Mother’s Day is this Sunday and it’s always one of my favorite holidays. It may be heavily commercialized but celebrating our mothers is important. To give thanks and share our love with our mothers (and maybe work in an apology or two for those teen years) and to receive it back as both a daughter and mother is a real privilege. In honor of our mothers, I have a fun infographic to share with you, but first I want to set a few ground rules when it comes to giving gifts to your Mom (or really anyone).
There is an unfortunate perception that the price of a gift makes it more valuable or indicates the love the giver has for the recipient. This is false. Money spent does NOT determine the value of the gift. This mindset really inhibits the fun of buying and giving gifts because it puts so much pressure on you. Once you let go of that mindset, you’ll find gift-giving is much more enjoyable.
The key to successful gift-giving is to determine how much you can afford (no gift should create debt) and want to spend. Those are two different things. Sometimes you want to buy an extravagant gift for someone you love that is out of your price range. It’s not wrong to have that desire, so don’t feel bad about it, but stay within your budget. Your Mom does not want you to go into debt for her Mother’s Day gift!
On the other hand, you may have the discretionary income to buy an extravagant gift but that doesn’t mean you have to do so either. You pick the amount you want to spend. Gifts given with love are what matter, not the price tag, no matter how big or small it is.
This one can be tricky as I know Moms are notorious for saying that they don’t need anything. I also know from experience on both sides of the equation that gifts will still be given. There are lot of people and advertisers who will tell you want Mom wants, but the only person who truly knows is Mom herself, so ask her. And Moms — be honest. This way you ensure whatever they buy you is money well-spent.
For example, flowers are popular gift. I regularly see them get dismissed because they are expensive and don’t last, which is true. I also know Moms who anxiously wait all day for the doorbell to ring and the flowers to arrive from their kids or grandchildren. They love the flowers they receive and look forward to their Mother’s Day bouquet every year. While other Mothers have zero interest in receiving flowers. The best gift is whatever makes your mother’s heart happy and fits your budget. Don’t get caught in the hype of bad or good.
I found a fun infographic on what Moms want for Mother’s Day. All of them would be welcome in my book, although I am a little bit suspicious about 0% wanting chocolate. It may be a more traditional Valentine’s Day gift but what Mom would turn down chocolate? Not me! 🙂
Moms — what has been your most treasured gift? What are you getting your Mom this Mother’s Day?
Happy Mother’s Day and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Shannon
SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
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