How to Select a Mother's Day Gift for Moms Who Don't Want Anything

“I don’t need anything. Save your money.” Does this sound like your Mom? Here are some gift ideas for Moms of all ages.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Why does your Mom say she doesn’t want a Mother’s Day gift? 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.
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?
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 hitting 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.
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.
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.
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.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that sharing time with your Mom is a gift that is always appreciated.