Healthy Mother’s Day Gifts

Yesterday I got the question.  What do you want to do for Mother’s Day?  I really hate that question.  For one it always comes from my husband, and two that means that I have to plan my mother’s day – pretty much like birthdays around here.  You would think the kids would have asked, but I guess they are still at the age of Dad either taking them shopping or Dad shopping and telling the kids what they are giving me.

Although quite an important holiday – celebrating the person who gave you life, was your taxi and most likely your bank throughout most of your youth, I generally don’t require my family to make a big deal about it for me.  But I do make sure to get something nice for my mom and mother in law.  So here are some ideas for you to use for your mother.

Since this is a fitness/healthy type blog you can rest assured that chocolates are not on the list.  Now, I love chocolate, but honestly do we really think it is a good thing to send our mother’s into a near diabetic coma.  I think this year we can forgo that option, but here are some other good options.

Flowers: I am not sure why but women really like them.  Unfortunately they have a limited life so a really nice idea might be a plant for the house or garden.  My sister-in-law and her mother go out for breakfast and then to the plant store and pick out flowers to plant in their garden and then they go planting them together.  It’s their yearly tradition.  You might even consider a twist on this – make your mom a healthy breakfast in bed and you go plant some flowers in her garden.

Your Mom is a Gem: Ah women and jewelry they go together like peas in a pod.  At least for most women, except me – I’m not all that into jewelry, but generally most moms love it.  That being said this year, my mom received a fresh water pearl necklace.  I can’t take credit for the idea, my sister was watching qvc and saw something she thought my mom would like and decided that we would go in on it together.  My mom actually got it early – and I have to say that my sister did good cause my mom called and raved about the gift.  So guess what I just ordered my mother-in-law yesterday?  A similar piece of jewelry, but one that matched her likes and personality.

Relaxation: One of my favorite ideas is a gift certificate for a massage or spa treatment.  Honestly, my kids could get me that every mother’s day or birthday and I would be a happy camper.  That one gift never gets old to me.

Give the domestic goddess a day off: What about cleaning the house for your mom?  Now that would be a treat and no doubt quite the surprise.  If cleaning is not really your style you could hire a cleaning service or give her a gift certificate for one.

The Gift Of Fitness and Health: You had to know that I would not forget this one.  Hey, a great workout dvd would show your mom how much you care and that you want her around for a long time.  Don’t worry – she really will like it – these days Moms want to look good and be healthy.  I just happen to know of a few great choices.  You’re mom may want to “party” with Hip Hop Abs or Turbo Jam.  Or she may be the type who wants to get ripped with P90X.  You could even put together the perfect basket:  a workout dvd, weighted hand gloves, vitamins and omegas.

Pure thoughtfulness and time: Even if money is tight you still have something you can give that is completely free.  Sometimes the best gift you can give is your time.  It’ll will show her how much you love her and how thoughtful you are.

There you have it – a pretty good list, if I do say so myself.  Feel free to steal the ideas and take all the credit.  Maybe I should send this article to my husband and kids .