How to Avoid Commercialization on Mother's Day

Let go of routine traditions and typical events so you can avoid commercialization on Mother's Day. Do something unexpected and spontaneous to celebrate this day. Avoid buying assembly-line products that are bloating the retail industry and free yourself from the advertising overload that can accompany this holiday.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gift basket

1. Give handmade gifts as presents. Whenever you actually make someone a gift it shows how much effort you put into pleasing her. Anyone can go buy a trinket at the local gift store, but a handmade gift will be remembered long after it's been opened. Some homemade gift ideas include sachets, pincushions, ornaments and hand-decorated frames.
2. Get away to the country. Take a quite drive to the country or even your mom's favorite city. Mark your day with a visit to an untypical place for Mother's Day, such as a museum, a historical area, a farm or an arboretum.
3. Do not have flowers delivered. Instead, handpick a bunch of stems yourself and wrap them in decorative paper or with pages from a fashion magazine. Stay away from those cookie-cutter arrangements some florists sell just for the holidays.
4. Give your mom a manicure yourself, rather than attending a busy, overcrowded salon. Visit a beauty supply store to stock up on items to perform the manicure. Pick out nail polish in her favorite color and scrubs in her favorite scent. Light soothing candles to create a peaceful environment as you fuss over her hands.
5. Hire a massage therapist to come to your mom's home and relieve some of her stress. You can also set up an appointment for your mom to go to the workplace of such a professional. Try and find one who works solo rather than at a busy spa where commercialization of this holiday might be ever present. Keep your mom's day simple, but special.
6. Find books at your local library to help you delve into why this is an important holiday. Try and uncover the true meaning of the holiday and avoid all the fluff that has unfortunately come to dilute the day. At your Mother's Day event, present poetry written by famous women or biographies about historical women who have contributed to society.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your mom everything she needs to unwind, rejuvenate and avoid commercialization on this holiday. Arrange a gift basket filled with mini scrubs, shower gel, hand and nail cream, lip conditioner and organic herbal teas. Find products made from natural ingredients with antioxidant benefits so mom can pamper herself at home.