Mother's Day cards: when to mail and what to write
Mother's Day moves — second Sunday in May in the US — which is precisely how it sneaks up on everyone. Card volume rivals Valentine's, so the mail needs a full ten days. Here's the timing, plus what to write for moms, grandmas, and the mother-figures in between.
Rule of thumb: start 10 daysahead. That's enough time to choose a card, write something real, and let the mail do its slow, charming thing.
Timing and message tips
Mail 10 days before the second Sunday in May — that means late April, which is earlier than it ever feels like it should be.
The strongest Mother's Day sentence is specific gratitude: one thing she did, one habit of hers you've inherited, one sacrifice you understand better now.
New mom in your life (sister, friend, daughter)? A card for her first Mother's Day is a big swing for very little effort — almost nobody thinks to send one.
Don't forget grandmothers, stepmothers, and mothers-in-law. The "mom adjacent" cards are the least expected and most appreciated.
If your handwriting has news in it — the job, the move, the grandkid's new word — include it. For moms, information is affection.
Set the reminder for mid-April. Mother's Day's floating date defeats memory; it should not defeat a calendar.
Never white-knuckle this date again
Set a free reminder with 10days of lead time and we'll nudge you while there's still time to do it right. Want to go further? We'll print, write, and mail the card for you — from $7.99, postage included.