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A Fresh Approach to Mother's Day Gifts
by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
For weeks before the day actually arrives, you'd be hard pressed not to see list after list of Mother's Day gift ideas, from the ad blitz on TV to the dozens of store flyers crammed into your mailbox. As you sort through them in search of the perfect present, don't be fooled into thinking that a high price tag is the only answer. Instead, try to capture the meaning of the holiday and express your love and appreciation in an original, personalized way. Below you will find a list of not-so-run-of-the-mill gift recommendations, as well as some lighthearted suggestions about what not to give the special mother in your life.
For expectant moms
Gifts probably best avoided:- A certificate for a bikini wax (or a bikini, for that matter)
- A new digital scale
Unless you know that it's what she really wants, also steer clear of gifts that are actually for the baby. Instead, try to come up with something that's both useful and celebrates her impending motherhood, such as:- A gift certificate to her favorite maternity shop. If she is uncomfortable, self-conscious about how she looks, or just likes clothes, this is a tried and true option.
- A framed ultrasound picture (you might have to sneak through the photo album or keepsake box to snag this one). Sure, it may resemble abstract art more than a recognizable portrait, but it's still the first photograph of your little one. You can make it even more special by having "Mother's Day 2001" inscribed on the frame and writing a note for the baby-to-be on the back.
- A book about family life. Maybe one of your own favorite novels (perhaps Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club or a classic like Cheaper by the Dozen or I Remember Mama), a warm and inspiring photography book such as Lauren Cowen's Daughters & Mothers, or, if you're feeling ambitious, what about First Mothers: The Women Who Shaped the Presidents by Bonnie Angelo?
For moms of newborns and infants
Gifts probably best avoided:- Nursing pads. True, they come in handy but they're probably not at the top of her gift list.
- An alarm clock. Chances are good that you've already got a real, live one to deliver your morning wakeup call.
For a more appropriate gift, think pampering , TLC, and sentimental value. Consider, for example:- A framed print or a cast of your baby's hand or foot. May not seem like a big deal right now, but when your child is a teenager, this imprint will likely be more priceless than a Picasso to you.
- A night of uninterrupted sleep--no monitors, no midnight feedings, no rushing in to soothe the baby if he cries. Instead, Dad assumes all nighttime duties, relying on bottles of formula or expressed breast milk to handle the feedings. (Or if Mom is breastfeeding and doesn't want to deal with pumping milk, at least bring the baby to her and then relieve her of all other nighttime tasks.)
- Tending to your baby's needs and let Mom spend the day doing whatever she wants. Doesn't matter if she just decides to nap, play with the baby, or decides to head out for the day.
For moms of toddlers and preschoolers
Gifts probably best avoided:- A big old box of stain remover.
- Dinner at Chuck 'E Cheese
As you probably know, a little peace and quiet can go a long way at this stage of parenthood. Don't forget to include your kids in preparing for the day. Consider:- Mom's day off. If she wants some time away, get in touch with other dads who have children the same age as yours, and let the moms escape for the day. If you know that your wife has a hard time indulging herself without guilt, get the ball rolling by planning at least one activity-maybe by making reservations at the great local brunch place for her and a few of her friends.
- Breakfast in bed. While this idea is not so novel, when's the last time she was treated to it? Even a toddler can mix pancake batter or unwrap a muffin and put it on a plate. (Your wife probably will be so impressed, she won't even mind a few bites missing from the muffin if your toddler can't refrain from a taste test.) Throw in a flower in a pretty new bud vase and the morning paper on the tray, and she'll be sure to have a happy, relaxed meal.
For moms of school-age kids
Gifts probably best avoided:- A gourmet recipe book--unless she really likes to cook and actually finds the time to whip up extravagant meals.
- A mop, a new vacuum, or just about any other cleaning product you can think of.
These ever-so-busy moms deserve a break. In addition, your children are now old enough to participate and take pride in the festivities. Think about:- Macaroni-a many-splendored product. Your children can create a painted macaroni necklace and you can treat Mom to a macaroni masterpiece for dinner. Believe it or not, the time and effort (and thoughtfulness) will show through the mess that may ensue.
- A clean house-or car. Even better if you and the kids can orchestrate this one to be a surprise!
- A spruced-up garden. A cut-flower arrangement may be the traditional Mother's Day gift, but by planting some new blooms in the garden or in planters, cutting the grass, raking, weeding, and watering, you and the kids can give a much more long-lasting gift.
For moms of preteens and teenagers
Gifts probably best avoided:- A gift certificate to the local piercing shop for her choice of a tongue, navel, or nose piercing.
- Call waiting. Probably won't work in her favor.
Instead, try:- An ode to Mom. Help your children think of ideas to get them started writing a poem or letter about what their mother means to them. You also can participate by penning your own praises.
- Family time. As the kids get older, they're probably spending more and more time away from home and with their friends, leaving Mom a bit nostalgic about the times the family used to all spend together. This is a chance to assemble the troops and engage in an activity or outing that Mom will really enjoy. Maybe it's a trip to a museum, a picnic at the beach, or a meal at her favorite restaurant. Let Mom's interests be your guide (and remind the kids to be good sports even if the planned event isn't exactly their cup of tea.)
- Her own phone line-if you've noticed that she's been having a hard time getting in a call in between the kids' nonstop conversations.
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Created May 01, 2001
Reviewed May 02, 2001
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