I’m a mother and a daugther. I think that qualifies me as a quasi-expert on the subject. The subject is: 5 Things Moms REALLY Want That Don’t Cost A Lot. I’ve thought long and hard about this. When my kids were really little I would tell them what I thought was most important to mothers on Mother’s Day. They didn’t believe me and would insist on my husband buying things I didn’t need. It’s not just me, my friends, sisters, and Parents magazine all agree with me (at least on a few of the things on this list).
As a daughter, I too, want to lavish my Wonder Woman of a mother in goods. I’ve given her jewerlry, expensive clothing items, candy and more. But what made her the happiest? Just being together, a thoughtful card, a phone call to say, “thanks for giving me the best childhood.” This is why I’m putting together a list of 5 things moms really want that don’t cost a lot. You can send me a handmade thank you note later. Obviously, the opinion expressed is my own, but I think it’s a good one. So, let’s dive in.
1. Peace and Quiet
I would always tell my kids, when they were little, this is what moms really want… peace and quiet. My son would say, “you can’t give that as a gift.” But, oh yes you can. Give mom the house to herself for a couple of hours. It’s sheer bliss to be in your own home, with nothing on the schedule and no one around. You can nap, have complete control of the TV remote, dance in your kitchen or take a bath. Trust me on this. Oh, and it’s free. (But if you really want to have something tangible to give mom, some noise cancelling headphones would work.)
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2. Time well spent with family
As much as we mothers love a little peace and quiet, we value time well spent with family. above all. This means no fighting, no debate about what we are doing, just doing it together is what counts. Go for a walk on the beach, the woods, eat a meal and have real conversations. Play a game together. Go for a road trip. In other words, forced family fun time.
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3. Adventure
We could all use a little spice in our lives. Give mom a little adventure; and you don’t have to go far or spend a lot of money. Surprise her with tickets to zipline, or do a Boston tour, passes to a museum are always great. How about a night of ax throwing! Keep the adventure low key with a ride on the Swan Boats in Boston. Or rent kayaks for an hour. Hey, for most moms even a day at the nail salon is an adventure. Sign her up for a yoga or kickboxing class. All of these things are fairly afforadable and guaranteed to warm mom’s heart with the thought you put in.
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4. Homemade things: From cards to artwork to coupons for services or talent show
Homemade is the best made. One of my all time favorite gifts from my kids were their homemade cards. Handmade cards from your chirldren are truly a treasure. I have always kept mine…but don’t ask me where they are now. I also loved getting the IOU coupons for services like breakfast in bed, cleaning or shoulder massage. Of course, most the time they didn’t follow through, but it was always good for a laugh. The “shows” kids put on are also some of the most special memories you will ever have. Moms love this stuff!
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5. Sleep
As Parents.com shared, most moms want sleep, above all other things. We don’t get enough! We worry too much, we take on too much, we multi-task too much. It’s all so exhausting. We just want a good night’s sleep. How can kids make this happen, with a little help, that’s how. Whether the help comes from dad, sibblings, mother or friends. Give mom one good night of sleep without interruption. Take the kids to grandma’s or just out for a little while, so mom can settling into the sheets without interruption. Give her a sleep eye mask and earplugs to help make it happen. Good night.
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