Anna Jarvis Collectibles That Celebrate Mother’s Day
by Collectors Abode | Uploaded May 08, 2025
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Have you ever wondered who came up with the idea of Mother’s Day? It wasn’t a company or a store. It all started with one woman named Anna Jarvis who really loved her mom.
When her mother passed away in 1905, Anna wanted to do something special to remember her, not with gifts or parties, but with love. Her mom had spent her life helping others, like caring for soldiers and teaching families how to stay healthy. Anna thought moms like hers should be honored and remembered.
So, she worked hard to make a day just for moms. And it worked! In 1914, the president at the time, Woodrow Wilson, made Mother’s Day a real holiday across the country.
Now, every year, people celebrate with cards, flowers, hugs, and some even collect special keepsakes that tell this beautiful story. From old stamps and postcards to rare photos and buttons, these little treasures help us remember how it all began.
Here are 7 touching collectibles that help tell the story of Anna Jarvis and the first Mother’s Day.
1. 1934 Mother’s Day Postage Stamp
In 1934, the U.S. Post Office issued the first-ever stamp for Mother’s Day. It featured the famous painting “Whistler’s Mother,” a symbol of maternal love. It’s a picture of a mom sitting in a chair, and it became a symbol of love and care.
Anna Jarvis liked this choice and thought it was a perfect way to honor moms. Today, this stamp is rare and special; stamp lovers and history fans love finding it.
2. Vintage Mother’s Day Greeting Cards (1915s–1940s)
After Mother’s Day became a national holiday in 1914, greeting card makers got busy. These old cards are sweet and full of charm. They came with pretty flowers, poems, and sometimes lace designs.
People gave them to their moms after Mother’s Day became a holiday. Now, they’re tiny pieces of history that show how families shared their love in the past.
3. Keepsakes from Grafton, West Virginia
Anna Jarvis held the first official Mother’s Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton.
Collectibles from this historic town, including souvenir programs and event pins, connect you directly to the origins of the holiday.
4. Vintage Mother’s Day Buttons and Ribbons
Used during early parades and church events, these wearable mementos were a symbol of celebration and pride.
Many feature lovely colors, carnations (Anna’s favorite flower), and simple phrases like “I Love My Mother.”
Mother’s Day Brooch Lapel Tie – eBay
Mother’s Day Collectible Button Pinback – eBay
5. Original Anna Jarvis Letters or Signature Items
Anna Jarvis was a passionate writer. Some of her letters, documents, or signed memorabilia still exist today.
They are extremely rare, often auctioned privately, and hold deep sentimental and historical value.
6. Whistler’s Mother Art Prints & Posters
This iconic “Whistler’s Mother” artwork became forever tied to Mother’s Day. Because this painting on the stamp became so famous, people now collect prints and posters of it.
Whistler’s Mother reminds us of quiet love and the comfort moms bring. It’s great for decorating your home or gift-giving too.
Yomcut James McNeill Whistler Poster- Amazon
Yomcut James McNeill Whistler Poster- eBay
7. First Day Covers (FDCs) with Mother’s Day Stamp
A “First Day Cover” is an envelope stamped on the first day a new postage design is released. Philatelists and history collectors especially prize the 1934 Mother’s Day FDC.
Mother’s Day Cachet Whistler’s Mother- eBay
Mother’s Day 20th Anniversary Cachet – eBay
Why People Collect These Anna Jarvis Collectibles
Each of these things reminds us of someone we love. A little card. A ribbon. An old photo. They all have stories behind them. When Anna Jarvis started Mother’s Day, she wasn’t thinking about money or gifts. She just wanted people to stop and say, “Thanks, Mom.”
These keepsakes help us do that. They help us remember where this day came from — and why it still matters.
