Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the time of the year to honor the woman who gave birth to you. Or you can simply honor all the good women who've had an impact on your life.

But what can you get for the special woman as a gift that won't break the bank? Gift giving can be great, IF you can afford it. I'm always a big fan of planning in your budget for gifts. But even if you plan, you still may not be able to spend much money. And mothers have their own hang ups about receiving gifts, too. My friend Jeannette is a reporter, wife, mother of two and feels guilty that she asked her hubby for a $67 bottle of perfume. You can read about her frugal dilemma here.

As for Mama McNeal, she's getting an airline gift card. She's a flying granny nanny, helping out with my niece who lives hundreds of miles away. It's what she wants.

My affordable gift idea is writing an appreciative letter. I wrote my grandmother a letter once. I never saw her so happy. Here are some other gift ideas.

Is it possible to give a gift that's frugal yet shows how much you care about someone? What are you giving the special moms in your life for Mother's Day? Is it O.K.to not give a gift on Mother's Day? Do you have any good, affordable gift ideas?

Comments

[min]

Yes, i think it's great to give any gift to one's Mom on this special day. And anything from the heart is always appreciated. What Mom wouldn't love an expensive/brand item? However, if you're tight on your budget I believe you can still give a gift from the heart. Your Mom will appreciate the time and thought you've put into it. I think it was already mentioned in your "gift ideas" but preparing a nice dinner and a slide show (on your computer of your family) is a very nice gift. I realize for some, planning a menu and going grocery shopping alone will take a chunk of time from your schedule but those are what Moms will really appreciate. They know how busy our lives are. If you own a scanner, try to gather some old photos/new/recent ones as well and put it to one of your Mom's favorite songs, and you got yourself a homemade music video your Mom can keep. For an added touch, burn it to a CD and your Mom can play it as she brags to her friends. : )

[$ out of .15]

I just got my mother a personalized bracelet with her name, my name and her grandsons' names on it. Cost $70. Wasn't too expensive, didn't break the bank.

[GLM]

I'm giving my mother a book - she knows I'm trying to retrench financially, and she'd get upset (yes, really) if she thought I spent too much on her.

I don't think a bottle of perfume is out of the question, if you can afford it, and if you'll USE it. I'd rather go through a whole bottle of perfume and get my money's worth than buy one and decide later that I don't like how it smells on me!

[Jasmine]

I got my mom a small bouquet of roses that will be sent to her work tomorrow and an ad in the newspaper with a picture of the family. Grand total: $45. I know she'll love the attention from her co-workers who will ask who sent her flowers.

[LousvilleMom]

Sure, it's okay not to give anything for Mother's Day. haha At least that's what my kids and husband think. I never get anything for Mother's Day. I get something for my Mom but it must be written somewhere that Mother's Day includes every mom but me. That goes for my birthday and Christmas also. It is very depressing. And very hurtful. So, please get your mom something for Mother's Day. I would love a day at the spa, or a gift certificate to a store, or even a card. Happy Mother's Day to everyone (except me!)