Whether your mom lives nearby or far away, there are plenty of ways to show her how much you care, even if you waited until the last minute. Mother’s Day on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t show your love for mom. You can give a significant gift even without spending a dime.
Check out these 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 send it via snail mail. Just let her know she matters.
- Share a Meal: Tell your mom to sit down. You do the cooking for her. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or crazy expensive. You may even have what you need in the kitchen cabinets. Spend time eating together slowly and not rushing out the door for the next thing.
- Clean Something: If the mother you’re honoring lives with you, for the love of all, clean something. It can be your room. It can be a closet. It can be 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: Whether you can walk together or you call her as you go for a walk and talk, spend some time moving together.
- Look for Mother’s Day Freebies: Every year, restaurants and retailers offer great free opportunities for mom. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled here for some of those offers. I’ll add more as the week progresses.
- TCBY: Free 6 oz. FroYo for Moms (May 14)
- White Castle Coupon for a FREE Dessert (May 12-14)
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. Amazon is a great choice, but you could also do iTunes or any other platform mom loves to shop.
- Restaurant Gift Card: A lot of restaurants allow you to send gift cards via their app. Whether it’s her favorite coffee or even an ice cream run, this is an easy special treat. And you can send it instantaneously.
- 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 Hello Fresh 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+.
Make mom feel special, no matter your budget!
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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