Get Me an Edible Arrangement for Mother's Day & You'll Be Sorry

on May 3, 2011 at 11:46 AM

Apparently, the must-have Mother's Day gift this year is an Edible Arrangement. Yes, I'm talking about those made-to-order baskets of fruit filled with melon slices and berries cut to look like flowers (or, more accurately, a 3-year-old's crayon drawing of "flowers"). You know, the ones everybody is supposed to love, but I don't? (By the way, I can't possibly be the only one who feels this way -- anti-Edible Arrangement sentiments are even making headlines in the world of "fake" news.) Maybe I missed my mandatory dose of Edible Arrangement Kool-Aid, but please don't get me an Edible Arrangement for Mother's Day!

To me these things look like a preschool art project or something an office manager would order in an attempt to brighten up a weekly staff meeting. An assemblage of pineapple daisies put together with toothpicks could be cute on a baby shower buffet table. But as a meaningful thanks for everything you do, woman who brought me into the world? Not so much.

It's not like these things are cheap, either -- most of the special "Mother's Day" options on the Edible Arrangements website hover between $60 and $120. If you're going to spend that much money on me, get me a mani-pedi or a massage, not a fruit salad. Or don't spend any money on me at all, just let me take a nap. Bring me a glass of orange juice or something if you're worried about me getting scurvy. Or if my kids wanted to make me a bouquet of fruit flowers themselves, that would be sweet. But something lovingly crafted by someone wearing plastic gloves and a hairnet? Call it sour grapes, but ... no thanks.

Would you want an Edible Arrangement for Mother's Day?

Image via Jay.Tong/Flickr

About the author Jacqueline Burt

has written for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites. She is easily bored and often tired, so she requires constant entertainment to keep her awake. Dance, Monkey! Dance!

Filed Under: holiday gifts, food

Comments (46)

junebaby11

on May 3, 2011 at 12:03 PM

your article sounds really selfish, it may not be what you wanted for mothers day but its not your choice is it, its a gift, im so tired of ppl not accepting the gifts they get, yes i understand youd like a pedi more but be greatful for what you get..i cannot stand ppl like you who moan over things ppl took time to pick out for you, a gift is something someone gives you not what you demand

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Nonmember comment from Joan Goodchild

on May 3, 2011 at 12:12 PM

The story about economists being stymied by the continued existence of Edible Arrangements was actually an Onion story, so it is a parody. These people must be making money some how. But I'm with you. I don't get the appeal at all.

douxmusique

on May 3, 2011 at 12:25 PM

im with junebaby. what a stuck up snob. but that seems to be what most of the cafemom bloggers are. I dont like a lot of jewelry unless I pick it out, mani pedis are not my style, most flower arrangements dont suit my taste and die anyways. BUt when im given a gift, I find gratitude in it even if its not the most preferred item on my list. A "bouquet" of fruit that can eaten/snacked on by all in the family, and it looks cute too? Why not.

dirtiekittie

on May 3, 2011 at 12:28 PM

i get it, and they're ok. i make them myself actually, so when i give them there's a lot more thought into it than just "giving you a fruit salad" or "preventing scurvy". the thing is, if you're not into it, then you're not. but i agree with junebaby - a gift is given to you, not your demands presented on a silver platter. someone thought enough of you to spend that kind of money on you, and that's the response you give? you can bet that'd be the last present you got from me!

Nonmember comment from Tifygodess24

on May 3, 2011 at 12:42 PM

Wow , I think you guys are completely missing what she is saying! She didnt say she would refuse the gift. She is just saying there are other things she would enjoy more than an over priced fruit basket, given the choice and since when would that make someone selfish? Not to mention she was also very clear about thinking a gift should be meaningful , which it should be, and I think that point was very clear. I for one think that its a waste of money , I have received them as gifts and I just can't see spending 100$ on 10$ worth of fruit. Its cute but not worth it. Give me a hand drawn picture from my girls and I would be happy.

Facebook comment from Pua Smith

on May 3, 2011 at 1:03 PM

I actually love them. The fruit is so fresh and delicious, and the chocolate is to die for. I would love if I got one for Mother's day, or any occasion really, and I know a lot of other women who would love one too. Maybe it's just the one in our area that uses such good fruit, but I woulda absolutely love to have one as a gift. Or anything else for that matter. Even if it was just preschool art. What would you do if an Edible Arrangement is what your young child picked as your gift? Show your utter disappointment that they didn't get you something more "thoughtful"? Apparently you were never taught that it's the thought that matters.

Nonmember comment from Gertie

on May 3, 2011 at 1:15 PM

A lot of people might like it. A lot of people might not like getting rubbed down by some smelly stranger or have their feet soaked in a bacteria bath and then filed with a fungus file. I'm just sayin.