WASHINGTON — You love your mom; you really do. But sometimes procrastination beats love and proper gift-planning.
If you’ve left your Mother’s Day gift shopping to the last minute this year, here are some ideas for presents that will save you in a jiffy.
DIY spa package
It may be last minute, but your local Target most likely has all the things you need to create a personalized spa experience for your mother.
Find the cutest tote bag and throw in a bath oil or bubble bath, a new robe, exfoliating scrub, a face mask, a moisturizer and a candle to complete the package.
Mother’s Day bonus: Get her favorite glass of wine so she can enjoy it during her self-care pampering session.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Jar of things you love about herNeed an inexpensive idea that will be sure to pull at her heartstrings? All you need is a jar, paper, pen and the many reasons you love Mom. Get crafty with the jar design: paint it with her favorite colors, add some ribbon or even line the jar with a cute (or awkward) family photo. You can add in one reason for every day of the week or simply as many as you can think of. Because even though she seems superhuman, Mom also has stressful days in which she could use a pick-me-up. Mom will surely appreciate the heartfelt gesture.
(AP Photo/Jennifer Forker)
AP Photo/Jennifer Forker
“Coupon” jar This gift idea is similar in concept to the previous, but this one will put you to work. In various slips of paper, make a list of household chores that Mom usually takes care of: Grocery shopping, cooking, vacuuming, dusting (seriously, what doesn’t she do?!) etc. Place these in a jar, and you’re now lovingly indebted to Mom whenever she fancies. Whenever she needs to catch a break, she can grab a slip and ask you to take the reins on a household task.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
A different take on “gift box”
From oenophiles to bookworms and those who simply want to try new snacks every month, there’s a monthly subscription box for everything and everyone nowadays, so there’s bound to be a box that suits any kind of mother.
Does your mom love makeup and skin care? She’ll fall in love with all the new goodies she gets to try out each month through Ipsy or Birchbox.
Does mom prefer to cuddle up with a good book during her downtime? With Book of the Month, mom gets to choose one of five new titles each month and even gets access to early releases and debut authors.
Is your mother a wine connoisseur? Through monthly wine subscription boxes such as Winc, VineOh! and Vinebox, she’ll be able to taste different varieties and maybe even find her new go-to.
And then there are the clothes services. Amazon is among those now hoping to turn your home into a fitting room. Prime Wardrobe sounds a lot like Stitch Fix, Trunk Club or other services that send clothing in a box. But there are differences: There are no stylists with Prime Wardrobe, so you’ll have to pick out your own shirts or skirts. It’s not a subscription, so there’s no monthly commitment or additional fees, although you need to be a Prime member.
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
Let her relax!
Weekend mornings were a luxury for me growing up: If I didn’t sleep in, I would be plopped on the couch watching cartoons while the smell of breakfast permeated through the air. The house was somehow already miraculously clean when I got up, but there was no doubt about who was behind the most indulgent and relaxing of weekends.
So why not replicate something like this for Mom?
Get to her house early and get to work! Make her home as squeaky clean and organized as possible. Try to accomplish all the household projects she’s been meaning to get around to: clean out the gutters, mow the lawn, clean her car. Make sure Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger on her special day.
Travel/airfare
What better way to treat your mom than with a flight to a place she’s been wanting to explore?
This one might come in a bit pricey, depending on the destination, but Mom will definitely appreciate getting to see new sights and taste new flavors during her refreshing getaway. Add in a travel journal so she can reflect on her “Eat, Pray Love”-esque experiences.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Gift cards
While it may seem like a sort of cop-out, sometimes it’s admittedly the most appreciated. Who knows the best Mother’s Day gift other than Mom herself?
Perhaps she’s been talking about a handbag she wants, but you have no idea where to buy it. A prepaid Visa gift card can really be a lifesaver at the last minute.
Whatever kind of gift card you get her, just make sure she knows she should spoil herself with it.
(Thinkstock)
