If you’re a mom like me, you might needlessly suffer from what I call “mom guilt.” Can I get a show of hands if you’ve ever had an afternoon to yourself and all you can think about is what you need to be getting done at home? Or while you’re out, maybe you feel guilty for spending money on childcare when you “really don’t need the time away from the kids; you miss them, after all…” Maybe you get really excited about splurging on a $5 cup of coffee, but by the time you get there you’ve guilted yourself out of it – you have kids and all of the expenses that come with them. Perhaps you make sure your kids are “public-worthy” with their hair fixed, matching socks, in-style clothes that make them look as though they just stepped out of a magazine – and there you are… barely hanging on with your hair pulled up in a lopsided bun (this kind of messy is never in style), you have to wear your old, dirty tennis shoes because your feet aren’t flip-flop worthy, and your clothes might be more last-decade (but hoodies stay in style, right?).
Women, especially moms, are constantly feeling judged and more often than not they think they aren’t measuring up. They have the entire family to think about, shop for, cook for, clean for, and d
o everything for. Okay, before you write me something about being politically correct when it comes to the structure of the modern home, I was exaggerating because that’s what most of us do (moms, women in general). I read an article once about how a husband doesn’t help his wife with the housework. It’s a great read – the whole point was about how the housework is not her responsibility alone. Wow! That’s freeing! Freedom sounds good; let’s keep going there…
For Mothers’ Day, the common message at church is the passage of the virtuous woman. I’m going to forego that one this year. Each year that I’ve listened to a message centered around that Bible passage (Proverbs 31:10-31), I can’t help but think, “Wow… I’m such a failure…” I don’t have talent in the way of sewing, my thumb isn’t exactly green, I don’t always speak with wisdom, I’m far from being an early-riser, and my kids usually have a complaint about dinner… I’m sure I don’t fear God enough. While pastors and greeting card creators have the right intentions, sometimes Mothers’ Day isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. We’ve got to stop comparing ourselves with other moms we see on social media and in magazines – and dare I say, with the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.
Other areas that seem to make a difference for Mothers’ Day is the thoughtfulness behind gifts given. I used to tease my hubby because he would wait till the last minute, go rushing out the day before the holiday (not just Mothers’ Day, but Christmas, birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary, etc.) and there were times he wouldn’t find what he was looking. Some of my favorite ideas for Mothers’ Day gifts take planning, but some of them can be for those people in our lives that wait till the last minute (they may procrastinate, but they still love you!). So without further ado…
1. 
Concert or theater tickets – is there a concert or show coming to your area that Mom would be interested in? Even if it’s a couple months out, it’s a gift of memories she can have either with the whole family, part of the family, or with a bestie. (Note: some towns have free concerts in the park – pack a picnic and treat her to ice cream while enjoying a free concert.)
2. Movie night – set up a home “theater” with her favorite movie and concessions. Put the littles to bed and enjoy a classic from the comfort of your own home. OR: if there’s a movie in theaters that mom wants to see, coordinate with one of her girlfriends and buy tickets for a girl’s night out at the movies. Include a gift card for the concession stand and/or a light dinner beforehand.
3. Dinner & a show – as a team, make dinner together for mom and then perform skits or sing songs (my kids love this – making up songs as they sing them). Include cleaning the kitchen while mom takes a hot bath.
4. Spa day – create a spa day at home and pamper Mom! Massage her hands and feet, have mom soak her feet, brush her hair for 5 minutes, paint her nails, etc. OR: coordinate with one of her girlfriends and schedule a spa-day. This could be one of these or a combination of these: manicure, pedicure, facial, hair salon treatment, or a massage.
5. Mom care package – here are several options to consider: favorite candy and/or dried fruit, coffee mug, inspirational journal, book (fiction or non-fiction), iTunes gift card, nail polish, lip gloss or chap stick, at-home facial mask, bath bomb, scented candle, coffee gift card, homemade “coupon book.” Have each kiddo write out things that they appreciate about their mom (free printables: older kids/adults, younger kids coloring pages) – put them into that oversized coffee mug or taped to the inside of the inspirational journal.
My favorite out of all of these is #5. Not only is it practical, but everything inside the care package is geared towards Mom! The gift cards don’t have to be more than $5 each (or leave them out entirely), nail polish and lip gloss/chap stick can be found for less than $5 each, the book and journal can be sought out online or at used book stores for a discount, and a good, oversized coffee mug can be a daily reminder of the thoughtful gift. She’ll love reading the little notes of appreciation taped inside her new journal or suspended on the fridge (this idea I got from my own mom!).
Bonus Ideas:
6. Sundae on Mom’s Sunday – Pull out the ice cream scooper, waffle bowls, toppings and sprinkles… whether she likes banana splits, fudge sundaes, or a creamy milkshake, this is a sweet treat for mom. Dairy free options are typically available.
7. Artificial Flower Arrangement – Visit your local craft store (or Wal-Mart) and piece together a flower arrangement that can be from everyone (great for a family with multiple kids). Each kiddo gets to pick out parts of the arrangement. Check out your local thrift store for a unique vase/holder.
8. Personalize it – Anytime there is a new addition since the previous year, something personalized is typically a safe bet. Jewelry, picture frames, afghans, and even purses are options for getting personalized for mom. These usually take a little longer once ordered, so this is not an option for procrastinators.
9. Schedule a Photographer – Moms and grandmas absolutely love having pictures of their babies. Get a photographer scheduled who has the options of an indoor studio and outdoor locations. Make sure to help with color-coordinating outfits.
10. Amusement / Water Parks – If there’s a budget for it, take mom (dad and kids, too) to either a water park or amusement park. If there’s not one close enough for a day trip, include a night at a hotel.
The best part is that all of these can fit any budget; some with a little extra planning. The important take-away is that showing appreciation to mothers is vitally important regardless of how much money (or how little) you spend. Over and over, I hear and read about how mom’s feel unworthy, unappreciated… worthless even. Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs on the planet – and some moms have a job outside of the home, too! Take some time to show her love. The expression of love, in whichever form you choose, will bless her.