Practical Gifts for a Single Mom
With9.9 million single mothersin the US, it isn't surprising to see that this is a new type of person to try to give appropriate gifts to. It can be hard to decide what you need to give her. Should I give her something she can use for just herself? Should I give her something for her children? Should I give her something for around the house? These and many other questions may fly through your mind while trying to choose the perfect practical gift for a single mother.
Money is always a great gift. Some people feel it is too impersonal, but pair it with a blank card that you write your own words in, and it becomes a welcomed gift for a single mother. She can choose to spend it on what she wants, when she wants, how she wants. If the electric bill is due, and she doesn't have much money, this can go towards that without her feeling judged for not having the money for it. Or if she wants to go get a much needed manicure, she can without feeling like you are judging her for getting her nails done with the money instead of doing something for her child. If she wants to buy something for her children, she can do that too. The handwritten, personalized card shows that you really did put thought into her gift.
Most of the time, things for around the house is a great gift. Towels, washcloths, cleaning supplies. You name it, a single mother probably goes through a lot of it. You can also make little "favor coupons", which are both personal and usually much welcomed. They can be something as simple as "Good for a free 10 minutes of venting" to something like "Good for a free night of babysitting."
You can also make a nice personal care basket with things like lotion, nail polish, razors, body wash, and facial masks. Single moms are often tired and overworked and don't have much time to pamper themselves. This is a practical gift that she can use at home.
Buying something that she can use with her children is also usually much appreciated. She probably works quite a bit and feels like she doesn't get to spend much time with her children. Organize a game night for her, offer to cook dinner for her one night while she takes the kids to the park, or buy her a game that is kid-friendly.
Whatever you do, definitely base your gift on what you think fits her personality. Some moms need some "me" time, others feel like they need some "us" time with their children, and still others feel like they just need help whether it be financially or emotionally. It is best to ask lots of questions to see what she needs and/or wants. Happy gift-giving!
