Non-Material Gifts for Mother's Day

Sometimes Mothers day comes around (or any other holiday/birthday/anniversary) and we realized we do not have money to buy the present we would like to give or a present period. Truth is the shortage of money should not stop us from giving our mothers and/or mothers in our lives a present. Here are some ideas that have helped me in the past.

1. Instead of, that common but embarrassing, IOY make your mom a coupon book. Grab a cute small notepad or just staple together some cute stationery paper (they don't have to match) and write something like: Valid for a 100% discount on pet sitting or Valid for a 100% free manicure. You know what your mom needs/ likes you doing for her. It could be that pie that only you can make, or those errands she needs help doing. Make sure you make the coupons for things that you don't mind/enjoy doing for her.

2. Make your mom a Memory Book. E-mail or call your siblings and ask them the best and the funniest story from their childhood that involves your mom. If they cannot remember, try to help them. After you gathered all the stories, using a notebook or a diary (you can find cute ones in the dollar stores) write in it starting with the oldest of your siblings the story or stories (you would be surprise of all the stories that you and your siblings will remember). Include all the details you can, it doesn't matter if you are not great at writing, your mom will appreciate the time and effort you put into it and the memories it will bring back to her.

3. Plan a day out with her. Think of places that are free or non-expensive that your mom likes going with you. It could start with Breakfast at your place (that you will cook for her of course), then going window shopping to that outside mall she always wants to go, have lunch in that Tea Room that she is always talking about and finish the day by visiting that old friend of hers "that is always asking about you". To give her this present all you have to do is make your own Brochure. Grab a piece of paper (it could be any kind of paper) and fold it by grabbing the two ends and bringing them together at the middle. The outside you can use to write something like "Mother and Daughter day out" or something like that and the inside will have the list of the activities, the directions, and the time. Remember to include a "For reservations call: xxx xxxx xxxx " To let her know that you and her can work out the date and other details later.

4. Plan a family get together. Call your siblings and anyone that considers your mom a mother figure and invite them to your house for a get together with Mom. Everybody will bring a dish and pictures of him or her with Mom. As entertainment, you can sing all those songs your mom used to sing to you when you were kids and ask her to join you. Make sure to bake or have someone bring a cake and put in it as many candles as children and grandchildren your mother has.