Make Mother's Day special this year with these out-of-the-box gift ideas to fit any budget.
As Mother’s Day nears, it’s time to start thinking about the best way to honor one of the most important women in your life. You can always go the usual card-and-flowers route; any mom will appreciate the sentiment that comes along with these traditional gifts.
However, if you want to do something a little more hands-on, a little more personal, consider one of these Mother’s Day gift ideas. Whether you’re buying for your mother, wife, or friend, there are options to suit moms of all stages in life and gifts for budgets the size of a piggy bank or a national bank.
Gift for New Moms
If you know a mom celebrating her first Mother’s Day, the gift of time is one of the best you can give. This mom has spent months feeding, diapering, and comforting her new baby and has probably endured countless sleepless nights. Time to herself has dwindled with the added responsibilities of a little one to care for.
- Low-cost option: Simply watch the baby for a day. Send mom out to shop, work out, get a manicure, eat a leisurely dinner, or anything else that revolves only around her. If she prefers, take the baby out of the house and let mom stay in for a long nap, bubble bath, or just sitting on the couch.
- Bigger-budget option: In addition to taking care of the baby all day, make plans for mom. Provide her with tickets to a new movie or art exhibit, give her a gift certificate for spa services, or make reservations (and arrangements to pay) for dinner at a nice, grown-up restaurant.
Gift for Busy Moms
Most moms juggle a hundred different activities everyday between work, family, and running a household, not to mention trying to fit in much needed free time. Surprise the busy mom you know with a clean house. Coming home to a freshened up space will instantly melt away stress.
- Low-cost option: Do the work yourself. Head over to the lucky mom’s house a day or two before the holiday ready to work. You can bring your own supplies if you like certain products, but mom probably won’t mind if you use her stuff; just put it back where you found it. Also, you don’t have to clean the whole house. Choose a couple of hardworking areas like the kitchen, living room, or play area.
- Bigger-budget option: Hire a cleaning service. Ask around for referrals or call a few places to compare prices and services offered. Most businesses let you specify what areas of the house you want cleaned.
Gift for Any Mom
When a bought gift just won’t do or you’re at a complete loss about what to buy, consider donating a gift to charity in honor of your favorite mom. Not only is it special for the mother, but a gift like this can help many other people as well. For ideas on where to donate, think about interests mom has or causes she supports. Then find a charity that supports them.
- Low-cost option: Donating doesn’t have to involve money. You can always give your time. For example, if your mom supports breast cancer research, run in a marathon. Or, if she loves helping animals, spend an afternoon volunteering at a local animal shelter.
- Bigger-budget option: Donate money to your mom’s favorite charity. Ask her where she would like the contribution to go, and then give what you would like in her name.
