Your mama loves you. In fact, she loves you so much that she doesn’t want you to spend much if any money on her this Mother’s Day. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite affordable and loving gifts that won’t leave you broke. And at the same time, you’ll seem anything but cheap in your mom’s eyes.
1. Clean the House or Ask for a List of Chores
Today might be a great day to encourage mom to take a little nap while you hit the chore list for her. Power wash the deck, sweep the floor, wash the windows, deep clean the refrigerator – whatever she wants done, do it. She can soak in the tub or read a good book while the cleaning fairies do their good work.
2. Go for a Walk
Your mom probably wants to spend time with you more than anything else. Consider simply taking a stroll together as a family. Walk to your favorite ice cream shop or end with a cup of coffee or simply a swing on the swings.
3. Plant Flowers (and Pull Weeds)
A little color will certainly brighten Mother’s Day. But instead of a bright bouquet of cut flowers, consider ones she can plant and enjoy all summer. If you have the budget, spring for a perennial which will come back up year after year and remind her just how much you care. Pulling weeds only costs you a little sweat! Help your mom clean out the flower beds first.
4. Look for Coupons
If your mom is a bargainista, consider scouting out coupons to give to her this year. We received a $10/$10 from JC Penney already this month. Maybe your mom would want to pick out her own gift or maybe you can use it to purchase a gift. Don’t forget to give her the receipt to show her just how little you paid.
5. Sugar Scrubs
You may not be able to send mom to the spa, but you can whip up a treatment or two for her to use right at home. In the past, I’ve made both a Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub and a Chocolate Facial!
6. Memories in a Jar
Both of my girls have brought home adorable memories in a jar from school for Mother’s Day before and these rank among my favorite gifts! On small slips of paper, write down your favorite memories of your mom and place in them in a mason jar. Seal with a lid and decorate with ribbon or fabric.
7. Clean Out Her Car
Oh how a mom mobile can easily become cluttered and dirty! Why not clean out your mom’s car this Mother’s Day? Bonus points if you also sweep and wash it.
8. Watch a Movie of Her Choice
Whether it’s on Netflix or you rent it from Redbox or Amazon Digital Video or hit the library, let mom choose the next flick. You’ll spend $5 or less and it might even be free. Mom controls the remote for the day!
10. Mother’s Day Freebies
Over the next week, plenty of restaurants and retailers will offer free perks for mom! While I’m sure the list will grow and you’ll want to check mom’s favorite places first, go here for a complete round up of Mother’s Day Freebies.
11. Make Her a Playlist
iTunes, Spotify, or even burning a CD – put together a great playlist of music just for mom!
12. Nap Time!
Mamas of wee little people really just one thing this Mother’s Day – to SLEEP. Take the kids out to the park and let her curl up for a nap. Bonus points if you prepare the bedroom by cleaning it and plumping her pillow.
13. Free Printable Coloring Sheets
Even the littlest of artists can create a masterpiece for Mom! Check out these adorable Mother’s Day FREE printable coloring sheets that allow wee ones to share their thoughts and most loved aspects of their mamas.
- Mother’s Day Questionnaire
- 5 Things I Love About You Booklet
- Best Mom Ever Coloring Sheet
- If Moms Were Flowers, I’d Pick You Coloring Sheet
14. Turn Family Recipes Into Heirlooms
This still ranks as my favorite Mother’s Day gift I’ve ever given. A few years ago, I took the recipes of my grandmothers’ and of Brian’s grandmother and turned them into framed art for our moms’ kitchens. I went ahead and made a couple myself. It didn’t take much time at all and even non-crafty me was able to pull it off.
15. Write a Letter
Your mom really wants to hear how you feel straight from your heart. Take some time to pen a few words either digitally or with your favorite writing utensil. Your sincere words will mean much more than any greeting card ever could. You can even crack out the crayons and go old school to draw her a picture.
My mom always taught me that when you do small things with great love, little things become epic. This Mother’s Day, pull out all the stops to show your mom you care.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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