Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts to Honor and Show Love for Stepmothers

Stepmothers in movies are often the bad guys, not deserving of anything beyond loathing. This isn't always true in real life, though. Most stepmothers are great people and given half a chance will become great friends. Here are some ways to honor that special stepmother in your life without having to break your budget.

For the stepmother who likes gardening, an inexpensive clay pot that you paint with tempera paints can become a precious masterpiece. Simply purchase a clay pot (.80 -$1.19 in craft stores) and some tempera paint (try her favorite color for added thoughtfulness) and you are good to go. You can decorate it with solid colors if you aren't very good at painting, or you can paint pretty pictures on it. This is a great craft for young children, too, because the tempera paint is non-toxic and easily washes off with soap and water (unless it is dry).

If your stepmother loves the outdoors, how about a cheap pair of rain-boots ($10 at discount stores such as Walmart) and a card offering to jump in puddles with her after the next rainstorm? I can guarantee the time spent together being silly will be the best gift you can give her.

For the stepmother who likes to entertain with elegance, try some pretty "antique" linen napkins. These can be found in abundance in thrift stores, usually for about $5.00 per set. Be sure they have no rips and wash them before they are given with a little bleach, and they will be good as new. If the yellowing that is common to aged linen doesn't come out with bleach, try soaking them in tea bags overnight. This will produce an even "antique-white" color that is just as pretty as pure white.

Have a stepmother who likes to cook? How about some inexpensive kitchen towels? I know from personal experience, a cook goes through lots of dishtowels and can never have enough.

Coffee lovers will appreciate a nice bag of coffee beans. Don't go for the expensive, $7 per pound varieties, though. Most local grocery stores have their own brand for far less money and they usually taste just as good as the expensive varieties. The same goes for tea drinkers. A nice box of good tea will be greatly appreciated. May I recommend "Tetley's British Blend?"? At $2.50 - $4 per box it is a bargain and tastes just as good (or better than) loose teas and expensive varieties.

If you have a food connoisseur in your family, how about trying your hand at cooking something different and tasty? Even if you buy a cake mix and bake it, your stepmother is guaranteed to appreciate the time you spent cooking just for her.

All of the above ideas are thoughtful and inexpensive ways to show your stepmother you care about her and are glad she has become a part of your family. The best gift you could probably give to a step- mom, though, are the words "Thanks for being part of our family". Not good with words? A simple card would do the trick, too, and it will cost you less than $5.00.