More than Flowers: Mother’s Day Gifts with Meaning
If we’re being honest, we often dismiss Mother’s Day as an afterthought. “I’ll just get Mom some flowers. She likes those.” While that may be true (mothers appreciate any gesture of love from their children), don’t you think she deserves something more after all she’s done for you? Childbirth alone means no gift you give will ever fully repay her, but here are some gift ideas to help get you started. Give a gift that represents all mom has done for you.
For making the house you grew up in feel like a home
Moms transform four walls and a roof into a cozy place of refuge. Chances are that the sights, sounds, and smells you remember about your childhood home had your mother’s fingerprints on them somehow. The throw pillows and blankets, the smell of baked goods, the sounds of humming while she folded laundry… these are the intangible things that made your house a home.
Give her a gift that tips your hat to her efforts by making her house feel more like a home, even though the sounds of children running through the halls long ago passed. Consider buying your mom a sofa. It’s somewhere she can share family memories with those who stop by, it’s somewhere she can put her feet up. It’s a home’s home base.
For providing a solid foundation beneath your feet
When you didn’t make the team, when you fell off your bike and skinned your knee, puberty, heartbreak, bullies, and college applications could have knocked your off base. In those moments, you could have crashed and burned, but mom kept you grounded (in the good way). In success and failure, she provided a foundation that kept you steady in the storms of life.
Give her a gift that represents the sure footing she gave you. Area rugs provide color, connect decor, and offer a soft place to walk in stocking feet.
For all the nights she tucked you in
Bedtime routines reminded you that, at the end of the day, everything would be alright. All the lullabies, bedtime stories, stuffed animal searches and last minute cups of water were nothing compared to mom’s nightly prayers. Isn’t it funny how you never noticed when the night light turned off or how your favorite blanket managed to stay clean? Sometimes mom’s love was more subtle than goodnight kisses.
Return the favor and tuck mom in, at least metaphorically. Give mom new bedroom furniture and wish her sweet dreams.
For all the crayon art she proudly displayed on the refrigerator
Whether you tore the page out of a coloring book or mimicked Picasso on the back of a paper plate, Mom was proud to curate your art collection on her refrigerator. It didn’t matter to her whether your color scheme clashed with the table runner or you couldn’t color inside the lines. She loved you, so the art was valuable to her.
Give her the gift of real art she can use to decorate her walls. Instead of showing off your stick figures, she can show off your thoughtfulness.
For bringing home the bacon
Moms who work don’t get enough credit for the number of hats they wear. Meeting deadlines during the day and wrestling you into footie pajamas at night is not for the faint of heart. Scheduling conference calls around carpool and chicken pox should have earned her a merit badge.
Give her the home office that she deserves. Just because she doesn’t have to navigate your soccer games or dirty socks anymore doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the luxury of an executive chair.
For all the meals she prepared
Not only did Mom make your favorite spaghetti dish on your birthday, she also introduced you to vegetables, breakfast for dinner, and the wonders of grilled cheese. If you took the time to do the math on the number of lunches she prepared or meals she has provided, you’d need a calculator. The least you can do is say, “Thanks.”
Give her a new dining room table to show your appreciation. A new dining room suite will let her know you’re thankful for the meals she’s provided while simultaneously gifting her with the place of future holiday meals, like the one you’ll prepare on Mother’s Day next year.
