What does Mom really want for Mother’s Day?

Every year I poll my Facebook followers asking “what do you really want for Mother’s Day?” and every year it’s the same answer. Mothers want to be thought of and they want to spend time with you.

What does that mean? To be “thought of” means if you give them a gift it should be personal.

Something that shows you’re paying attention to their likes and dislikes, their favorite foods, hobbies, and interests. Bearing in mind that most Mothers’ interests include their kids — lucky you! That means you can make them a gift with your own hands and have a major score.

This applies at any age so don’t dismiss the idea just because you no longer finger paint.

Here are some personal, yet inexpensive gift ideas. Frame a special photo. Get out your art supplies and make a card. If you don’t know what to say: plagiarize… I mean get some ideas from the greeting cards at the store. If there are small children in the family put them to work creating art and frame that.

Remember when we used to make mix tapes for the ones we love? Please tell me you remember mix tapes, if not, ask your Mom. Burn Mom a CD with songs that are special to her.

Instead of cut flowers, buy a plant (like a rose or her favorite flower) at the nursery and be sure to plant it for her.

They want to spend time with you. Really! But not the ordinary, everyday, I just saw you at breakfast kind of time. They want “special” time. There! I just broke the code. Here are some ideas for “special” time.

Take Mom out for a cup of coffee and talk. Not about what’s for dinner but ask her questions about herself and listen to the answers. This conversation isn’t about you, it’s about her. Ask her about her favorite movie. Where would her dream vacation be? Does she have a favorite childhood memory about her Mom or her Dad? Ask about her first date, why she chose the names of her children, what would she do if she won the lottery? Who is her favorite child … just kidding! Don’t ask that unless you’re an only child.

Invite her for a family dinner and make her favorite dishes then linger over dessert and talk. Yup, there it is again. Please refer to the paragraph above for topics.

Offer to take her to church. Check the community calendar for concerts or other events to attend together. Pack a picnic and head to the park.

Go for a drive. Go for a walk. Just do something together.

That’s the bottom line, isn’t it? Spend time together to honor your Mother. Do it while you can.

We have a finite number of Mother’s Days together so don’t miss the opportunity to let her know she is loved and appreciated.

Now, go call your Mother!

Frugal Festivity contributed by Patti Diamond author of Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets

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