by K Scappace

Created on: March 25, 2009

With Mothers' Day, approaching the newspaper and television ads will be hawking everything from roses to cars for Mom. They promise that she needs this', wants that', or will love you forever if you get her this other thing. There is some truth in their ads. Mom may well need a new car, she will definitely love a bouquet of her favorite flowers, and she will love you forever.

However, a bouquet will die, a car is a major purchase, and nothing you buy your mother will make her love you any longer than forever.

Before you go out and spend money, think, when was the last time you gave of yourself to your mother? When was the last time she topped your, "top priority" list? How long has it been since you said, "Mom, this is your day. Tell me how you want to spend it?"

Do not buy mom appliances for housework or cooking. While she may desire these items, she does not want them as gifts. Forget perfume. Perfume is a personal choice. You probably gave her bath accessories for Christmas. If she has not used them by now she is not going to use them. As for chocolates, that is an issue between you and your mother. However, a good rule of thumb is to spare the quantity not the quality.

Where does that leave you? You love your mother and want to express your appreciation of her but tradition says, "Give things". Break with tradition. Give of yourself. Do not give her coupons for housework or gift certificates to places. She will never redeem the coupons and she will use the gift certificates on purchases for other people.

Give her a day where you do the laundry, clean the kitchen, or run the errands. They do not have to be all on the same day. "Mom, I'm coming over on Tuesday to run your laundry. Why don't you go to lunch with your friend?" or "Mom, I'm off on Monday, save your errands and give me a list." The gift of your time is something your mother will remember forever.

Last, for Mothers' Day itself. Take your mom shopping for the special treat she gives herself when she needs to unwind. Give her the time to browse and pick out exactly what she wants. Purchase it for her then take her home. Set her up in her own little nest of quiet and let her enjoy it without interruption.

Putting your mother on the top of your list is the best Mothers' Day gift you can give. It will cost you less money, and relieve the stress of trying to find the right gift for a woman who gives so much of herself.

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