As we approach Mother’s Day, there will be a few individuals who are left scrambling the day before or the day of this holiday. Some of the more common items purchased for Mom are gift cards, flowers, cards, jewelry, and clothing. There are some traditions that some families follow such as going out for lunch or dinner, possibly a trip to the movies or something. Every one searches for that perfect gift for the woman who has such an influential role in your development into an adult. I’m sure by now you are saying to yourself, “Just tell me what the best gift is already”. Well, that is not such an easy answer because every mother is different.
I can only speak from my experience, I know that no matter how hard I try I simply cannot buy the perfect gift for my mother. She is truly an inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. I have bought many flowers, gifts, dinners, and various other items I thought she might enjoy. It wasn’t until in the last 5 years or so that I figured out that the best gift for my mother is time with me. Each year I still get her the flowers she wants for her garden, however I let her pick the place that our family will gather and spend time on this day. This might sound like a pretty uneventful gift, but I now realize that as we all grow older there is only so much time left with our loved ones and we should make the most of whatever time that may be.
Here are some ideas that don’t cost you a dime and might work better than anything you could ever buy.
If the weather permits and your mother is still mobile, take her on a walk to your favorite park or even around the neighborhood. With all of our technological advances it seems to be a rare occasion where you put all the cell phones and ipads away and actually have a conversation with our parents. The time spent in nature with your beloved mother might help the two of you reconnect if there has been some issues in the past.
The weather might not cooperate, so you could get your favorite board game from either your childhood or maybe even now. You could play a game of Yahtzee or Monopoly to just enjoy spending time with her and having some fun as well. This can be a great family activity to get everyone involved and appreciating the simpler things in life.
If you mother is not within traveling distance to you, take some time out of your schedule and hand write a letter. It can be easier to say some things that you want to say but never do by using a letter. It is often too late we truly say the things in our heart or that we mean to say but never do. A personal letter can give that personal touch that would mean more than a card you bought at Hallmark.
Another option might be to help out with some chores around the house that she couldn’t get to or isn’t able to do at her age. Take the day and do whatever chores she needs addressed in order to help her keep her home in order. Most mothers take great pride in making sure their home is up to par and cleaned the way they like it.
Hope this helps those of you who are in search of the perfect gift and may you enjoy the day with that special woman in your life.