Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Mark Mother’s Day in a different way
Don’t limit yourself to traditional choices when choosing a gift for May 14, writes
Mymumhas been mymumfor, well, forever. Obviously we’re both happy about it, but unfortunately that equates to more chocolate, books and scarves than is necessary for your average human being.
This year is going to be different. If you’re keen to celebrate Mother’s Day a little differently too, here are some ideas.
Get active
We all know that mums have ginormous hearts, but did you know that more than 3000 women die every year from heart disease? The Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk gives women all over the country the opportunity to have fun, get active and support the Heart Foundation at the same time. The team has some powerhouse women joining in too; former Black Sticks Hockey captain Kayla Whitelock and Olympic silver medallist shooter Natalie Rooney will be participating, plus there are more to come. With $25,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, more than 20 locations all over the country, and exclusive T-shirts designed by Dick Frizzell for every entrant, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a run, walk or leisurely stroll with your mum, daughter, sister or girlfriends. To find out more, visit jennianmothersday.com.
Gifts that keep on giving
Flowers are pretty, but they don’t last long. Instead, buy a potted plant for the deck or a fruit tree for the garden. Ifmumisn’t that au fait with the gardening front, a succulent or cactus is less likely to head to the compost bin before its time.
I ‘goat’ you a great gift
If you’ve already bought all the mum-appropriate gifts that were ever made, think twice before buying something else she doesn’t need. What about a goat or a care package for a new mum? Tearfund’s Gifts for Life is a catalogue of unique gifts that can be given to people in need on behalf of someone else. Simply pick a gift and Tearfund will give it to a family in the developing world. Visit tearfund.org.nz for more information.
Deja vu
Every family has one: a photo of you and your siblings that hangs pride of place, but every time you see it you think, ‘‘Who thought it was OK for my hair to look like that?’’ It obviously gives her great memories, though, so why not recreate them? Gather your siblings, scrounge op shops for clothing that resembles your terrible fashion sense, and set the self-timer while you all cosy up to re-enact your bygone-era poses.
Bucket list
If there’s something yourmum has always said she’d love to do, this year is the year to make it happen. Whether it’s something low-key like having a massage or learning how to swim, right through to the more adventurous like bungy jumping or flying in a plane for the first time, ticking something off your mum’s bucket list together will be an experience she’ll never forget. Don’t be afraid to ask around for help either. You never know; someone in your Neighbourly network might be a pro at teaching adults how to swim.