Mother’s Day Gift Guide: A Unique Approach to Gifting
Have you ever heard of Gary Chapman’s book called The Five Love Languages? There are various editions of his book, but the idea is that while there are five basic types of love languages—Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch—we all receive and give love differently.
Many of us have a primary love language, but the way in which we receive love might vary depending on what stage of live in which we currently find ourselves. For example, a mom with a newborn might appreciate acts of service, while a mom with grown children might crave quality time with her children.
This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day and the special moms in each of our lives, I encourage you to think about the stage of life she is in and how she might feel most loved this Mother’s Day. To help you think through some gift ideas, we’ve created a nifty gift guide based on the five love languages. (If you’re not sure what her primary love language is, just ask! And if she doesn’t know, encourage her to take a quiz!)
For the Mom Who Cherishes Words of Affirmation
- An Evening in Honor of Mom/Grandma: This idea is particularly special for mothers with grown children or grandmothers. Consider hosting a gathering in which you invite family members to share something special about the guest of honor. If it’s too hard to get everyone together in one place, consider assembling a book of all you’d like to share.
- Handwritten Letter: For the mom who loves words of affirmation, a handwritten letter is something she will treasure and read through over and over in the years to come. Not only will she treasure the words you say but also the time you took to put your thoughts on paper.
- DIY “Mother” Frame: If you like do-it-yourself projects, consider designing a page that says how your mom defines the word “Mother.” Print it and frame it in something that will go well with her home décor. Check out this example: Mother’s Day DIY Art
For the Mom Who Appreciates Acts of Service
- A Day of Projects: Are there projects around the house or property your mom would love to get done? This year, schedule a day or weekend dedicated to helping her check off some of the items on her to-do list.
- Photo Mania: Does your mom have a box (or several boxes or albums) of photographs she would love to organize or go through? Offer to bring over some of her favorite snacks and drinks, put on her favorite music, and enjoy sorting through and organizing all the memories of life your mom captured with her camera.
- Tending the Garden: Does your mom love flowers? Perhaps you can offer to help her with her gardening. Even if you don’t know much about flowers—I do well to keep succulents alive!—you can offer a helping hand and an opportunity to spend quality time together. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two and venture beyond hardy succulents in your own home!
For the Mom Who Loves Receiving Gifts
This year, try a themed “Gift of the Month” for Mother’s Day. Every month, for the next twelve months, send your mom a gift that is either a want she would love or a need she would appreciate being met. Whether you choose to go with a theme (think gifts for her wardrobe, kitchen, or garden) or a miscellaneous selection of items, your gifts—big or small, inexpensive or extravagant—will be monthly reminders of just how much she is thought of and loved!
Ideas for Her Kitchen:
- Perhaps it’s time to say goodbye to that well-worn apron and hello to this darling Floral Vine Apron (currently on sale for $27.96 from Sur la table).
- Flat whisks are great additions to any kitchen, wire ($7.99 from Amazon) and silicone ($15).
- A new tablecloth, table runner, or set of placemats can be a nice additions to her collection of kitchen linens. Check out this set of four Fiona Kitchen Towels from The Pioneer Woman ($10.88 at Walmart).
- A fresh bouquet of flowers for a table centerpiece can brighten up any room. And fresh flowers don’t have to break the bank—I love Trader Joe’s flowers and prices!
- Does your mom love to host? Anything from Harry and David is delicious and a special treat to offer her guests, especially during the holidays.
- Other fun ideas include this 16-slice apple slicer ($8.80 on Amazon), attachments for a stand mixer, an insulated travel mug, and lemon-scented hand soap—perfect for a kitchen.
Ideas for Her Wardrobe:
- When it comes to gifts for a woman’s wardrobe, the options are seemingly endless. Whether you choose to gift her with a beautiful scarf, a brimmed hat, or a fun pair of shoes she’d love to wear but would never buy for herself, she is sure to appreciate your gift.
- On a more practical level, consider a comfortable sweatshirt, a cute pair of slippers or socks, or a bed jacket to keep her arms warm while she reads in bed.
- It’s hard to go wrong with a bracelet, watch, or pair of earrings. And a ring holder for her nightstand is always useful! Check out these jewelry dishes and stands from Antropologie.
- To help her add a finishing touch to her look, a beautiful nail polish color is always fun to have on hand. Try Essie’s Mademoiselle ($8.33 on Amazon) for a classic sheer pink color.
Ideas for Her Garden and Outdoor Areas:
- If your mom’s home is anything like my parent’s home, guests are constantly coming and going so a spare key in an easily accessible location comes in handy. Check out this cute key hider ($10.99 on Amazon). You can’t go wrong with a hedgehog!
- Help her spruce up her curb appeal with decorative pillows for a porch swing or chairs, a solar-powered lantern for an outdoor table, a wreath for the front door, a seasonal doormat, or a beautiful pot and plant for her balcony, porch, or deck.
- Does your mom love to garden? Gift her with a cute pair of gardening gloves or knee saver. Her hands and knees will thank you!
Miscellaneous Gift Ideas:
- For the mom who loves sentiment and jewelry, a fingerprint necklace could be a wonderful gift. Check out the endless options on Etsy.
- Does your mom love to shop? Bless her with a gift card to Stitch Fix.
- For the mom who loves going on bike rides, a small zipper case that attaches to her bike and can hold a house key and phone will come in extremely handy.
- Who doesn’t love a clean car? A set of car wash coupons is always a fun gift to receive.
- If your mom loves scents and lotions, check out Hummingbird Farms lavender lotion (currently on sale for $38) or the Lychee Rose bar of soap ($8.50) from Mistral soaps.
- A piece of artwork or Mother’s Day card made by one of her children is always a priceless treasure. (Don’t forget to date it!)
For the Mom Who Treasures Quality Time
- Game Night: Host a game night complete with your mom’s favorite drinks, snacks, and games.
- Church & Brunch: Whether you’re members of different churches, the same church, or perhaps you don’t go to church at all—this year make a point to attend church with your mom and invite her back to your home for brunch and fellowship.
- A Night on the Town: Perhaps your mom would love an evening at the symphony, the theater, a sporting event, or a trip to the nail salon followed by a nice dinner out.
- Arts & Crafts: If your mom loves arts and crafts, perhaps you could plan a day of making something special for her with her! A friend of mine once received three terra cotta flower pots—one painted by her husband, one by her son, and one for her to paint. Years later, she still plants flowers in them and sets them on the front porch steps!
- Family Photos & Picnic: Perhaps one of the more traditional gifts for mom, family photos are always a wonderful gift. This year, pack a picnic lunch to bring along so when the photo shoot is over, mom gets quality time with her whole family.
For the Mom Whose Love Language Is Physical Touch
It’s important to note that this love language isn’t necessarily all about romance. (Check out what the love language of physical touch is all about). That being said, you know best how to show love to the mom who’s love language is physical touch. Perhaps Mother’s Day is the perfect day to bless your mom with a big bear hug!
Whatever you choose to do to celebrate the special mom in your life this Mother’s Day, keep in mind that many moms simply appreciate a break in her everyday routine, a day without chores, and quality time with her family. Blessings to you and your family this Mother’s Day!
One Comment
Kay Pfitzinger
Enjoyed your web page magazine. You are indeed a thought provoking author.