Figuring that with some advance notice, May 9th will roll around and the one who will be most surprised will be mom! Be prepared to surprise the mom in your life with just what she wants. Now…to figure out exactly what that is! 
Interestingly, most of the studies done around Mother’s Day find that moms just want to be remembered on Mother’s Day. Sites ranging from Squidoo to Forbes report that spending quality time with their kids far out-values the amount of money that can be spent on a gift. The top valued “gifts” are the things that can’t be bought, like conversation, rest, a day without chores, and the simple “teenagers getting along just for one day.” Of course, we still want to express how much we appreciate our moms in a way that is tangible.
Stay away from gifts that are chore-related. “A core part of motherhood is assumed to be service: caring for others, being a tower of strength, showing emotion but also good sense, (and) above all, being there,’ says Toby Miller, a professor at the University of California, Riverside. However useful a vacuum or a mixing bowl, Miller says ‘practical’ gifts can reinforce the notion that moms are ‘primarily there to serve.” According to Canada.com.
There are always the classics. Jewelry and flowers regularly top the list. When it comes to baubles to adorn that beautiful woman, one can go either the very casual or very formal route. For those who want something they can wear every day, personalized charm bracelets are a daily reminder of what makes a mom most proud. These are great for moms with small children, as earrings can scratch a baby on a shoulder or be tugged on by curious fingers. Of course, don’t underestimate the very sentimental dried pasta on a string adornments! For very fancy jewelry, be sure to include an occasion for which to wear it. Flowers and Gift Baskets are also classic ways to express gratitude for all that mom does.
Remember that mommy-to-be this year as well! This doesn’t need to be fancy. A card or a back rub are thoughtful. One very sentimental idea is to write a letter to the baby and give this as a gift to the mom-to-be.
Whether it is her first or 101st Mother’s Day, just remember to think of your mom and express your gratitude on Sunday, May 9th. And if you are my husband and you are checking in on this blog, a set of tickets and packed bags to a surprise vacation spot or a really long nap are alright, too!
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/37311452@N08/3475015202
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