It’s that time again: an opportunity to let Mom know that she is loved and appreciated. The best way to do that, of course, is to tell her so—write her a card or a note that tells her exactly how you feel. However, if you still feel the need to give something more, maybe it’s time to skip the perfume and vacuum cleaners. Here are some different ideas for the mothers in your life.
Gardening Moms: Put together a gift basket that reminds her that the growing season has arrived. Gardening tools, seeds, gloves, a new kneeling pad, or a new spray nozzle are all good additions.
Musical Moms: If Mom has an iPod or MP3 player, why not make her a customized playlist, mixing old favorites with some new tunes?
Reading Moms: Reading Moms might like a copy of a good novel (like The Help by Kathryn Stockett [Berkley Trade], City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell [Henry Holt], or the Maisie Dobbs detective series by Jacqueline Winspear [Picador]). Or they might like an e-reader to read it on.
Cooking Moms: Obviously, there are many kinds of cooks. For the Mom who needs ideas for what to bring to the next church potluck, check out the Taste of Home: Potluck! cookbook (Readers Digest). If Mom’s tastes are a bit more exotic, you could always try Edible Wild Plants by John Kallas (Gibbs Smith).
Knitting Moms: How about a basket with some new or unusual knitting needles, yarn, and a pattern? Add some tea bags and cookies, and she’ll be able to enjoy some quiet time. For the funkier Mom, take a look at Craft Work Knit, a book of unusual knitting patterns by Ann Weaver, at annweaverknits.com.
Culture-loving Moms: Buy Mom tickets to an upcoming event: plays, concerts, whatever she likes. If there is a special exhibit at the museum, take her. Or maybe she’d like a membership or season tickets to any of these things.
Still not sure what to do? You could make something yourself—Mom’s been loving (or at least appreciating) your handmade gifts since your first day of preschool. But if Mom appreciates handmade items, and you aren’t skilled in that way, try http://www.Etsy.com for handmade gifts from artisans around the world. You can go to the “Shop Local” section to find someone near you.