How many mothers have uttered the phrase, “I don’t need anything or want anything for Mother’s Day, (or birthday or Christmas)?” Adult children know that to be a true statement, yet it’s hard to let the day pass without some type of gift. Consider the following ideas that might please Mom, but aren’t presents that will clutter the house. Some might be a bit extravagant, others don’t cost a thing.
Gifts in the Reading Department
A book on tape or CD for use at home can be thoughtful. These audio books are available at the local library and they don’t cost a thing with a free library card. Mom will appreciate these if eyesight is an issue and also the fact that someone checks them out for her and is responsible to return them as well.
A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. Include Mom in on the discussion about what magazine she favors.
A subscription to the local newspaper will be welcome to some moms, particularly with the cost of the home-delivered paper. Many newspapers have a weekend subscription option, to keep the cost down.
Personal Grooming
Any woman loves a gift to get a shampoo, haircut, color and blow dry. Depending on the budget, treat Mom to an upscale saloon or personally take on the task of shampooing and blow drying, perhaps even coloring Mom’s hair.
In some adult communities there are masseurs or masseuses who come to the customer’s door. Check references beforehand and indulge Mom with a massage.
Food and Drink
Remember the home cooked meals Mom used to make? Return the favor. Bake a favorite cake and freeze it in portions. Cook a special recipe and store it in packets for one.
Baskets of coffee, tea, wine or Mom’s favorite drink will be appreciated.
Flowers for Mom
If Mom has a garden, ask what she needs in terms of new plants, seeds, potting soil, a new tool or gardening book.
Fresh flowers are always appreciated, as are plants. The kalanchoe plant with its varied colors and long-lasting blooms makes a thoughtful gift.
For the Car
If Mom drives, take the car to the car wash, or give a gift certificate to have it washed and detailed inside. Another nice gift is a gift certificate for gas, or a gas credit card where the giver pays the bill each month.
Give an Experience
Depending on Mom’s health situation, give the gift of an experience such as dinner with friends or family members. Depending on circumstances, consider giving Mom a ride to and from the restaurant as well.
Consider tickets to the theater, an evening of music or a sporting event that Mom enjoys.
Gifts From the Heart
Make a memory jar with the help of the children and grandchildren. Each person writes one or more things about Mom on a slip of paper. It can be a special memory, something positive about her or a special saying or quote. The papers are signed with the individual’s name and presented in a pretty vase or decorative jar. Mom can access and read these on a daily basis.
Make a special photo book or put together a framed photo board that Mom can display at home.
Practical Gifts
As a Mom ages, practical gifts fit the bill for Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas. If the mother is competent with technology, consider high-tech gifts for an older Mom, or check out high-tech gifts for older dads, because technology is gender netural. Otherwise, choose things that don’t take up space in the home, but can be used up and enjoyed.
Nellene Teubner Plouffe - My passion for writing was kindled in third grade when I entered – and won – an essay contest sponsored by the local fire ...
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