ALT-12 Mothers Day Gifts and Activities to Make Mom Feel Special
Have you ever braved a restaurant on Mother's Day? I did once, but since I happened to work there, I had no choice. I remember pausing for one second to catch my breath, painfully aware of the incredible din and hectic atmosphere. I swore then and there that if I ever became a mom, I would never, EVER, step inside a restaurant on Mother's Day. A bit too much chaos for my taste buds.
I am now a mom. I have two wonderful little boys and a sweet husband. Have I kept my promise to myself? You bet I have. No restaurant has seen sight of me on Mother's Day. (I did go to one on Easter once. Never EVER again.)
So what's a husband and kids to do when Mom won't budge towards the nearest McDonalds? First think about your special lady and her interests. What are her hobbies, her passions? What would she do if she had two extra hours a day? Other than sleep, I mean.
For the past four years of Mother's Days, my family has taken me to a greenhouse to pick out a plant. My husband takes charge of the kids while I blissfully lose myself amongst rows and rows of flowering plants and fragrant hanging baskets, having fantasies about perfect flowerbeds. The boys love it too, exploring the gardens and picking up discarded half-dead flower blossoms. This idea can be adapted to your own wife/Mom depending on what she likes to do. Does she keep tropical fish but hasn't had time to browse the pet store? Does she love to read or do crafts? A craft store or a bookstore is a great family trip. With the bookstores these days, there is something for everyone and its great to let the kids pick out a book too. Afterward you can treat Mom to a stop at the in-store cafe. (No, cafes do not count as restaurants.)
If the idea of doing retail doesn't thrill you, there are other options. Visiting museums, art galleries, botanical gardens are a nice way of spending the afternoon. Does she like animals? Perhaps the whole family could volunteer some time at an animal shelter. Just check the rules regarding age restrictions at your local Humane Society first.Looking for something quieter? How about a family nature walk? Create a scavenger list of sights and sounds for the children.
As far as gifts are concerned, if the children are of school age there is nothing wrong with the tried and true; the guaranteed Mom-Melters. Homemade cards, Playdoh sculptures, glitter and glue creations, a rock with a heart painted on it that glows in the dark. Anything coming from her kids is always welcomed.
There are so many options! Have fun figuring out something personally meaningful to her, something to make her feel extra special. And if you really feel adventurous, and Mom really, wants to, by all means, go to a restaurant. It's all up to you.
