You may be struggling through your classes, trying to keep on task during the beautiful spring weather, but May probably brings one of the biggest challenges: buying a present for your mother or another maternal figure for Mother’s Day. Mothers always say the same things: “You don’t have to get me anything,” or “I’ll love whatever you get me.” You also know both are not true; the flowers were nice but were cast aside after the newness faded, and she already had the latest Celine Dion CD. This said, take a look at the ideas below to help jumpstart your search for a decent gift that isn’t too impersonal, impractical or unoriginal.
1. Give gifts that give more
So your mom already has everything she wants? Don’t waste your money and time giving her something she won’t need – give her the gift of humanitarianism. Lots of charities and non-profits give people the opportunity to give to a needy cause in someone else’s name.
For instance, I went to hungersite.com, which raises money for world hunger and other such causes, and bought a month’s worth of food for an Rwandan family as well as a teddy bear for an African child with AIDS. My mother was much happier to receive the certificates with a picture of the Rwandan family than she would if she had gotten a box of candy.
2. Take her to a restaurant
Your mother certainly shouldn’t have to cook on Mother’s Day. Take her out; she would love to spend more time with her little snookums anyway. Ask her where she wants to go or surprise her by taking her to your favorite eatery.
There’s no real prep or clean-up you need to worry about either, unless you need to make reservations. However, you might want to cook her a meal yourself, if you dare, to avoid the Mother’s Day busyness at restaurants.
3. Hire a babysitter
If you have a little sibling who sucks the life out of your mother, give her a break and hire a sitter for the night. You might even want to include a free massage or other pampering treatment for her to enjoy on her night out while you’re at it.
4. Take portraits with your siblings or other members of the family
Mothers love photos of their little babies . but they probably haven’t been updated since you were a baby. Make an appointment with your siblings at the JCPenney studio, or even include your mom in the mix by making an appointment for later that she can join in on.
Just remember that you get what you pay for; try to find a legit photographer who will take a memorable, quality portrait. Also, make sure to get a nice frame to go with it; don’t just pick one up at the dollar store.