Creatively Simple Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
by Nancy Twigg
We all agree that our moms are marvelous. We
don’t need prompts from the greeting card industry to remind
us of that. The dilemma is how to make them feel marvelous
without buying into all the hype surrounding Mom’s special
day.
Several years ago before I became a mother
myself, I wanted to get the inside scoop on what moms really
want for Mother’s Day. What brings them happiness? What makes
them feel appreciated? To do this, I asked several women I knew
to tell me about the inexpensive, yet meaningful gifts that they
have either received or would love to receive themselves, or
that they have given their own mothers in the past.
Below are just a few of the ideas I gathered
from my little fact-finding mission. As you look over the list,
remember that most of these ideas are adaptable and can be used
for the fabulous fathers or the grand grandparents on your gift
list as well.
* Children’s Artwork – What mom doesn’t love the gifts her
children make for her? Children’s drawings, paintings or poems
all become extra special when placed in an attractive frame.
* A Hobby Basket – What does your mom do for fun? Create a
gift basket using her hobby as a theme. For example, if she
loves to play sports, create a gift basket with a new water
bottle, a book on fitness, and several new pairs of athletic
socks.
* Roses – Most women love roses, right? Rather than giving
her a bouquet that she can only enjoy for a few days, give her
a rose bush that will bloom for years to come. If you want,
include an IOU good for a few hours of gardening time to help
her plant your gift in her flower garden.
* Handprints or Footprints – Use her children’s hands or
feet to make a memorable gift. The impression of a child’s
hand or foot can be pressed into modeling clay to make a wall
hanging or quick drying cement to make a garden stepping
stone. You can also coat the palm of the child’s hand or the
sole of his foot with washable ink or paint. Then stamp the
print onto cardstock to create a keepsake suitable for
framing.
* A "Thanks, Mom" Book – On each page of a blank journal,
write a message of thanks such as, "Thank you for always
encouraging me," or something about your mom for which you are
thankful like, "I am thankful that you taught me the value of
hard work." Include a note that instructs Mom to reread this
book often to remind her of how much she is loved and
appreciated.
* A Personalized Apron or Tote Bag – Use fabric paint or
iron-on transfers for your inkjet printer to create an apron
that is just Mom’s style. Decorate the apron with transfers of
family photos or use stencils to paint on your decorations.
* Chocolate Fantasy – Is Mom a chocolate fanatic? Fill a
gift basket with several varieties of homemade cookies, candy
and muffins in her favorite flavor. If Mom loves sweets but is
concerned about her weight, use recipes for special goodies
that are low in fat and sugar.
Any of these low-cost, high-value gift ideas
are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special mom in your
life. Or, if you are a mother who thinks your family may need a
little help with Mother’s Day gift giving, you have my
permission to make several copies of this list and leave them in
conspicuous places around the house!
Adapted from Nancy Twigg’s book, Celebrate Simply: Your
Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions
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