What Not to Get Mom for Mother's Day

Moms: hard working, multi-tasking, boo-boo kissing, hand holding, hugging, cooking, cleaning, toy-fixing wonders who love their kids with reckless abandon. Moms deserve to be celebrated each and every day and yet they get just one day a year to receive macaroni -tiled pictures, crayon and sticker artwork, and lots of extra love and attention. Naturally, we want to give mom something special for Mother's Day. And usually it falls to the husband and Dad to make sure that Mom gets something really special. And Dad, have faith in yourself. You are up to the task, just avoid these common Mother's Day gift mishaps.

Appliances. It makes perfect sense: Mom cleans the house, does the dishes, and mountains of laundry so why wouldn't we want to give her a lovely new dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, or washing machine to help her? This is probably the worst thing you could give Mom for Mother's Day. The last thing she wants is to be reminded of more work! Don't make Mom think about the pile of laundry in the basement or the dirt hiding under the carpet. So if your house needs a new appliance, get it - just NOT for Mother's Day. And yes, this includes chain saws, buzz saws, and work lamps.

Sports tickets. Unless your Mom (or wife) is a super die-hard sports fan, please stay away from sports tickets. She really doesn't want to sit in the cold, rain, eating stale hotdogs and shivering while you enjoy your favorite team. Of course, your mom may be the exception, but think long and hard before you take her to see YOUR favorite sports team.

Tools. Unless they're pink, Mom probably doesn't need a screwdriver, drill bits, or sand paper. Just because the men in the household get excited about tools doesn't mean Mom does! Unless of course, she's a contractor or is single-handedly remodeling the kitchen. And even then, proceed with caution. Extreme caution.

Sports Illustrated. Even the most sports-oriented mom probably doesn't want to see buff, bikini clad babes. Unless you want to push mom right over the edge, avoid the latest issue (or subscription!) to SI. Trust me, it's not in your best interest!

Practical jokes. Save the whoopee cushions, squirting flowers, and bucket-of-water-over-the-door for April Fool's Day. Even the most fun-loving Mom probably doesn't want her beautiful Sunday best soaked as your heading out to the door to brunch. Trust me on this one!

Nothing. Mom may SAY she doesn't want anything for Mother's Day, but don't do it. If you think she really means it, keep it simple, but don't ignore it all together. The practical Mom may not want you to spend the precious dollars in the bank account, but you can still find budget friendly options with a little creativity.

So now you know to stay away from these crazy, husband-oriented gift ideas, but what on earth do you get for Mom? Well, just think about what Mom likes to do. Does she scrapbook? Does she journal? Does she like rock climbing or decorating? And find a gift that relates to her favorite hobby. When in doubt, avoid anything that makes Mom feel stressed, makes her work harder, makes her compare herself to other women, and most of all, avoid things that you like. How about cooking dinner, taking the kids to the mall so Mom can have some time to herself, or even hiring a housekeeper for a few days so your hardworking Mom can catch a break. She would probably love cards handmade by her kids. Take her to dinner, buy her some flowers, or tickets to her favorite concert. Just remember, it's all about Mom! Make her feel special and appreciated and it will be a Mother's Day she will remember for a long time to come.