by beth king

Created on: August 24, 2010

Let’s face it, how many times have we asked our mothers what they want for their birthday and the answer is, “save your money, I don’t need anything”?   Most mothers really don’t need more material things from their kids and would really prefer something that has meaning rather than something store bought.

To make this birthday something special, spend your time and energy on creating something special which is worth far more to any mother than something that may cost a lot of money.

If you are short on ideas, listed below are a few to help you get started but take in to consideration your mother, her habits, hobbies, likes and dislikes so your “gift” will be something unique and special for her.

Time:

There is nothing more precious than time so remember that anything you do which gives up your time for your mother is appreciated far more than you may even realize.

If your mother has an interest or hobby, what about signing both of you up for a class to take together?  Maybe something she has always wanted to try but never took the time to do it.  Perhaps a cooking class or art class or even a exercise class.  These can be a one day even or something that lasts a few weeks but the thought behind it and the time spent together will be worth more than anything.

If you find your schedule to be so busy that you haven’t had time to spend with your mother like you wish you could, take a few days off work and devote them to her.  Go shopping together, cook a meal together, take walks together, visit a park, whatever you both enjoy as long as she knows that you are devoting this time to be with her. 

Memories:

As a parent, the life of a child as they grow creates so many special memories, so why not do something that honors the years your mother took care of you?  Make a slide show of pictures through your life and hers to present to her.  Make dinner and give the presentation to her afterwards.  You can invite family and friends over and make it a celebration night.  Your mother will be so proud that you took the time to do this and proud to have others see your thoughtfulness as well.

Put together a scrap book of your lives together. 

There are programs that can be purchased inexpensively to create calendars that would be a perfect gift, lasting all year long.  Each of the months use a picture of something in your lives together that happened during that month.

Write your mother a letter telling her how much the things she did and the sacrifices she made meant to you.  Try to include a few occasions that may make her laugh and cry (happy tears of course) and have the letter framed.

Remember it isn’t about the amount of money that you spend that will mean something to your mother but the time and sentiment that goes with your gift. 

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