Thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts that Allow Workaholic Moms to Relax

Having watched my parents' lives, I should have known as an adult I would have to keep busy. Both mom and dad were active in some combination of employment, community and church activities. With their lives as my example, my life has looked much the same.

However my life choices did not permit me to stay at home after I became a mother. Before I realized it, I became a trainer, advocate and administrator. That was my day job. The real work started when I got home.

So I learned to "work smarter, not harder." Here are a few suggestions I would make for the "workaholic" and "mom" in your life.

For the workaholic-

Tweak her personal communication/productivity method. I survived decades without smart phone technology and today, I am not certain how. I remember the day I realized there was such a thing as a PDA that combined my beloved palm pilot and cell phone. The technology appealed to this "workaholic" for its laptop-like abilities (on my PDA you will find Tetris and the complete King James Bible for starters).

I am a big Treo fan having owned two versions to date. But I admit-I have been eyeing the stream-lined look of Apple's iPhone. As a "mom" I have always had a hard time justifying the expense of a new smart phone purchase since the models I want are a bit pricey. A few years back my children pooled funds to purchase a Treo 650 for my Mother's Day gift. This workaholic mom did cartwheels for joy!

For the mom-

Do not allow mom to cook on Mother's Day. Period. While my children were young, I refused to cook on Mother's Day. Even if it meant we were dining at McDonalds, I refused to cook. Each Mother's Day I have invited my children to cook for me. In time, they invited me to Red Lobster. Yes!

For the workaholic-

"I want my MP3!" In my opinion MP3 technology is the coolest thing since sliced bread. No more skipping CDs, broken tapes or scratched records (Oh, snap! My speech dates me). These players are mobile and extremely light. Along with Bluetooth technology, the MP3 player seems to fit well into the modern office setting. Your workaholic mom may be "too busy" to do technology well so provide her a little technical assistance to incorporate this convenience into her life.

For the mom-

Need for R & R-it's more than a feeling. Learning to do regular rest and relaxation was challenging for me. As a single mom, I had to plan ahead for family vacations while allowing smaller day trips for me. Most of these were interest-based. They included spiritual retreats, workshops, museum and historical sites.

Several years ago during a home renovation project, my oldest daughter and husband surprised me by purchasing tickets for the "Wright Plus" walk. An annual event in May in Oak Park, Illinois, the walk included a tour of selected homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The trip was my Mother's Day gift that year and a delightful break from broken plaster.

Other gift ideas to consider:

Fifteen-minute massage at work - Many corporations are sponsoring this affordable stress reliever. I did it and I liked it!

Organizing mom's home office - This is only recommended for the brave of heart. One of my daughters did this for me; I was most grateful.

Laundry and cleaning services - Laundry and cleaning remain the top two angst in my life. It can be a service you provide or employ the help. Can you say MasterCard, Visa or American Express?

Creating the "zen den" - This can be as simple as a closet for the candle stand or as complicated as the renovation of an old garage or shed space. The workaholic needs a sacred place to call her own.

In-home Chef Services - Be still my palate! Once again make it simple by cooking the meal or go all the way by inviting the Chef into your home.

As you plan this year's Mother's Day gift for the "workaholic mom" in your life, make it something that will lighten her load for moments or days to come. Each suggestion provided was something my children did for me or suggested I do for myself. I accepted the sentiment with love regardless of how modest the effort. In the eyes of a mother, it will never be the amount of money you spent; it will be the thoughtfulness you placed into the gift that will be remembered.

Happy Mother's Day to you and the women you love.