Korean mom who spent a lifetime shopping on $20 budget, gets an unbelievable Tiffany's surprise from son

Many parents sacrifice more than their kids will ever know, and if they’re lucky, they'll be able to pay them back with their love. Jane Kim, fondly known as “The Korean Mama” on social media, has also been making these sacrifices for her son, Ed Kim, according to Here is Oregon. From the time he was a toddler, his mom made sacrifices and built a minimalist lifestyle so she could support them both. In a post shared on February 12, the man revealed how he repaid his mom with something special from Tiffany’s after she spent a lifetime limiting herself to discounts and coupons at grocery stores. Her luxury experience has our hearts melting. 

Jane revealed that around 32 years ago, when Ed was just a baby, her home in Los Angeles no longer felt safe. After reading about Portland, she packed up her life with her son and moved there. The mom had a habit of filming their trips to make the journey feel like a solid adventure. When Ed grew up, he joined his mum on her adventures, which mainly included trying restaurants and different types of authentic foods as a mother-son duo. “I’ve definitely encouraged mom to go out and try things that she wouldn’t have otherwise tried before,” he said. And so, in a similar fashion, he decided that the woman who had been budgeting grocery trips deserved something fancy. 

He revealed that he had initially bought her a necklace from Tiffany’s, but because it fell short and had to be altered, he decided to take her to the store for a trip. As she walked into the dazzling store, she found herself surrounded by a different world, one full of solitaires and a different kind of love. She looked in awe at the detailed cuts and high-end jewelry. Like every woman, she found herself mesmerized by the charm of the accessories. Sipping on the beverage given to her, she was delighted by the experience already. The staff members were kind enough to hide the prices so she wouldn’t worry or interrupt her moment. 

When she spotted the heart-shaped necklace Ed gave her on display, she said, “The size of the heart doesn’t matter,” adding that the very shape and gesture spoke volumes. She fixed the necklace she intended to, but then her eye was hooked on a turquoise gemstone necklace. Ed noticed her falling in love with the delicate piece and asked her if she wanted it. Being the selfless person she was, she immediately shied away and refused. But he noticed her eyes lingering on the beauty of the dainty piece and secretly asked the staff for the price.

He convinced his mom that it was actually cheaper and got that necklace too. “If mom won’t spoil herself, I will!” he wrote, adding, “especially after a lifetime of limiting herself to a $20 budget at discount stores, we’re stepping it up big time after all the hardships you’ve been through. Time to enjoy, mama!” As soon as they left, Jane revealed something heartbreaking. She mentioned how people kept taking from her ever since her divorce. “My heart started racing when I received this gift from you,” she remarked, adding that she didn’t even know whether she should accept it. But love conquers all, and Ed held her in a warm embrace, letting her know she deserved every bit of it. 

Right from sleep to careers, parents sacrifice so much for the sake of their children. Motherly’s 2025 State of Motherhood Report revealed that moms are forgoing far more than we imagine, all by themselves. And this feeling is scary and confusing. 78% of Gen Z, 72% of Millennials, and 62% of Gen X moms reported feeling “lonely” in their experience of motherhood. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that from their survey on 198,417 mothers in 2023, maternal mental health had decreased compared to 2016.

Mothers who reported "excellent" mental health dropped from 38.4% to 25.8% by 2023. Poor mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. And this is the case throughout the USA. Moms need more, and the internet agrees. Tiffany Michelle Yebes Go-Datt wrote, “This made me cry. What a privilege it is to spoil the hands that raised us in love.” Patricia Louissaint added, “You worked hard! And you deserve some spoiling!” 

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