Moms wear so many hats. Often she’s the Chief Everything Officer (CEO) of the household — banker, taxi driver, chef, personal shopper, therapist, and more — as well as working a regular job of her own.1
Given how much she does for the family, it’s natural to want to find her the perfect gift, but it can be challenging to come up with a way to show your Mom just how much you care — especially if you’re on a budget. Here are some meaningful gift ideas your mom will appreciate that don’t cost much.
1. Netflix and Pamper
If your mom is like most, she probably doesn’t get much time to relax. Mother’s Day is a perfect excuse to kick back and focus on self-care. Pamper mom by making easy, homemade products such as oatmeal face masks, coconut lime lip scrubs, and a tea tree mint soaks for her feet.
While rejuvenating yourselves, binge-watch a movie that both of you have been meaning to see. Or dig into some old classics that were once your go-to favourites.
2. Digitize Old Home Videos
Re-mastering isn’t just for hollywood classics. Give your mom an excuse to throw out the dusty VCR by digitizing home videos. You can do this yourself or send it to a local business.
If you’re running short on time consider making old photos new again. Scan the images and create a slideshow using easy and free apps like Adobe Spark. Old family photos and videos can be a great way to re-live some of your family’s most-memorable moments.
3. Make a Video Time Capsule
This idea is easy to execute. Simply hit record on your built-in webcam on your computer, or use your video function on your phone. Then, you and your mom can send a message to your future selves. You can make predictions or just share your current hopes and dreams with your selves-of-the-future.
Once you’re done, the video you can transfer the footage onto a USB key and place it somewhere safe. Then decide when the key will be viewed — ten, fifteen, or maybe twenty years from now. Write that date on the USB key so you remember. Similar to planting a seed in your garden, it’s something the two of you will be grateful to have in the future. You’ll also appreciate just how young you both look when you watch it in 20 years.
4. Paint at Home
An art night, such as a group painting class, can be expensive. You can economize by switching up the location and doing it at home instead. YouTube is filled with tutorials which provide step-by-step instructions on how to paint like a pro! You can choose popular mediums like watercolours, acrylics, or oils.
Pick a painting you’d like to create, make a list of the supplies you need, and head to your nearest dollar store … and maybe pick up some munchies while you’re at it. Play the tutorial on your TV screen and suddenly your living room has turned into art studio! If you are artistically inclined, consider painting something yourself, wrap it up and give it to your mom as a gift!
5. A Day of Favourites
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens … Maybe your mother is no Maria von Trapp, but surely she has a few favourite things? Why not make a day out of it?
You could start the morning with her favourite breakfast, go on a hike thru her favourite park, take part in a zumba class, or visit a conservatory (whatever she’s into). Top the day off with her favourite meal, a playlist of her favourite songs and end the night with a bowl of popcorn (or her favourite treat!) and her all-time favourite movie.
When it comes to showing you mom what she means to you, it’s about not how much you spend. It’s about showing your appreciation and that you recognize all she does.
Source:
1. Employment Patterns of Families with Children, Statistics Canada.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
