by Elaine M. Doxie

Created on: July 30, 2010

Moms can be funny sometimes.  They don't always want material things for their birthday.  When you are deciding what to get for your mom for her birthday, you may want to take into account why she doesn't want material things for her birthday.  Some don't want it because they just don't want the clutter, but more often, moms don't want material things for their birthday because they care more about you than they do themselves.  

If your mother is one of those types that just doesn't want the clutter, taking her out to dinner or to the spa for a day is fine.  On the other hand, if she jsut doesn't want you spending money on her, this is likely to make her feel uncomfortable.  This is where you need to use tact, and your own knowledge of your mother to make her feel loved, and to make her feel like you actually are listening to her.

The greatest gift any mother can receive is the love of her children.  This is something that she wants no matter what.  Show her that you love her.  A homemade card or letter is so much more meaningful than something you picked up at the store.  Talk to her on her birthday.  Tell her you love her.  Give her an entire day without any complaints. 

If you are young enough to still be at home, do your chores without complaint that day.  For an added bonus, take on a few of hers.  If she usually does the laundry, throw a batch or two in yourself.  Volunteer to do the dishes.  Believe me when I say, this will really make her day.  If you are not living at home, things get a little trickier.  At the very least, call her and tell her happy birthday.  If you live close enough and are able to, maybe you can invite her over for dinner.  You may even be able to do something she's been asking you to do for a while, whether or not you live with her.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that the most important gift of all is love.  Love doesn't cost a dime and is what she's saying she really wants when she says she doesn't want material things.  Treat her with the respect and love that all mothers deserve.  Even if she hasn't been the greatest mother inthe world, you have to remember that she has usually done the best she knows how.     

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