Don’t give ‘stuff’ for Mother’s Day

It is Mother’s Day here on Sunday in the UK.  I am hard to buy a gift for as being older, I no longer need more ‘stuff’. In fact I am trying to declutter my home. Most older parents feel the same. This does not make it easy to buy a gift  for Mother’s day. Lots of people buy their Mum’s last minute presents because they have busy lives, or don’t know what to get them.  Many are still recovering financially from Christmas, Eid, or just high bills at this time of year and so can’t afford much. Thankfully, some of these ideas could also be a way of saving money. Here are some ideas for alternative gifts that aren’t just bought ‘stuff’.

I like to get flowering bulbs for Mother’s day. Every year when the bloom, they remind me of my children. For my Mum I used to make up planters for outside, or plant bulbs and plants into recycled tins, lined baskets, or crockery. A packet of seeds is another nice idea, or some seedlings to plant in the garden or a window box.  They will bring joy for months. Sometimes gifts like this work out a lot cheaper than store bought ones, and they can be individualised to our mother’s tastes.

Another thing that I have done was to make her an afternoon tea, or a box of cupcakes. This doesn’t cost a lot but a parent appreciates the love and effort that goes into a homemade present. Another nice idea is to book an activity, or a class together. It might be pottery painting, a yoga class, archery, or a cookery class, for example. This will be a lovely memory for you both, and quality time together.

Going for a walk and taking a picnic could be an alternative gift. In a busy world it is nice to be able to have quality time in nature together. Remember to take lots of pictures.  I wish I had taken more photos with my mum before she passed.

A subscription to a magazine is another nice idea. Many have great offers for the first 3 or 6 months. You just need to remember to cancel them.  Each month when the magazine pops through the post box, it will remind her of you, and give her something to look forward to for the following month.

How about making up a box of their favourite foods and decorating it nicely? They may be treats that they can’t usually afford. Things like a tin of salmon, tahini, coffee, nice teas, their favourite sauces, or biscuits could be added. An alternative could be to make a theme box like all the ingredients to make a hot chocolate station, or to beauty items to have a pamper night.

Another idea could be to write a list of all of your favourite memories from your childhood. It could even be made into a book with photographs and be something that they could treasure.

If you are a good baker, a nice cake, cookies, or set of cup cakes makes a lovely present.  We have done this in the past. 

An experience present always goes down well. If money isn’t an issue, maybe you could buy some concert tickets, theatre tickets, or cinema tickets for them to have a good night out.  An alternative could be 3 months subscription to a streaming service so that they could watch films or catch up on their favourite series.

One that I did once was make her vouchers of things that I would do for her throughout the year. This could be anything from making a Sunday dinner, buying her a coffee on a day out shopping together, to something practical like cutting the lawn. You will know best about what would help your Mum or bring her joy.

A digital on line course might interest her and help her keep learning and growing. Many do not cost a lot.  It could be something fun, something useful, or something to help her career.