Unless you were raised by wolves, octomom, or a few other choice exceptions, there’s a good chance you are connected to some honorable women who deserve your love and appreciation this Mother’s Day.
Remember… Mom’s aren’t just the ladies that labored over your birth, though super-heroes they are. They are also your stepmothers, your teachers and mentors, your friends. They are your grandmas, your daughters raising their own families, and, yes, your baby mama (even if your baby is pushing 60).
The single most important thing you can do for the mothers in your life is to be thoughtful. Extravagance isn’t necessary. Besides, how could you begin to repay someone whose body and/or mind you nearly ruined? Yep, trust us on this one, there isn’t enough cash in the bank. Just be thoughtful!
Take a moment to reflect on what makes your Mama(s) happy. Add your own personal touch to something that will put a smile on her face. One of these 15-Ideas to show your Mama some love is bound to strike a happy chord:
- Bake a Cake – Go out on a limb and try something new, she’ll appreciate the effort. At least try and make it pretty (like the Neapolitan Rosette Cake in the picture above http://bit.ly/Jgcs6G). No matter what happens, she’ll love it.
- An Afternoon Adventure – Take her to a museum, art gallery, show, botanical garden, beach, park, city-tour or other location she will love. Surprise her.
- Tech Lessons – Get Grandma connected! A few tech lessons could prove priceless. Okay, maybe a few follow-up lessons too. Anyway, think how happy she will be as she keeps up on everyone’s lives via Skype, email, Facebook, etc. Share links that will interest her (like the cute little cartoon above from www.grandparents.com ).
- Cook Up Some Compliments – Host a dinner or brunch and invite family & friends. Shower Mom with compliments, play some games and laugh. Mom’s always need a good laugh.
- Classic Twist – There’s nothing wrong with the classic floral arrangement. It can come from your favorite florist, grocery store or your own garden. (Arrangement shown is from http://www.teleflora.com/flowers/bouquet/new-sensations-with-roses-and-orchids-372750p.asp ). To make this gift meaningful, the twist as it were, be sure to add a personal note so she knows you love her a bunch!
- A Walk in the Park – Wrap up some walkin’ shoes and take her on a scenic Mother’s Day walk (keeping her level of ability in mind, of course). Hide some treasures along the route ahead of time. You could even end the walk with friends and family waiting at the finish line to take her to brunch.
- From Little Hearts & Hands – Nothing pleases Mom more than something handmade, with her in mind. Young ones can personalize a “World’s Best Mom” news story as shown above. Just print the flyer and let them fill in their own details. http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2011Q2/msl_0511_mdnewspaper_card.pdf). Another cute idea is the magnetized handprint flower also pictured. Here’s how: http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/05/06/a-sweet-little-mothers-day-gift/.
- Pamper Package – Please Mom with the pampering she enjoys most. Maybe that’s a day at the spa, a mani-pedi, a session with a hair stylist, or a relaxing massage. If she’s the stay at home type, try a gift basket filled with luxuries she’ll enjoy like bath salts, bubble bath, lotions, candles, etc.
- Tea Time – Gather your finest china (or grandma’s, or from the thrift store) and throw a lovely soiree. Sip some tea, enjoy fine chat and sample fabulous finger sandwiches (recipes for those pictured can be found at http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/light-lovely-dishes-00400000040426/page7.html ). Don’t forget the sweet treats too!
- Plant Some Seeds – Create a nice little garden for your Mom. Even the smallest of spaces can hold a pot of lavender or jasmine. Something with a sweet scent that will remind her of you (see how easy that is?!). If Mom likes to cook, plant some herbs like basil, thyme and mint. Feeling extra crafty? Paint your herb pots with chalkboard paint and label them.
- Sentimental Jewelry- Don’t get me wrong, diamonds are a beautiful thing. Still, Mom’s tend to appreciate items of sentimental value a bit more. If she likes jewelry, you can’t go wrong by incorporating the kid’s birthstones or fingerprints on gold/silver. Family tree items such as the necklace shown above (http://etsy.me/K2z0bE) are very trendy now too.
- Labors of Love – What Mom wouldn’t appreciate some good old household relief? Surprise her with a freshly detailed auto interior, pull a posse together and clean the house like it’s never been cleaned before. Bonus points for a fantastic breakfast in bed experience.
- Gift Certificates and Choice Causes – Lots of Mom’s feel guilty spending on themselves. You can spare her the trauma by giving a gift card or certificate so she can treat herself to something she truly wants. Mom’s have experienced a lot in life and many would love nothing more than to contribute to a cause she strongly believes in. A donation made in her name would surely be appreciated. To add your personal touch, get a box and learn to tie a pretty bow like the one above. Find out how at http://bit.ly/fd8lpq.
- Read, Play, Love – It may take a little getting used to, but if Mom likes to read books, magazines, play cards & other games, do crossword puzzles, and oh so much more, you can’t go wrong with an iPad or Kindle Fire. When she starts downloading new books in 60 seconds and saves precious space on the shelves, she’ll thank you profusely! (Kindle Fire pictured is from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=famstripe_kf).
- The Written Word – More powerful than all the ideas above and a rare pleasure for a Mom. Write a handwritten letter about a favorite childhood memory or any subject that will be meaningful to her. Another great idea is to create a “10 Things I Love About You” coupon book as shown above (http://thecreativeplace.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-tuesday-mothers-day-gift-idea.html ).
“More than in any other human relationship, overwhelmingly more, motherhood means being instantly interruptible, responsive, and responsible.” Tillie Olsen
Happy Mother’s Day to all those women who have taught, cared, listened, hugged, fixed boo boo’s, said no, said yes, nurtured, mentored, sang, danced, and loved!