It’s almost Mother’s Day and I’m trying (again) to figure out what to get my mom. The woman needs nothing, rarely hints at what she might like, and doesn’t need any more “things” to clutter the house. Sound familiar? Then perhaps your mom would enjoy some of the Mother’s Day gift ideas I came up with below. Or maybe you would (if so, put this list on the refrigerator for your family to see)!
Experience Gifts
- Plane ticket – Use miles or purchase a ticket for Mom to visit family or friends.
- Theater tickets – Choose a movie or live performance to entertainment Mom this year.
- Classes – Encourage Mom’s hobbies by giving her crafting, exercise, genealogy or cooking classes.
- Spa package – The gift of relaxation is a classic gift for Mother’s Day.
- National Parks Pass – U.S. citizens and residents (ages 62 & up) are eligible for a Senior Lifetime Pass for $80, giving them access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Learn more at https://store.usgs.gov/lifetime-senior-pass.
Digital Gifts
- Charitable donation – Donate to a cause Mom cares about. Get ideas for local nonprofits at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/donations-volunteers-and-local-fundraisers/san-diego-nonprofits-need-support.
- Digitize photos and videos – Reach out to companies like DVD Your Memories or take on the project yourself.
- Audible, Kindle Unlimited – If Mom is a reader, she will love a variety of e-books and audiobooks available through Amazon.
- Gift cards for everyday needs – With the cost of everything on the rise, Mom might enjoy a little help with expenses like groceries, gas, Target, etc.
- DNA test – Help Mom learn more about her heritage through companies such as AncestryDNA.
Edible Gifts
- Homemade goodness – If you meal prep for your family, consider making extra and delivering it to Mom. Or, reach out to a local chef or caterer who offers meals made at home.
- Food of the Month – Options are not limited to fruit. Look online for monthly charcuterie boxes, coffee, pickles—even pizza. There are also subscriptions for those with dietary restrictions.
- Create a special charcuterie for Mom. Get tips here: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-and-recipes/food-gifts-for-moms
- Gift cards to local restaurants – Everyone has a favorite brunch spot, winery or dinner restaurant. Or, consider a gift card to a new place she’s been wanting to try.
- CSA farm box – Farm-fresh produce from San Diego spots such as Yasukochi Family Farms or J.R. Organics are always fun to receive.
- Meal kits – Have you tried Hello Fresh, Home Chef or Blue Apron? These kits are delivered with ingredients, cooking instructions and recipes.
Practical Gifts
- Handyman help – Have Mom make a list of things that need to be done around the house and hire someone to do them.
- Lawn service – Hire a lawn care provider for weekly maintenance or to do a big project like trimming an overgrown tree.
- Car care – Mom might appreciate a car detailing or carwash membership.
- House cleaner – Hire a house cleaner to do weekly cleaning or to help with a one-time spring cleaning.
- Laundry service – Consider gifting laundry service. Bonus if it includes pick up and drop off.
Gifts of Time
- Family photo – Arrange a group photo session with the children and grandchildren. If family is spread across the miles, organize a family collage instead.
- Weekly coffee date – Whether in person, on the phone or via Zoom, Mom will appreciate some catch-up time.
- Family game night – Set up a game night (or one a month) for fun family competition.
- Plant a garden – If Mom loves taking care of her garden, but can’t do heavy lifting, offer to do it for her.
- Mom and me adventure – Plan a day, evening or weekend for just the two of you.
Fill a Basket with Consumables
- Product palooza – Purchase Mom’s favorite bath and shower products or throw in some of yours.
- Pet supplies – Does she have a pet? How about new items for her furry friend.
- Hobby supplies – Offer to take mom shopping to refill her favorite craft supplies.
- A basket of fun – Have fun choosing items with packaging in her favorite color or pick a theme like chocolate or snacks.
- Her favorite treats – Gather small gift cards ($5 to $15) to Mom’s favorite spots for a quick treat (Coffee Bean, Jersey Mike’s, Panera, 85C Bakery Cafe).
Memberships and Subscriptions
- Newspaper and magazines – There’s something therapeutic about flipping through hard copies of magazines. Get a few of her favorites.
- Streaming service – Perfect for a new season of Mom’s favorite show that is only available on a different streaming service than what she has.
- Renew a membership – If Mom already has memberships to Amazon Prime or Costco, why not renew them for her?
- Gym/fitness membership – Is there a local gym or yoga studio Mom would like to try? Perhaps she would benefit from a personal trainer.
- Digital greeting cards – If Mom likes to email greetings for every occasion, she might enjoy a digital greeting card membership to Blue Mountain or Jacquie Lawson Cards.
Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She is an avid party planner who prides herself in creative gift-giving.
