‘Tis the time of year when families everywhere grapple with a common dilemma – finding the perfect gift for Mom remains a huge challenge.
My reality. Amidst the numerous lists and articles online suggesting what moms might desire, I hold firm on my opinion and views on this matter. My mother recently embarked on a significant downsizing project, leaving behind the family home she’d inhabited since 1975. Transitioning from a spacious four-bedroom house to a one-bedroom condo proved to be an arduous task, given the sheer volume of the belongings and stuff she collected involved.
So here is what I say: STOP GIVING MOMS CRAP.
Yes, I understand that all those meaningful trinkets, pictures, and keepsakes are nice at the time. But in the end, mom tries to throw them back at the kids, and the kids don’t want any part of it. So, my friends, be careful what you gift because you will likely have to eventually take it back! In fact, if your kids have created artwork or poetry that you’d like to share more easily, consider submitting them here. Modern Mom is launching Kids Corner soon and is inviting kids to volunteer contributing their art, book reviews, stories, videos, and more. Teens have a whole section for them too at Teen Talk.
This is my hot take on what mamas really want:
Time:
My mother and grandmother always said the same thing: They don’t want “stuff”. They want quality time. We’re talking visits, they want to engage with us, they want us to share our lives, hear our problems, and be able to ask lots of questions. They want us to ask them for help, and they want true, meaningful conversation. This is the stuff that brings value. Take your mom to a movie or out for Sunday brunch. A cup of chai tea and a chat is better than any material item you could give her.
Practical Things:
We may need a new pair of slippers or even a new food processor. With a new year upon us, maybe there is a need for an upgrade in Tech – perhaps a new iPad, phone or an smart watch that helps monitor health data. Moms want to be able to FaceTime with their people, surf YouTube. Ask the moms: what do you NEED to stay connected? Being connected is a top priority.
Service:
Give them a service – a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure. Maybe she could use a massage or even pickleball lessons. These gifts are the best because they are useful. The bonus is that when Mom goes to downsize, it’s not something that is going to be returned to you in a box during your next visit!
I think the time has come that we need to start thinking outside the box when it comes to gifts for Mamas. Let’s remember, moms signed up for this mothering gig for the love and not the stuff.
