This Sunday marks an important day for everyone. It is the time of year that is dedicated to the hard working mothers that spent their lives making life easier for the rest of us. On May 12th, children everywhere will be scrambling for gifts to show her just how much they appreciate all that their mothers have done for them. Seeing as most of us are in college, focusing on school as well as having a social life, our budgets are most likely lacking. In retrospect, it isn’t the flashy, expensive gift that she is going to remember, but the heartfelt effort that is put in. That being the case, here are a few low budget ideas that will be sure to touch the heart.
• Lunch/Dinner Date: Who says you can’t take you Mom out on a date? We have all heard the phrase, “You never talk to me”? This isn’t so that she can hear all your secrets, but to communicate with you on a basic level. With all the time she has invested in your past and future, it is only fair to give her an annual report so that she can be proud of you and brag to all of her friends.
• Flowers: The fail-safe. In short notice these are the perfect gift. Doing a little bit of research and finding out favorite colors and types will score extra points. At most stores, they offer special wrapping to add just a bit more to the presentation with little to no extra cost.
• A Small Indulgence: Every frugal mother has things that she loves, but doesn’t always have the time to indulge – maybe it’s a certain brand of shampoo, the good chocolate, or a favorite magazine. Figure out what your Mom has been denying herself, and buy it for her.
• Homemade Card: Back in elementary school, this was one of the most key arts and craft projects of the year. Sure pictures and macaroni art was on the fridge, but the important projects were on the mantle or on her dresser. Those cards that had a simple poem in them or a picture you had drawn just for her. Taking the time to revert back to when you were still her ‘baby’ will produce a smile that is worth more than any present.
• School Memorabilia: For those who are seniors, travel down to the bookstore and find a simple frame. Then create a sign that says something along the lines of “Thank you/ Love you” and take a picture somewhere on campus. Put it in the frame and your present is complete. Showing a simple gesture of gratitude will show her that you appreciate the time and effort that was spent getting you to the final days of your education.
Finding Mom the perfect gift is truly simple and it can mean more than an expensive piece of jewelry. With school coming to a close, the stress of final projects and tests can really crunch your time. These suggestions makes for an easy starting point and hopefully assists in helping put a smile on Mom’s face.