Mothers make countless sacrifices for their families. They travel far and wide to take their children to see the best doctors. They delay purchases to enroll their children in extra curricular activities. They accept lower paying jobs so that they can devote more time to their families.
These women deserve and need recognition, even when budgets are tight. Create a wonderful day that costs little and focuses on experiences and handmade gifts from the children.
Mother's Day Experiences are Treasured and Budget Friendly
Instead of focusing on gifts, focus on experiences. Sure, mom may love to have a necklace, but she will remember a day spent with her family far longer, and she will enjoy it more. Think about what mom likes to do and plan a day of activities that involve the whole family.
If mom likes to get outdoors, plan a family bike ride or hike. Load up the car with bikes, scooters, skates, and wagons. Then enjoy an afternoon out in the sun.
If there is a picnic area or a wide open field nearby, pack up a blanket and some sandwiches to take along. To make it special, consider including special food items. Cut up some fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and apples. Include some fresh shrimp and cocktail sauce. Then pack a selection of mom's favorite cheeses or spreads and a baguette to spread them on. For a sweet ending to the meal, include her favorite cookies or some pretty cupcakes.
Meaningful Mother's Day Gifts are Often Inexpensive Gifts
For moms, the most meaningful gift is often the least expensive gift. Send mom away for the afternoon and ask the children to create special gifts for mom while she is gone. Supply the children with crayons, paper, glue, paint, pipe cleaners, raw pasta noodles, and other craft items. Then, ask them to create a special gift for mom.
Young children may decide to create a "Mother's Day" banner. They may decide to string together some ziti noodles on a string and make a necklace. Perhaps they will choose to paint a rock to be used as a paper weight. Older children may opt to frame a meaningful photo or bake a special treat.
When the children have completed their gifts, provide them with colorful tissue paper to wrap their creations. Then help the children hide their special gifts until it is time to present them to mom.
Present Hand Made Gifts to Mom
At the appropriate time, allow the children to offer their gifts to mom. The excitement the children display when presenting their creations will be enough to make mom's day special and memorable. When she sees the precious treasures they created just for her, her day will be complete. Be sure to take some pictures so mom can relive the moment.
Mother's Day Can be Special and Budget Friendly
It is easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Mother's Day, worrying about how to repay mom with the latest gadget or piece of jewelry. A heartfelt gift made by a child coupled with a day dedicated to family activities, however, creates memorable and touching experiences that material gifts cannot. Focus on family time and activities. Doing so will result in a meaningful Mother's Day celebration that will not put a strain on your finances.
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Christine Harmon - Christine Harmon is a published author, trainer, and mommy obsessed with health, fitness, and all that makes the body work ...
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