Mother’s Day is less than a week away, so if you still have to get your mom something special, read on. Pilipinas Popcorn recommends 5 gift ideas to celebrate the greatest woman in your life. And the good thing is, some recommendations will not break the bank.
Origin Of Mother’s Day
According to History.com, celebrating mothers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when they honored mother goddesses. In America, Anne Reeves Jarvis started organizing Mother’s Day Work Clubs to teach mothers child rearing. This eventually became Mother’s Day when Anne’s daughter, Anna Jarvis worked to make it a national holiday.
The American version of Mother’s Day usually falls on the 2nd Sunday of May. During this special day, children and husbands give flowers and other gifts of appreciation to their mothers. Beyond flowers, here are some gift ideas you can consider.
1. A quiet meal, by herself or with friends
Although moms love to spend time with her children and her partner, there is such a thing as parental burnout. This feeling of being overwhelmed happens to the best of moms so a short break from the grind of parenthood will be appreciated. Make arrangements with a sitter or take care of the kids and the house for just a few hours. Give your mom a gift certificate for a nice restaurant so she can invite some of her friends as well.
2. Some major pampering
Moms usually put other people’s needs ahead of theirs, so sometimes they end up neglecting themselves. Another thoughtful gift for your mom is a day of major pampering. This can be a spa treatment, a massage or a trip to the beauty salon. Whatever it is that suits her, she will come out refreshed.
3. A good book, magazine or music
Because mothers rarely have the time for leisure, give them something to look forward to. First off, you must be ready to take over the reins at home. Then give her a chance to enjoy a good book, a magazine or listen to music. If you know your mom well, choosing a book or music she will appreciate should not be a problem. And you don’t have to spend so much because of vintage bookstores and online music stores.
4. Some alone time
A Quartz article sums this up very well. In the article, written by a mom herself, she says that the best gift her family can give her on Mother’s Day is “peace and quiet.” In order to combat parental burnout, it also says that alone time is essential. As a psychotherapist from Columbia University puts it: “Being alone, taking time to care for ourselves not only improves our relationship to ourselves, but allows us to return to our lives as better caretakers.”
5. A day without housework
A day may be too difficult to ask for but it can be done if you have the resources and the people who can help you. But if not, a few hours will do. The partner and the kids can take turns with daily chores, so that mom can put her feet up and not worry about what’s for lunch or dinner.
Whatever it is you think of to arrange for your special mother, if you remember the essential things she needs, she will surely appreciate it.