WHAT A MOTHER?!?!

It’s fast approaching…Mother’s Day. I used to think that it was over commercialized and not necessary because isn’t every day a day for a mother???!!!! Heck no!!! After having my little one I realized that there are very few days that are for mothers and sometimes even Mother’s Day is not for mothers.

For those out there needing inspiration for what to get that mother who you think has “everything”; here is my advice: ASK HER!!!!

A lot of us are hoping to be asked what we want for Mother’s Day because we know that the people in our lives have no clue about what we want or really need for Mother’s Day because if they did—Mother’s Day would be more a frequent occurrence than just once a year.

However, I know some are still not going to ask because then there would be no “surprise”. So here are some suggestions I have based on some of the mothers that are in my life. While mothers are typically a great meld of many different strengths hopefully this will spark inspiration depending on the “type” of mother you are celebrating:

​THE TIRED MOTHER:

This is all mothers at some point and time. For some of us however fatigue is a constant state of being. They usually have a new born baby or a baby that doesn’t sleep all the way through the night. Sometimes the baby or child sleeps through the night but they are up well after everyone has gone to sleep doing laundry, cleaning, finishing projects, getting bags ready for school, or a myriad of other items. It might be the grandmother in your life that is retired but still works to help you raise your child. You might notice that she runs on coffee, tea or some other caffeinated beverage…but who am I kidding a lot of us do. For those caregiver grandmothers types you might notice that at the first opportunity she will “retire” to her bedroom once her “shift” is over. She is always willing to help with a smile on her face but often stifles a sigh.

For this mother there are several options for gifts. A gift card to her favorite coffee shop if she likes baristas is an easy bet. For the self proclaimed barista, the mother who just prefers her own home brew, or is not that into coffee you can supply her with enough of her fuel of choice for 3 months. That should bring a smile to her face. Another option for those who don’t want to devalue the day with monetary items—a day or a few hours sans little ones to take a nap or just sit and rest. I think I can go out on a limb to say this would be appreciated. The caregiver grandmother will NEVER tell you she’s tired. She will NEVER say no to an opportunity to watch her charge. However, spending time with the little one without the need to change a diaper, get juice, fix food, chase after the runner, discipline would be a day in heaven. So, don’t keep the little one away from this mother just pick up all the slack. Let her enjoy the day of spoiling and hugging and smiling. A refreshing moment to be on the “good” side if you will is a gift she willl treasure.

​THE CHEF MOTHER:

Again this category applies to all mothers as well…however this mother is known for her culinary talents and skills with a skillet. She is not averse to throwing a culinary delight together or making magic out of last nights (or weeks—no judgements) left overs. Signs that this is the mother before you is that she will undoubtedly know the isles of the supermarket by heart or she may be a whiz at Instacart or PeaPod (having her own favorites list). She likely knows a good bargain when she sees it and knows why a watched pot will never boils.

For this mother I would suggest a dinner out at her favorite restaurant (NOT ON MOTHER’S DAY) because as we all know service on Mother’s Day tends to suck and the restaurants are packed. Another option if she has expressed interest (that’s where it pays to listen) is a cooking class. If funds are a factor try cooking her favorite meal—just make sure you clean up the kitchen after you wine and dine her. 😉 Another present that’s is sure to please would be a coupon book (yep it’s been done before) but this would be coupons for free cleanup of the kitchen, free help in the kitchen, or even a coupon for breakfast or dinner in bed.

​THE CREATIVE/ARTISTIC MOTHER:

Creativity is a must for most mothers, as we creatively juggle a 36 hour day worth of activities into a 24 hour day. This mother however had a penchant for making things, or repurposing items and making arts projects. She may even have a side business centered around something she makes or does-like a blog, book, bath salt bombs, soaps, lotions , or hair products. She is always ready to see the potential in mess and clutter. She is the one that the kids run to for last minute projects that are due and she is always able to make something work.

A Paint N Sip night with her friends or solo would be a nice treat and change of pace. She might even go for a gift card to her favorite craft store. Budget friendly options would be looking for items that she would like to repurpose or a trip to a local museum or art gallery if she is into that kind of thing to add additional fuel to her creative fire. A picnic in the park if a local group is playing music would be a funky and artsy good time as well. Handmade crafts make this moms world however so would some time devot to her craft without wondering if the house is going to pot.

​THE SINGLE MOTHER:

This mother for whatever reason is holding things down on her own. Whether is due to deployment, divorce, or what have you; this mother like all mothers is doing her best sometimes without a support system in place. Sometimes it’s hard for this mother as with all mothers to get a moments peace. Bathroom partners are common as well as laundry helpers, kitchen compadres, and just extra sets of hands and feet not matter what the task are always “present” to help make things “easier”. Got to love the helpers that will often hit their teen years and cease wanting to help. It’s hard for this mother to ask for help because she does not want to be seen as unable to handle the load. It’s also hard for this mother to accept help at times again not want to be perceived as unable. She often, as most mothers do, neglects herself and her needs to put those of her children first.

Time alone is typically at the top of this mom’s list. Just a moment to void in peace, actually take a bath/shower without racing through to beat the little ones from destroying the house or fighting with each other. A night out with the friends, time to curl up with one of the many good books on her nightstand table that she has every good intention of reading but can’t stay awake long enough to get past page 3. This mother would probably like most mothers love the gift of a photoshoot with her children as she is typically found behind the camera and rarely in front of the camera during memorable times.

​THE ORGANIZED MOTHER:

She always appears to have everything together—play dates, the correct number of snacks, wipes, diapers, and toys. She’s the one to ask about upcoming children’s events, festivals, playtimes, etc. While she is the envy of every disorganized mother such as myself, she is not without her own needs and times where her needs get cast aside for the sake of the family. She has her own chaos and confusion however it's just not as visible. This mothers facade is not fake its just the cracks are just harder to see because she is truly holding it all together. Her supporters love her and cherish her. Her family relies on her. She is a planner and a budgeter. She is an oranizer and is very thorough.

Whatever you do...DO NOT buy her an organizer! You will likely get the wrong kind. With all the things she juggles in the air she is likely putting herself last as most mothers/parents due. Giving her an opportunity to put herself first would be a great gift. Shuttling the little ones to play dates, the library, sleep overs, etc would be an awesome gift. This mom also might love a massage, pedicure, manicure, or all-in-one spa day.

I hope you found inspiration in the paragraphs above for gift giving to that special mother in your life. Good luck and give your mother a hug for me on her special day!