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 they have either received or would love
to receive themselves, or that they have given
their own mothers in the past.
Following 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
fathers or 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" Journal
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 re-read 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" (www.celebratesimply.com)
Nancy is a speaker and author who loves inspiring
others to live more simply. Visit Nancy online
at www.countingthecost.com
