Gift Ideas: Make Mother’s Day Memorable With These Meaningful Gifts
Posted: Wednesday, April 19, 2006
by Laura Trahan
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, I urge all the men out there to listen up. This holiday does mean something to women. If your children are too young (or too ungrateful) to do anything for their mom-the ball falls into your court.
It is funny to me how many times I hear husbands say, “Well, she isn’t my mom." Hello, she birthed your children! She does everything a mom does and she should be appreciated!
It was her first Mother’s Day. Moms can relate. You want it to be something so special because you finally are a mother. Hey, labor is not easy. We moms want some recognition, right?
Well, my poor dear friend. Her husband was clueless until one of the neighbors called out and asked him what he did for her first mother’s day. He immediately got in the car, ran to the nearest store and bought– Are you ready for this? Brace yourself– marked down Easter candy. Ok, if you are like other women when you heard this story you can’t help but to cringe. But here is the sad part, I am not sure most guys know the extent to which that can cause friction in a marriage. Case in point, two years later the story is still being told and neighbors start approaching the guy weeks before to remind him about Mother’s Day. Yes, we all laugh about it now, but I am not sure there was much laughing that day.
So why am I sharing? Because I wanted to pass on some gift ideas for those clueless men that are sure to bring a sentimental tear to your wife’s eyes and get you extra cheese points this year.
A Poem or Bookmark
My all time most favorite gift I received when my son was two. It was so sweet, it still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. It was simple. My husband asked my two year old why he loved mommy. He told him cheesy things like “because I watched soccer with him, because I played baseball with him or read to him." My husband typed up “Why I love mommy" on the computer followed by a simple poem. He printed it out, glued it on construction paper, put a hole in the top and tied a ribbon. It could also be laminated. It could be a simple card in your kids writing that tells her how much she is appreciated.
A Family Picture
I have a close friend who gets a family portrait made every year for Mother’s Day. It isn’t professionally done or anything, but it is the one day of the year that everyone dresses up. They then set the timer on the camera and pose on the steps outside their house. It is the moment she looks forward to every year, because it not only gives her a yearly picture with her family to hold on to and show off, but it is also a time that her family spends together looking good and not complaining. On the same line, a framed picture of the kids is also a nice surprise.
Breakfast
I know it sounds cliché, but it really does mean something for a family to work together to make something for mom. Besides, moms watch TV and see the cheesy commercials of the messy kitchens and the surprise tray in bed with a single rose. I feel a tear coming. Anyhow, it is nice to take something your mom does every day and give her a break. Along that same line, it could be something like no housework for a day. That shows her that you notice how hard she works and you feel she deserves a break.
Handprints and Footprints
Moms can never get enough of these type gifts. I have cards with handprints. I have chalkboards with footprints. I have molded hands. I have stamped hands. I love these gifts because they are personal and it gives me a chance to look back and see how my precious children have grown. Nowadays, you can also take their handprints and upload them to websites to have coffee cups, t-shirts, mouse pads, etc. made.
A Scrapbook
My husband once bought a pre-made book where all he had to do was fill in the blanks. I tell you this because whoever made these books were geniuses. It included questions like: My favorite meal you cooked was, My fondest childhood memory is, I liked it when you did this at night, etc. My suggestion is to make a scrapbook, including pictures of mom and the kids, but cover these areas. Tell mom why she is special and what she means to you in writing and in photographs.
Traditional Items
Moms are known for never taking time for themselves. One way to make the day special is to give them the opportunity to do so as well as something to do during that time. Moms aren’t used to having alone time and sometimes do not know what to do during that time. My suggestion is to give them a basket of lotions, bubble baths, shower gels, etc. and a coupon for an uninterrupted private bath. Include flowers, candy, coffee, music-whatever she loves and can relax to. Oh, and it might be an extra bonus if you clean the bathroom before-toilet and all.
Guys, whatever you do, make sure you start planning early and that the gift is from the heart. As long as she can tell you put thought into it, she will feel appreciated. Don’t get caught buying marked down Easter candy. Be creative and let your love and appreciation show in what you give.
By the way, if you wait until the last minute, it tends to cost more. For those waiting until the last minute, I would suggest a family charm bracelet that has charms representing the kids or a family ring. Of course, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
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