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Step 1
Think about why your Mom say she doesn’t want a Mother's Day gift. It could be: 1-She is aware that you’re on a tight budget and doesn’t want to burden you. 2-She has been frugal all of her life and doesn’t enjoy expensive gifts. 3-She enjoys giving gifts more than receiving them. 4-She is fussy and dreads pretending to like a gift. 5-She is at a stage in her life where if she needs something she can buy it herself.
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Step 2
Don’t try to change your mother’s thinking. YOU might want to spoil her with stuff, but if that’s not what makes her happy then you’re only satisfying yourself. Listen, really listen to what your Mom talks about when she chats with you and others and you’ll get a clue as to what she’d like. What does she get excited about?
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Step 3
If your mother enjoys bargain-hunting and brags about the great deals she gets at flea markets, don’t fight it. Invite her to spend a day shopping at several flea markets. Make sure you buy at least two things so she can be excited for you. If she wants to buy you something, let her. Then treat her to lunch.
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Step 4
If your mother doesn’t get to see friends or other family members as often as she’d like, then arrange for them to get together. Take your mother to visit someone for the day. Bring pastries, then offer to pick up lunch. Or arrange for someone to visit your Mom. Make the phone call, arrange for a ride if necessary, and buy a bouquet of fresh flowers for your mother and for her guest. They’ll talk about how good you turned out after all.
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Step 5
If your mother is up in age and her house has fallen in disrepair, then pick a home improvement project to work on. Maybe the house needs a good cleaning. Pick a room to clean and make a day of it. Or you could weed the garden, or arrange for other household repairs to be completed. My sister and I spent a few days repainting our Mom’s bedroom. We took frequent breaks to have coffee with Mom and chat, and the room turned out beautiful.
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Step 6
Has your mother ever had a salon manicure or pedicure? Many older Moms have never had this done at a salon. It's a relatively inexpensive way to feel pampered. She will be more willing to go if someone goes with her. If you're her daughter, then make it a mother-daughter outing. If you're her son and aren't the manicure type, then invite your wife, sister, or daughter to go.
Comments
joanhaines said
on 5/7/2009 We went for pedicures together, and it was a first for my mom at 70! She loved it. You have some great Mothers Day insight here.
blusher said
on 5/5/2009 Haha - my mom doesn't want a present so thanks for the tips!
favefive said
on 5/2/2009 Excellent tips. Since my own mother had passed on years ago, I still have my mother-in-law who I consider as my other mom. I can use your tips to make her happy this coming mother's day. 5*
PurpleAnkh said
on 4/8/2009 I think it is just a mom thing, saying you don't need or want a gift. I do the same thing now that I am a mom. A gift straight from the heart with her true self in mind will not fail to make her smile!
PurpleAnkh said
on 4/8/2009 I think it is just a mom thing, saying you don't need or want a gift. I do the same thing now that I am a mom. A gift straight from the heart with her true self in mind will not fail to make her smile!