
1. Do something for her.
Remember
the "coupon books" we used to make mom as kids? This time, we'll make
sure it happens! Rather than just offering to do some task in the future, take
care of something that will make her life easier today. If she has dogs or
pets, you could bathe and walk her dogs, or groom and clean up after other
pets. If she never gets a chance to wash her car, clean it out, wash it, and
detail it for her. Even if you have to go somewhere to do it, it's a big
gesture for a small amount of money. Cleaning the inside of cars can be hard
work and it's an easy chore to overlook when you're busy! Having someone else
take the time to do it for you is nice. You could also find chores she has to
do all the time and do them for her. Tackling tasks, like cleaning the house or
maintaining the yard, will let mom spend some time relaxing on her special day.
What you do is less important than actually doing it. Pick something you know
she would rather not do herself, and do it for her. She'll appreciate your
effort and the results will last a lot longer than just Mother's Day!
2.
Swap out an expensive, traditional gift for something that's more personalized.
If you
were thinking of getting her flowers, don't spend your money on some cut stems!
A rose bush or a flat of small flowers costs the same as a dozen roses and
lasts much longer. You can also share the joy of planting the gift with her. If
you were going to take her out for lunch or dinner, cook something for her
using her favorite dishes or ingredients. You could also pack up her Mother's
Day meal as a picnic for some extra flair! Spa gift cards are expensive, and it
might take months for her to get value from it. Instead, look online for some
do-it-yourself spa treatments, like bath oils or sugar scrubs. She'll be more
likely to use them right away if they're in her bathroom and sh'll appreciate
the personal touch.
3.
Find something you can do together.
ier if
you can do it with someone you know. Rather than just giving mom another
gadget, give her a new experience this year. By doing something new together,
you make it fun. You also get to spend more time with her: a win-win situation.There
are lots of free-to-try classes at gyms, like free introductory yoga or
exercise classes. If there was something she's been meaning to try, call around
and see if you can set up a day to take a free class. The effort is important.
Many grocery stores now offer cooking classes for free or discounted rates.
Some even bring in rotating instructors to get a variety of cooking styles. It
could be a real adventure to try a meatless cooking class or a course on a type
of cuisine that she likes. There are also lots of inexpensive classes that are
offered through most Parks and Recreation Departments. A beginner's painting
class, a dance lesson, or even a guided hiking group might be a fun activity.
By making her interests the center of your focus, you'll be able to make a big
impact, and may even help her find a new activity to enjoy. Bring her a
registration confirmation for a class or a business card with a date and time
on it for the activity. It may not have the presentation value of flowers, but
it will prove that you took the initiative. Show her that you care about her
interests and value time with her.
4.
Go see your mother.
It may
sound like a greeting card, but spending time together is a real gift. Invite
her over for the day and just enjoy time together. You could always tour
museums or hike at a park if you need more to do. Cooking a meal (or even
baking cookies) together will give you something to do while talking and is a
great bonding activity. If you don't live near your mother, you could consider
helping her set up a free video chat service. That way it will feel more like
you're together, even from miles away. If you still have some home movies from
when you were growing up, take a bottle of wine or some snacks and watch them.
There is no wrong way to spend time with your mother, but she'll definitely
remember that you did. Have a happy Mother's Day!
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