This could very well be the oddest Mother’s Day I’ll ever celebrate. Plenty of us long for traditions of the past, but things may need to look a little different this year. Whether your mom lives nearby or far away, there are still plenty of ways to show her how much you care, even if you waited until the last minute. And Mother’s Day ideas don’t all have to cost tons of money, you can give a significant gift even without spending a dime.
Check out these Mother’s Day Gift ideas broken down by your budget.
If You Don’t Have Anything to Spend
- Write a Letter: Your mom might not know which dish she fixes is your favorite. She may have forgotten about that meaningful moment that changed the direction of your life. Take a few moments today to write down exactly how you feel and how much she means to you. You could write an email or find a piece of a paper to mail on Monday. Just let her know she matters.
- Share a Meal: I know this is a little tricky right now. But even while you’re social distancing you can eat a meal together. Set a time. Fix your meal. Send her some food or encourage someone else to cook her dinner. And then fire up FaceTime or Zoom to chat while you dine together.
- Clean Something: If the mother you’re honoring lives with you, for the love of all, clean something. It can be your room. You can clean a closet. Maybe you’ll tackle the kitchen. It can be the toilet. Just clean something or multiple things.
- Pull Some Weeds: Head out into the yard to do a spring clean up. Whatever area mom wants tidied, head there first.
- Play A Game: Mom gets to pick the game and no complaints from anyone about what it is.
- Watch A Movie (at home): You may be able to time this so you can both watch in your own homes. Use the Netflix Party extension or just text back and forth as you watch. Again, mom gets to choose.
- Go for A Walk: Since we’ve been staying at home more often, I’ve actually walked virtually with my mom more than ever. I often call her. Sometimes we both walk while we chat. It’s a great way to get exercise and reconnect.
I also LOVE the FREE Mother’s Day Printables that Heather from Freebies4Mom has rounded up.
If Your Budget is $5 – $10
- Buy an eGift Card: If your mom loves books or movies or music, find somewhere you can email a gift card for her to buy something for herself today. Just be sure she knows she’s not allowed to spend it on anyone else. AmazonAmazon is a great choice, but you could also do iTunes or any other platform mom loves to shop.
- Restaurant Gift Card: If your mom is doing carryout or the drive thru right now, you might also get a small gift card so she can splurge or a special treat. A lot of restaurants allow you to send these via their app. Whether it’s her favorite coffee or even an ice cream run, this is an easy special treat.
- An App Subscription: If your mom loves to exercise, you may consider getting her a month or two to a subscription app that she wouldn’t usually buy for herself. One year, my husband got me a subscription to a faith based app called With God Daily that I love but wouldn’t splurge on for myself (it was $2/month). Think through mom’s favorites.
- Fix Brunch: Breakfast foods are super affordable. If mom lives in your home, spoil her with a brunch you prepare. Obviously you may already have what you need but an extra $5 – $10 could buy a yummy drink or some flowers for the table or maybe her favorite fruit.
If Your Budget is $20 or More
- Get Carryout: Many restaurants are offering carryout family meals. See if your mom’s favorite has options and then take care of ordering, picking up, and delivering.
- Buy Flowers from a Nursery: A lot of florists will be busy with deliveries and that’s always a great idea (especially if you order from a local shop directly to save a few bucks based on their specials); however, see if this year any landscaping or garden businesses are offering delivery. It may take a bit of research (search nurseries that deliver near me online and then make a phone call), but you’re likely to find some nice outdoor options near you.
- A New Set of Pajamas: Your mom’s pjs are probably a little worked over. Order a new set on Amazon. You may even be able to score some on Prime Now and let her take a nap in them before the day is done. Bonus points if you wash the bedding.
- A Monthly Subscription: Maybe your mom would love something like Home Chef to take some weight off her shoulders in preparing meals. Or perhaps she’d like she’d like a Book of the Month. From snacks to clothes to wine to beauty products, there’s a subscription for almost anything. Save your mom and yourself some struggle by opting for a one or three month subscription to keep from overspending or automatic charges. You might even think about a special online subscription to a streaming service like Disney+.
Yes, Mother’s Day may look like none other before. But you can still do something to make mom feel special this year.
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