Mother’s Day is coming, and if you’re reading this you probably procrastinated and have no idea what to get the women in your life who literally gave life. Let’s be honest- your mother doesn’t want flowers and chocolate. Flowers are nice for the few minutes of attention they bring if they’re delivered at work. But chocolate, she can buy it herself. There’s an aisle dedicated to gift baskets you could choose from, but she’ll know you put in zero effort. Or you can build your own basket with random miniature items from the dedicated end caps at the front of the store. Either way, she’s going to know you had no idea what she waned. She’ll smile and say thank you, and secretly resent you.
Don’t waste your time, or money, on gifts she probably doesn’t want. Men, treat your ladies to something she actually wants. This Mother’s Day, take your mind out of the gift bags and give the mother of your children (or your own mom!) an experience she will value forever.
The Mother’s Day Experience
The best part about buying Mom an experience is that it doesn’t need to be wrapped! Treat the mother in your life to memories that she will cherish, instead of clutter that will get thrown out.
Pampering at the Spa: the ultimate way to pamper Mom is a trip to the spa. Call a local spa and snag a gift certificate for the works. Even better- schedule it for a day when you know she’s available, so she doesn’t need to try and find time when you’re not busy with your honey-do list.
Spa A-la-cart: Some people don’t want everything, and would rather only get one or two services. So choose a few of the following
- Massage: Some Moms just want a stress relieving massage. Skip the rest of the spa and give her full body massage. And no- a couples massage is probably not what she wants.
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Facial
Note: Stay away from anything fitness related. She might like a punch card to the kickboxing gym, but she also may think you’re pushing her to workout. Unless she has explicitly stated she’s looking for a gym membership, just don’t do it.
Some mom’s consider Mother’s Day to be a reminder of why they love their kids, and want to use that time to spend time with their children. That in mind, consider a Gift Card or Tickets for an event with each of your children. One on one time is priceless, and she will thank you.
A picture’s worth a thousand words, and a Family Picture can capture the moment for a life time. Contact a local photographer for a family shoot, or even a Mommy and Me photoshoot. And don’t make faces when she makes you wear coordinating outfits.
If you made children together, she probably loves you. Or perhaps you stepped in as a bonus dad, and she wants to celebrate that. Hook the kids up with a babysitter and treat your lady to a Date Night.
Acts of Service
My love language is acts of service, so I personally would love to have something done for me. Hiring a professional service one time does not mean locking yourself into a lifetime of someone else doing the work. It means giving your Mom or wife the break she deserves.
A maid: ever hear the expression “in your mother, not your maid”? Hire a housekeeper for the day. Take the family out on a day-cation and let Mom come home to the empty counters, a sparkling bathroom, baseboards that have been scrubbed, and maybe even vacuum lines on the carpet on the stairs.
Landscaping: not to pop your ego, but you can’t do everything. After months of telling her you will put in the shrubbery when it warms up, and then realizing how much work it is, call in the pros. Not only will it actually get the job done, but it will be easier for you to maintain.
Car Detail: we all know you can wash her car in the driveway, but that’s not what she wants. Bring it in and let the pros scrub out the smell of apple juice and ground up Cheerios in the floorboards. She will appreciate it more than your toddler will understand.
The Presentation
Gifting an experience or service is the best gift, in my opinion, but it cannot appear to be a last minute purchase (even if it is). Take the extra step to write out a nice card, and be patient as you coach the kiddos to sign it. Let them color the envelope! Maybe you can stick the gift certificate on the floral bouquet that will die by next week. Put in on the tray when you make her breakfast in bed. The little details in presentation will make all the difference.