As a child and teen, I would ask my mother every year what she wanted for Mother’s Day, and she inevitably said the same thing:
A clean house
I did not like that answer. That answer took elbow grease. That answer was not as easy — or fun — as going to the store and plunking down some cash for a little trinket or a bottle of perfume. That answer was not a quick fix.
And we all know that our culture and our economy are hurting from too many years of quick fixes. Yes, yes, it is.
So, today I propose 5 Mother’s Day gifts that won’t cost you much at all — at least not where your pocket book is concerned. They take elbow grease, effort, determination, and work. But, as I look through the list, I know my mother would be ecstatic. And I know that, as a mom, I would be, too.
Feel free to pass this on to all the sons, daughter, and husbands out there. 🙂
5 Bargain Mother’s Day Gifts that Will Score You Major Points
A Nice Meal
Food is the great comforter. And while a dinner out on the town can be wonderful, it can also be stressful if the money is not in the budget. Cooking at home can be delicious, elegant, and budget-friendly. Try one of these great menus or check out some other good cheap eats.
Make sure that you set the table nice and that you clean up afterwards!
A Cheery Disposition
Ooh, that hurts, don’t it? But there aren’t too many things that plague me more than fighting or grumpy people. And I’m gonna bet, your mom isn’t too keen on it, either. Work to have a good attitude. Say please and thank you. Ask her if you can help her with something. At least for a day, do what she asks without complaining.
That is priceless!
Good Conversation
My mom is coming this weekend, in part, just so we can talk. We don’t solve the world’s problems, but we work on making life better for ourselves and each other. And good conversation helps. Call your mom up and have a nice chat.
We Love Mom Cupcakes
Time to Rest
I don’t think I need to explain myself here. But, in case I do…. Most moms I know are moving almost 24-7. If not their bodies, their minds are in constant motion, trying to remember the details of everyone’s life, trying to fill needs, attempting to solve problems. Let mom have time to rest, whether that is getting up with the baby in the night, letting her sleep in, or taking on the carpool gig this week.
Rest doesn’t have to be sleep. It can be a break from the mundane, a change from the ordinary, or a massage and hot bubble bath.
A Clean House
You knew it was coming, didn’t ya? Surprise Mom with a clean kitchen, with a made bed, with socks in the hamper. You’d be surprised at what little time it takes — but the rewards are huge.
This list of gifts may not be a perfect fit for every mom, but I’m guessing that there are at least two or three on the list that are a great match. You don’t have to spend any money, either.
But, they will cost you something. The result, however, will be good. Trust me.
About Jessica Fisher
3 Gifts to Give Yourself that Will Make a Difference in Your Life as Mom
Mother’s Day Gift Idea: We Love Mom Cupcakes
5 Fun Desserts
Celebrate Your Life as MOM This Mother’s Day
My Mother’s Day Plans
Every year my kids ask me what I want. And every year I answer “for you to clean your room.” They do not like that answer at all. They want to get me “something.” My mom used to always say she wanted “for us to behave.” Some things never change…Happy Mother’s Day!
Great tips!
Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Great ideas!!! 🙂
Excellent! Thanks!
I think I might ask for the cheery disposition one!
My mom has invited us to dinner. She said she just wants to not have to do the dishes afterwards! I think that’s fair!
I love these tips! I keep telling my family they don’t have to buy things just because advertisers tell them they should! And I, for one, don’t need more stuff to manage! LOL
We always used to do the ironing for my mom for Mother’s day, Christmas, and her birthday. She hated ironing and ignored it as much as possible.
Happy mother’s day!
Annie Kate
If I had to choose one of those mother’s day gifts from my family it would definitely be time to rest. Ahhhhhh! That sounds so nice. Anyway, thanks for hosting a great linky party. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
My mom ALWAYS says, “I don’t need anything – I just want to be with my kids!” Well, this year she’s only going to have 1 out of the 5 (ME!) with her, but we’re doing a meal together and a friend is coming who has no family. In addition, I always try to find that “perfect” gift for her, but I also know she’s really trying to clean out and she really doesn’t need any more stuff. I went with something she could eat and wouldn’t normally buy for herself. She’ll love it and it won’t clutter up the house – win-win! 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day to you Jessica – hope your kids give you a clean house this year! 😉
Great ideas – I always ask for a clean house. Not just from my kids but from my own mom at Christmas time! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.
Those are great tips for Mother’s Day:-)
All of the above would be fantastic.
— Add to that washing my car, cleaning the inside too.
— Breakfast in bed.
— Picnic Lunch. I love to be outside, so a picnic is PERFECT for me.
Hugs Jess and Happy Mother’s day!
Emily
One year we gave my Mom an afternoon of yard work — whatever she wanted we did. She loved that!
My mom always used to ask for a “bag of cooperation.” I didn’t do it this year, but I think next year I’ll sew a little bag and embroider “cooperation” on it – I know she’ll get a good laugh (and laughter is a great gift, I think!).
I thought and thought about what I wanted and finally told my husband I just wanted time to go shopping for a few new clothing items without any distractions (after two pregnancies and some weight loss, I have NOTHING!).
I also want a picnic in the park with my family that I don’t have to plan and pack everything for. 🙂
I really don’t want more stuff, just the gift of time. It’s amazing how my priorities and “wants” have changed since becoming a mom.
Good conversation means the world to moms any day. : ) I also like the cheerful disposition for both moms (dads too!) and kids no matter what the age. There is so much scoffing and sarcasm in the world we need to keep our homes that cheerful place and haven.
Thoughtfulness rules on Mother’s Day no matter what the gift. : )
I got a good laugh from your post. Last year I asked for help cleaning the garage, and this year I am considering asking for help cleaning the office/untouched room full of junk. I don’t even want my husband to do it for me, just keep the kids (2 and 7 mos) occupied while I do the work and help me move heavy things if necessary. Getting to some of these nagging projects makes me happy for months afterwards! But you’re right… these are harder gifts to give than something you buy.
I’d love someone to clean the house. Breakfast in bed is also nice. I think the best of all would be a day with no sports. Both our local soccer league and baseball league have games scheduled for Mother’s Day. Ugh!
My day-late post is about saving money on eye care – basically what I’ve learned so far.