Do's & Don'ts of Mother's Day
By Nicole Passar Gebhardt - AOL
With the sizeable selection of gifts available for Mother's Day, finding the ideal present can seem like a daunting task. So many dilemmas: you want to balance recognizing her as a woman and celebrating her motherhood. You don't want to get her the same old thing, but you also don't want to spend a small fortune. Don't despair. There are still plenty of ideas out there! Follow these dos and don'ts to help you discover a flawless gift!Don't be generic or cliché. Candy and balloons are nice, they tend to be overused and can make Mother's Day seem common. Your mother is special and unique, so you want to think outside these one-size-fits-all gifts. Instead of abandoning these completely, use them but give them a twist. Simply pair them with something else. Use your imagination and you can make these familiar gifts extra special. Try pairing a bouquet of chocolate covered fruit or unusual flowers with a selection of her favorite books (try the Billie Letts books) or DVD'S, or send a warm sentiment inside a gourmet fortune cookie.
Do consider her interests. This may seem like an obvious one, but it is amazing how many people forget to take the time to do this. After all, in the whirlwind of finding the so-called "perfect gift", going for the newest kitchen gadget is often faster and easier than remembering that she doesn't like to cook. One trouble-free way to touch her heart (and win thoughtful-child- points) is to make a thematic basket. Has she always wanted to go to Paris? How about a basket complete with wine, French cheeses, and a collection of her favorite French films? Is she a golfer? Perhaps a golfing kit complete with tees, towels and gloves in her favorite color would do the trick. Don't have the time? Let the professionals do it for you. Shop our selection of gourmet gift baskets. Taking the time to choose something that reflects her lifestyle or hobbies will be meaningful.
Don't underestimate the importance of time. The point of Mother's Day is to show how much you love your mom. Purchasing a gift is a wonderful gesture, yet it doesn't take the place of spending time together. Cooking her favorite meal and having a picnic or treating her to a day of shopping or an outdoor activity are all great opportunities to make her feel appreciated.
Do be practical. A surprise is always fun, but your mom will think it's just as nice if she is treated to something she truly enjoys. Don't know what she wants? Just ask her. If the element of surprise is important to you, ask for several options and pick one Although she came up with some ideas, she still won't know which one you chose. It is better to try meet her needs with something you know she will use, rather than splurging on a gift that will end up among the dust bunnies.
Do something useful. You don't have to spend a fortune. Helpful chores like vacuuming the house, doing laundry, or washing dishes are acts of service that your mom will value. If your mother is elderly or living alone, this would be particularly helpful. Got a little more money to spend? She'll love the roomba, which will do all the vacuuming for her.
Don't wait until the last minute. Having your kids make a drawing for mom the morning of, or shoving a family photo from last year into a picture frame, doesn't say, "I appreciate you." A well-thought out gift will show your mom your gratitude. She did give you life after all! However, if you do happen to wait longer than you should have, there are still some brilliant options. Create a customized playlist for her ipod, or or upload photos and recipes to make a treasured family cookbook or calendar.
Do personalize your gifts. Who's your mommy? What kind of personality does she have? Knowing this can help you add a distinctive touch and make yours the perfect gift. It will feel personal and will complement something she likes to do. Here are some fun ideas for the extraordinary momma in your life.
Fashionista: Sophisticated and glam, your mom always looks impeccable. Spoil her with Alexis Bittar jewelry
or a sweet ruffle top.
Humanitarian: Volunteering or fighting for a cause is home to her, but her deep commitment to her family is admirable. Commend her with a relaxing day at the spa with a spa gift certificate or donate to a charity in her name.
Gardener/Eco-friendly: She's free-spirited and naturally chic. Burt's Bees Skincare collection or cute eco-friendly totes are sure to be hand-picked successes!
Domestic Diva: Seriously talented in all things domestic-not to mention a culinary powerhouse! Getting her something that she may normally not buy for herself will draw a spark of emotion! Try a modern tea set, a set of pots she has had her eye on, or a magazine subscription.
Working mom: Perfectly balances work and parenting-all with a smile! Show her her net worth with an espresso machine, makeup for on the fly touch ups, or simply a pocket size photo viewer so she can have her family at her fingertips while on the go.
Super mom: Your mom does it all-lunches, carpooling, cleaning, workouts...and she still finds time to give you hugs and advice. Pamper her with a massaging foot spa or give her some "Grace" with Philosophy brand products.
Do include the whole family. Including children in the preparation of Mother's Day gifts or activities is significant. Knowing that her family put effort into whatever they do for her, will make mom feel particularly joyful. Plus, it will teach an appreciation of family if you focus on why you are celebrating, rather than on what you are giving.
Don't forget grandma. Grandmas are the original mothers. Recognize her for the good she's done in her life and thank her for the ways she has supported you throughout the years. A scrapbook and sunflowers are sure to melt her heart; or for the modern grandma, try printed artwork that is mom-centric or painted by modern moms.
Do remember, that no matter what you buy, mom is sure to like it. Her heart will stir just knowing that you thought of her and took the time to make her day one-of-a-kind. And if your budget is small, nothing beats a hug, a kiss, and a heartfelt thank you!
Comments page 1 of 3
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Helen's daughter said 4-27-2009 @4:43PM
What I wouldn't do to have my mother back to honor her this year - I miss her so. Mother's Day is important and it is important that your mother knows that you care. You may not have her around next year, so make sure you show her how much you love her this year.
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Peggy's daughter said 4-27-2009 @5:11PM
Please remember your mom..This will be my first year without my mother.I miss her dearly. Time is the best gift you can give any mother...
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Peggy\\\'s daughter said 4-27-2009 @5:06PM
TIME IS THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN EVER GIVE YOUR MOTHER..
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Becky said 5-01-2009 @4:55PM
I just wish my kids-all three boys early 20's- would ASK me what I'd like, or like to do! Expensive is not what I want, overpriced food is not what I want, flash is not what I want.
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Shana said 4-28-2009 @9:26AM
Mother's Day is surely coming fast Have the memories of my mama only but will gaze upon her picture and smile. When my grandson who will turn 3 in July gets older will share memories of mama with him. I am so happy they did get to spend almost a year together. Mama had Alzheimers and Dominick enriched her life and brought happiness to her -that memory makes me smile.
replyRemember your mother, but NOT just on Mother's Day, since time goes by indeed so rapidly - no one knows how long people shall be together.
To those whom have a mother or loving children have a most enjoyable day whatever U may be doing
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Georgia said 5-06-2009 @5:38PM
I agree with you. My mother had just over a year to spend with her first great grandchild and I'm so happy that I have pictures of that. I always make sure I tell my granddaughter everything I can about my mom. I'm just sorry she never got to meet her other two great granddaughters. Another thing, I would always call or go see my mother everyday, even if only for a few minutes. Those were precious times!
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a daughter said 4-30-2009 @10:44AM
i dont have much money to get my mom something but i just bought her all new mary kay makeup and she hates flowers
replyi bought a picture frame awhile back and i was thinking about going to get me and my little brother and sister pictures taken and putting them into a frame some down at the beach and some with a plain background
is that a good idea??
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A mom of 4 said 4-30-2009 @11:15PM
That is one of the most thoughful gifts. Mothers do not want you to spend a lot. The picture will brighten her day, month and year for many days to come.
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Don Novak said 5-01-2009 @5:34PM
I believe u r right take pictures of family so she can enjoy. I am lucky to enjoy my Mom of 85 years and she said she like pictrures of kids and grandkids.
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Tarah said 5-01-2009 @10:56PM
The picture is a great idea and very thoughtful, especially if she loves the beach. It is also very inexpensive to go to a place like Target or CVS and have the picture printed with a special enhancement.
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lena said 5-02-2009 @11:40AM
Your mom is so lucky to have such a thoughtful daughter!! Your gift idea is PERFECT! I'm sure the photo will be one of her greatest treasures. By the way, you must have a great Mom to have raised such a sweet daughter!
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Pat said 5-04-2009 @10:32AM
It is a great idea mothers never get tired of talking about
their children and when someone comes in Mom will show the picture to them and tell everyone what a great gift she got
for mothers day.
My children gave me a frame with them and then my grandchildren
in it and I love it!!!
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Georgia said 5-06-2009 @5:33PM
That's a GREAT idea. Every year when my kids ask, I say spend time together, and I want new PICTURES of you BOTH together! I would say DO THAT!!!
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cindy said 5-07-2009 @11:19AM
Yes pictures are a great idea, My children got all my six grandbabies together and had a beautiful frame with five different photos on it, and I love it.
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Karen said 4-30-2009 @10:06PM
I do want people to know that mothers are special. I have had my mother for about forty years of my life. We do not know when we will be taking off of this earth. I have had my mother in my life since I was a little and we have had some not good times recently. I would like to have taking back some of the hurtful things that I have said. I do love my mother and I know that she loves me and cares about my needs. My mother is elderly and I have been helping around the house. We only have one mother and we need to enjoy each others company instead of tearing each other apart. I believe that we should enjoy spending time with our mothers instead of them feeling like we do not. Thanks
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Bev\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Daughter said 5-06-2009 @2:12AM
Maybe you could tell her what you just posted here, that you're sorry and that she's so important to you. I'm sure it would mean the world to her. And even more, when she's gone, you'll know you said it. Please don't wait and later risk having regret eat you up.
I was only 14 when my mom died and there are so many things I wish I would have been able to say, simple things like 'thank you' and 'i love you' - more than just the teenager-y way that I'd say it.
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Desiree said 4-30-2009 @10:58PM
Hi Peggy's daughter,
replyThanks for sharing your sentiments. I'm so sorry you lost your mother recently. To share the freshness of your pain actually does a service to other moms. You are so right to remind people to remember their mothers and express gratitude. Having grown up in a large family, and being the mother of a teenager myself, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices mothers make on a continuing basis.
As far as motherhood goes, the hours are long, the pay stinks and the payoff doesn't come for years (decades, in some cases). But like gardeners, I guess we mothers are hopeless optimists that everything will ultimately turn out well ... and productive ... and adding to society at large. If we didn't harbor that inner optimism, what would keep us going?
I hope that this upcoming Mother's Day brings you many warm memories, some laughter, and above all, an appreciation for the woman who brought you into this world. Share the love.
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Peggy\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s daughter said 5-01-2009 @7:41AM
Desiree..just reading your post was tearful.I lost my wonderful mother tragically on March 20th. My mother was a great lady. I am so thankful for the years I had with her.Although we lived in different states I saw her on a monthly basic and talked with her every week. My 4 adult children had the best grandma.She made sure of that.My mother was a single lady with 9 children..The gift of time is the best gift you can give anyone anytime..Missing my mama in Virginia...
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Bev's Daughter said 5-06-2009 @2:01AM
Thanks for sharing that - you said it perfectly! My son will be 14 next month and there are times when I don't even know who he is. When he was little, he was my best pal. Now he is this moody, one word answer, gangly teenager with droopy pants and I often wonder if we'll ever reconnect. I believe this is a phase, because I do know his heart and how he was raised, but I sure miss my little boy in the meantime.
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Betsy said 5-01-2009 @3:48PM
My mother-in-law died just this past Sunday. She was the BEST! People, don't forget your mother-in-laws...they are the reason why your son/daughter is so happy.
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