Happy Mother's Day! — Show Mom you care without breaking the bank.
Make Mom proud this Mother’s Day! — (make responsible decisions about your money)
Every Mother’s Day I try to figure out a really special gift for my Mom, which is no easy task because she always tells me the same thing, “Honey, I don’t need anything – I’d rather you just save your money.” She never gives me any ideas, because she honestly would rather me save my money for my rainy day, then spend it. Through the years I have had to become a little thrifty and creative when it comes to making her day special. Sometimes out of necessity because I did not have any disposable income to splurge on gifts, and other times because really anything I saw just wasn’t special enough for my Mom.
If you are on a tight budget, just plain broke, or can’t find a gift that is special enough for your Mom, here are some ideas for a special Mother’s Day.
1. The best gift you can give your Mom is time with you!
Recently my mother visited me and my car was in the shop, and taking longer than I had planned. I had to file papers in a county an hour away, so my Mom offered to drive me. I felt terrible that I was inconveniencing her, that she would have to drive this very boring drive to a very small town in nowhere Ohio. I kept apologizing and she said, “Baby, I’m happy as long as I get to spend time with you.”
Remember, your Mom misses you when you are not there. Plan to spend time with her this Mother’s Day. If this would be abnormal for you, make sure she hasn’t made other plans, and maybe expect her to ask if you are feeling alright. The time and effort you spend in a good conversation with your Mom is worth more than gold, and the memories will last a lot longer than any gift. Also, spending time with your Mom is a gift that doesn’t cost you any money!
2. Everyone likes flowers!
It’s true, everyone likes receiving flowers (unless you are allergic). Flowers can be expensive if you order from a major retailer like ProFlowers, but many local florists will have specials. Also, cheap flowers can be picked up from most supermarkets for a few dollars. At local florists and supermarkets you can select one or more single roses, in whatever colors are available at the time. A single rose and a card with a heartfelt message can be a meaningful gift.
Another idea is to buy a few potted plants and plant them for her in her yard or garden, or give a hanging plant. A living plant will remind her all summer of your love.
3. Make your Mom dinner!
Any Mom will appreciate their kid taking the time to plan a meal and cook it for them – then of course eating with them too.
4. Frame a picture from the past or present!
In this digital age it is often forgotten how special a framed picture can be. Especially if you have children, a framed picture of the grand-kids for Mom can be very special. An even better idea is to go through some old pictures and find your favorite picture of you and your Mom and put it in a frame for her. Frames range in prices, but nice looking cheap frames are always available.
5. Make a card or craft for your Mom!
It has probably been some time since you made something on construction paper for your Mom, but the sentiment is the same. You may not remember how much your Mom loved the macaroni necklace you made for her, or how the red heart card you made when you were 4 made her cry, but your Mom does. Take the time to make something unique and thoughtful. Craft supplies are generally inexpensive, but the words you use to express your appreciation for your Mom will be priceless.
Remember, when deciding on a gift for Mother’s Day it truly is the thought that counts. Show your Mom how much she means not by how much you spend on a gift, but by how much thoughtfulness, time, and love you put into the gift. Your Mother would rather you save your money.
Contact Attorney David J. Smith, the Ohio Estate Attorney today to schedule a free in-office or telephone consultation at (937) 318-1529.