The origin of National Wife Appreciation Day is not entirely known – cough – cough – Hallmark – but just so you don’t drop the ball, it is this September 21, 2025. For future reference, it is always on the third Sunday in September.
Although National Wife Appreciation Day is not well-documented, it’s widely believed to have emerged in the early 2000s. It is a “national day” that is not a government-recognized holiday, but rather one that has gained popularity through social media, online calendars, and promotional efforts by greeting card and gift companies. A common theory about its origin is that it was created as a counterpart to Mother’s Day, specifically to honor wives who do not have children. This provides a special day for all married women to be appreciated for their contributions to the relationship and family, regardless of whether they are mothers. Since 2006, the day has been more widely celebrated by all couples, with or without children.
You’ll want to blow this holiday off, but there are men out there (your back-stabbing friends) who will follow through on this holiday because it’s shiny and new; not like that old and busted Anniversary. Plus, if you forgot your last Anniversary, now is the perfect time to redeem yourself and score many happy-wife-happy-life brownie points!
To my gay friends who are married and each of you are a wife – this will be a contest of who can do this better! I appreciate You. No, no, I appreciate You more!
Here are some easy ideas to get through this surprise holiday quickly, sanely, and without spending a fortune.
Don’t Say It, Show It
This particular Sunday will inevitably be Football Sunday. Take time during one of those long commercial breaks and do a household chore you normally wouldn’t do. Unload the dishwasher, fold laundry, vacuum, etc. Order dinner (with advance notice) and set the table, do the dishes. You’re going to get weird looks followed by machine-fire questions from your wife. Simply smile and say that you appreciate her.
Ok, Now You Can Say It
Go buy a card, but preferably a pretty one that is blank inside. Write your own appreciative thoughts in there. A pre-coined ‘Happy National Wife Appreciation Day’ card signed with Love, Hubby at the bottom is totally offensive to Womankind. Don’t do that. No. If you can’t buy one, make one. We love that – so adorbs.
Now Show It With Swag
As this is a holiday that is not well publicized, you don’t have to go crazy with the gifts. A tasteful item, such as a photo puzzle you can do together, coupled with the thoughtful card and act of unsolicited housework is the pièce de résistance! I recommend a quality candle set because it will be used, it’s pretty, and when lit it masks the smells of everyday life that your wife wants to escape (cat poop box, sweaty children, smelly dog, your gym socks, and the neighbor who just put fertilizer on their lawn), etc. You get it.
The ball is now in your court. Run with it!
