What should I get her this year?
WHETHER IT’S your first or 30th opportunity to celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day, the one question you will probably ask is ‘what should I get/do for mom this year?’
Your dilemma is quite understandable. After all, she is the one who put up with your snotty nose, teenage angst and mental breakdown during young adult years. Even now, she still waits up for you, cooks your meals, ensures your kids love coming to her house and pray for your well-being. So what do you get the woman who deserves everything good?
Regardless of the fact that your mother will probably appreciate anything you get her, there are some tried and true tokens of love that she truly wouldn’t mind receiving. Look below to see if your gift comes close to what mother really wants this year:
1. R&R
Your mother is tired. This is just a fact. Whether she is still working or has retired, she has gone through years of holding down numerous jobs on account of you: meal planner, chef, stylist, mediator, financial controller, and the list goes on. This year, mom just wants to rest and relax. Think of creative ways to give her this gift. Offer to clean, cook and wash for her; send her to a spa to be pampered for the day; if she is still caring for your siblings, take them off her hands and allow her to enjoy some ‘alone’ time. Whatever you choose, ensure that mom knows you just want her to rest and enjoy doing nothing.
2. A VISIT
Sure, she is proud that you have moved away from home and have set up your own. However, she would still love to see you on Mother’s Day. Don’t just pop in for a quick hug and kiss either. Plan an entire day with mom. You can spend it with her at home or take her on a special day-out adventure (shopping isn’t a bad option).
3. A PERSONALISED TOKEN
Ask any mother who has received a gift with her name and ‘you are the number one mom in the world’ message; she still has it! Moms love personalised gifts. It shows you have taken time and effort in getting it for her.
4. FLOWERS AND A CARD ARE A CLASSIC MOTHER’S DAY GIFT
If you live close by, don’t just order flowers online or over the phone. Go to a local florist instead and deliver them in person. Carnations have come to represent Mother’s Day, since Anna Jarvis gave away 500 of them at the first Mother’s Day celebration in Virginia in 1908. Anna Jarvis chose the carnation because it was the favourite flower of her mother. This also started the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother’s Day.
5. GIFT BASKET
Don’t just order a basket and have them put in whatever they feel like. Make it meaningful by putting in your mother’s favourite foods and snacks. Pay close attention to any diseases or allergies she may have that prevents her from eating certain foods (even if she claims otherwise).
6. HOME DÉCOR
You may brush this off as a gift not suited to this special day, but you would be surprised. Mothers love to show off their space, especially to her children’s partners and friends. Therefore, getting her beautiful and unique pieces for the home will surely make her day.
7. PLANTS
If your mother is into gardening, get her a potted plant. Pair the plant with a verse or two of poetry thanking her for her love and nurturing throughout the years.
8. PERFUME/JEWELLERY
There are few women who would turn down perfumes or jewellery. Before you go off to buy the most expensive perfume on the shelf, find out what scents your mother loves, particularly what scents she loves to wear (do this discreetly so you don’t give your plans away). Also assess your mother’s current lifestyle before buying jewellery. Is she conservative? Does her religion allow her to wear jewellery, and if so, what type? What pieces would she prefer?