Simple Mother’s Day Non-Gift Ideas

This post was originally published on May 1, 2009. With mother’s day fast approaching I thought it was a timely reminder

Mother’s day is fast approaching. It’s that one day a year when we get to make mom feel extra special and appreciated. Mother’s day is celebrated around the world and although the days and months may not be the same in every country, the idea of expressing gratitude towards mom certainly is.

Although I feel mother’s day has become a bit commercial, like many other holidays throughout the year, it’s still important to set aside some time and show mom how much you appreciate her. When it comes to buying a gift, what do you get the person who has everything, doesn’t want anything or is just plain difficult to shop for? Maybe get her nothing at all and consider some of these ideas for your mom this year.

1. Plan a picnic. With the weather improving get out and enjoy it! Plan a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon outside. Consider taking along sandwiches, potato salad, fresh fruit, and veggies. Make it a wine and cheese picnic with a bottle of sparkling wine or cider, an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and grapes. Don’t forget the lawn chairs, blankets, ice, plates, napkins and cups. Bring along a Frisbee, baseball and gloves, a good book or some music.
2. Backyard BBQ.  If you’d rather do something a little closer to home try a backyard BBQ. Keep it simple with hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, chips and drinks. Or try a rotisserie chicken, roast or steak and lobster with baked potatoes, fresh grilled vegetables and a decadent cheese cake for dessert. OK my mouth is officially watering!
3. Movie night. Rent your mom’s favorite movie or a new release she’s been dying to see, pop some popcorn, grab a drink and have a quiet and relaxing movie night at home.
4. Brunch. Invite mom around for a mid morning brunch to celebrate the special day. Greet her at the door with a glass of champagne and orange juice. For brunch make a variety of dishes that you think she might like–scrambled eggs, quiche, grilled ham and cheese croissants, fresh fruit, and toast.
5. Do a chore. Is there something that you know mom really dislikes doing? Is it grocery shopping, cleaning the house, pulling weeds, washing the car, or making dinner? Find that one thing mom really dislikes doing and do it for her. You could make it a gift that lasts throughout the year by doing it on a monthly basis or even more frequently if you like. Showing your mom appreciation doesn’t have to be, and indeed shouldn’t be, limited to just one day a year.
   
6. Flowers. If your mom has a green thumb why not get her some potted flowers? If she enjoys gardening, get her some flowers from your local nursery or a potted houseplant. The Chrysanthemum and cyclamen are two flowering perennials that do really well as indoor flowering plants and they come in a variety of different colors. With a little forethought (i.e. maybe next year), you could start seeds in your own home and give the seedlings to mom as a gift for her garden.
7. Letter or poem. Let mom know how much you appreciate her by putting your thoughts and feelings on paper. If you’re expressive try writing a poem, if not just write from the heart. Tell her explicitly what it is she does that makes her so special. Does she do your laundry? Does she frequently babysit your kids (her grandkids) to give you a break? Has she given you a lot of support lately or helped you through a tough time? Whatever it is write it out and express your gratitude for her. It won’t hurt…honest!
8. Spa day. What mom doesn’t love a little pampering? You can get mom a gift certificate to a local day spa for any treatment you know mom will love. If she’s never been I would suggest starting with a manicure, pedicure, facial or a 1/2 hour massage. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an inexpensive spa day Frugal Happiness is a Spa Day at Home is a post I did for Sara at On Simplicity, so check it out if you want some ideas on getting your mom set up for a spa day at home.
9. Go to the zoo. Spend the day walking around outside at the zoo. Spring welcomes a whole menagerie of brand new, cute and cuddly baby animals. Let go and enjoy yourself. Take a lot of pictures, take a break from walking around and enjoy the view with a good cup of coffee or an iced tea.
10. Give her some alone time. Something that every mom would love…a little “Me time”. Offer to take younger children off her hands and leave her to do whatever it is she wants for the day, alone. Combine this with #8, setting her up for a spa day at home, and this could be the perfect gift for any multi-tasking super mom.

Mother’s day shouldn’t be about expensive gifts and doesn’t have to be a repeat of what you did last year and the year before that, and the year before that… With a little planning, some mothers day gift ideas and a great attitude you can create an extra special day to celebrate and honor your mom.

Do you have other non-gift ideas that you’d like to share? How are you going to spend this mother’s day?

See also:

Gratitude Journal

My Family Rules! 5 Rituals To Establish a Close Knit Family

Go Ahead Make Your Day: 50 Ways To Make Today Shine

Selfless Acts-Do Something Nice to Restore Faith in Humanity

Photo courtesy of: papadont