What do you give the woman who gave you everything?
Each year, online and offline sources try to curate the perfect gift suggestions for your mom. These recommendations are often categorized by product type and experiences. The top product choices usually come from the beauty and jewelry departments while spa treatments and Mother’s Day brunch ideas lead the experience board without forgetting the flowers. You must give your mother flowers but the bottom line is that you know your mommy better than anyone else.
This year, I invite you to think outside of the bank account and give your mother what her heart truly longs for…more of you! Don’t get me wrong, you should still buy her a gift, especially if you know about something she wants or something she can’t afford or wouldn’t dare buy for herself. In addition to this gift, however do something extra special for her which will cost you something but not money.
I won’t pretend to know what every mother wants instead, I will focus on my own and suggest three gifts money can’t buy. My mother is a sensitive soul. As I have gotten to know her over the years, it is clear that she is not materialistic in the least. Possessions are of little value to her as she gladly parts with them, giving to charity and letting me pull any and everything I want from her closet. What my mom wants is attention, care and affection.
Here are three gift ideas for the mom who has all the material things she wants.
1. Snail mail
In the technology-driven world we live in, handwriting anything, let alone a letter is unusual. That’s what makes it special. This Mother’s Day, in addition to the brunch, the flowers and the necklace send your mom a heartfelt letter expressing how much she means to you. Tell her why you love her and why you appreciate her. The more details and examples you can include the better. Don’t be vague like a greeting card but specific in your praise. If your relationship with your mom is complicated, choose to focus on the good in this letter. Motherhood is one of the least appreciated but most demanding jobs in the world. Receiving a letter detailing everything she has done right in your life and how much you value the efforts she has made will go a long way. I make sure to send my mom three pieces of handwritten mail every year.
2. Attention
Our lives can get really busy depending on the season we are in. One thing is for sure though, the more time passes the less opportunities we will have to spend with our parents. It is sad but truth. So giving mom a listening ear and undivided attention will make a great Mother’s Day gift. Most moms welcome quality time with their children with open arms. You can use this uninterrupted time how ever you see fit, as long as there are no distractions allowed. This means no phones or movies. This should be a time where you get to talk but mostly listen to her. The gift of listening is rare nowadays in a world where everyone wants to be heard.
3. A break
Mothers are the original superheroes. Since the dawn of time, they’ve worn multiple hats such as doctor, giver of life, cook, provider, coach, cleaning lady, accountant and the list goes on and on. All of this with no pay and no sick days. She deserves a break, wouldn’t you agree? Well, you can give her one or two or three. It’s up to you! Get as creative as you can with the delivery of this gift(s). I suggest creating a coupon book for her to redeem whenever she wants. The coupon book should include five acts of service you think she would appreciate such a foot massage, a home-cooked meal, multiple hugs and a house cleaning to only name a few. This works even if you don’t live at home as long as you live in the same city as your mom does.
I hope my Mother’s Day gifts money can’t buy ideas inspire you to think outside of the perfume box this Mother’s Day. If you are a mom feel free to forward this post to your family as a not-so-subtle-hint and happy Mother’s Day!
