The 6 Most Meaningful Mother’s Day Gifts That Are Virtually Free (Really!)
My sister-in-law and I enjoying High Tea for Mother’s Day, sans kids
On Mother’s Day, my text box usually has a handful of conversations from disappointed mom-friends. They’re frustrated that they spent the day unshowered, cleaning the kitchen, or rushing to a brunch with wet hair, totally hustling to get the family out of the house. There seems to be a huge misunderstanding in how to celebrate Moms on Mother’s Day.
The original intention of Mother’s Day was to acknowledge the sacrifices Mothers make for their families. It quickly turned into a commercialized holiday, which is something the founder, Anna Jarvis (May 1, 1864 – November 24, 1948), went to her grave, fighting. She insisted it should be celebrated by simply writing a letter of gratitude and acknowledgement to Mom. Celebrating Mother’s Day began with conflicting ideas, and it’s no wonder there’s a disconnect.
This one’s for you, Dads… while there’s no right way to celebrate Mother’s Day, here are some tips to make you feel more like the Mother’s Day Hero :)
Let’s take it from the top – ask her how she’d like to spend Mother’s Day TBH, as a new mom, I used to feel put on the spot, when my husband, Mark, asked what I’d like to do on Mother’s Day. Even before kids, I always put the needs of others before mine. I’ve been a mother since 2016, and finally, I find comfort in being asked how I would like to spend the day. It forces me to put myself first, which feels like I’m being celebrated! Be sure to ask her at least a couple weeks before Mother’s Day. If she does want to make plans to go to the spa, to high tea, or have a special brunch, most places book up fast.
Write a meaningful card and be specific Feed the part of your wife’s soul that is fueled by acknowledgement. Reflect on what she says is the most challenging part of her job as a mom and acknowledge her for how she so effectively and gracefully powers through. Be sure to mention all the ways she makes a difference in your family’s life. Please SKIP ChatGPT, let it come from YOUR heart. And, if you haven’t read The Five Love Languages together yet, I highly recommend it. It’ll help you and your wife understand what you each need in the relationship to feel loved – or to fill each other’s “love tank,” as the author puts it. Spoiler Alert: Words of Affirmation is one way people feel loved.
Watch the kids while she showers and gets ready for the day I am totally not in a celebrating mood if I’m running out of the house with wet hair, a thrown together outfit, and no makeup. It is actually so insanely attractive when my husband says “why don’t you dry your hair while I play with the kids, babe?” Swoon!
If she wants to stay home to skip the crowds at restaurants, and you offer to cook, please clean up Trust me on this. Waking up to a homemade breakfast is the most heartwarming experience. But if you’re going to cook, please let cleaning be part of the gift as well.
Give her a break and walk a day (or half a day) in her shoes Encourage your wife to take some time for herself. Take on all of the parent responsibilities and give her the gift of “time off.” Don’t let her plan meals, activities, and babysitters. You do the work. 1,000 bonus points: when she gets home, kids are fed and rested (or asleep), you wrap your arms around her and tell her how happy you are that she’s back — and how you have no idea how she does all of this 24/7 (must be sincere). 1,000 points deducted: you downplay it, make her work seem like no big deal, or say it was “easy.” We want to hear about your struggles and we tend to feel closer to you when you are vulnerable about it.
Give something meaningful and from the heart I promised this guide would be “virtually free,” and I’m not about to start pushing products in your face. There are enough guides online for that! But as gifts are customary in celebrating Mother’s Day, please be thoughtful (it doesn’t have to be flashy!). Her favorite flowers or treats, personalized jewelry with your kids’ names or birthstones, art made by the kiddos that you got framed, etc. – I have complete faith that you got this, Papa Bear! Now go for it ;)