in Co. Tyrone are most creative with 71% of mums saying their children made their own gifts from scratch.
In fact, younger children (aged from 4-15) seemed to put the most effort into a gift for their mum, planning what they are going to buy or make weeks in advance, while the more ‘mature’ offspring were a little more last minute in their approach to gift buying, with almost 60% ‘picking something up on the day’.
Siobhan O’Sullivan, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Fitzwilliam commented: “The results of our survey are fascinating, it’s great to be able to dig a little bit deeper and get some real insights into gift giving on Mother’s Day. Reassuringly local people do value the ‘queen’ of the household and see Mothering Sunday as a great occasion to spoil the lady that does so much for them and show her how much she means to them.
“At the Fitzwilliam we have created a Mother’s Day package that will appeal to all Northern Irish mums, and take the stress out of the present buying. The Mother’s Day package includes a delicious four-course lunch with a complimentary gift for Mums from The White Company.”
Local radio DJ Emma Fitzpatrick added: “Mother’s Day is such a special occasion. I love being able to spoil my mum and thank her for all her love and support over the years. I’d be lost without her!”
And so what would Northern Irish matriarchs buy for themselves, given the chance, this Mother’s Day? Encouragingly, 79% simply wanted to ‘spend time’ with their family. So give mum what she wants this Mother’s Day, and spend some time over lunch at the Fitzwilliam.
For further details on the Mother’s Day package available, please contact The Fitzwilliam Hotel on 028 90442080 or visit www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com
