With more pressure on than ever to spend big this Mother’s Day, it’s easy to forget that it’s often the simplest gift that is most appreciated. In that vein, here’s our top ten heartfelt tips for saying 'thanks' to your mum for less.
1. Make a Mother’s Day card
Store bought cards can be a bit impersonal at the best of times. By making your mum a Mother’s Day card you can make the message as personal as you like and she’s bound to appreciate all the effort you put in.
Dads can also join in and help the kids assemble their mummy-masterpiece.
2. Pay her a visit
Why say it with flowers or a card when you can go there yourself and tell your mum how special she is in person? The return of the prodigal son or daughter is sure to bring a smile to the face of any mum.
For that extra thrill, why not make it a surprise visit? Just check with dad first to make sure your target will actually be there when you turn up! And if your mum is too far away for a visit, then why not give her a call?
3. Do a chore
They’ve cleaned us, clothed us, picked us up after we’ve banged our knees - surely it’s about time we did something in return? Ask your mum if she’s got any chores that need doing around the house? Maybe the windows need a wash? Or does the garden hedge need a trim? Why not go to the supermarket for her and get the week’s shopping in?
For extra brownie points, why not offer to do a chore that you know your mum hates, like cleaning the oven? Putting yourself at your mum’s disposal for the day could will give you a greater appreciation of what she’s done for you over the years.
4. Breakfast in bed
It’s an oldie, but a goodie and guaranteed to put a smile on her face. Whether it’s a continental or full English, dads can always give the kids a hand to prepare it.
Just make sure you clear up any mess you make in the kitchen and wash-up afterwards!
5. Deals on meals
If your mum fancies a meal out on Mother’s Day, but you’re on a budget – don’t panic. From ‘Mum’s eat free’ to complimentary bottles of bubbly, there’s plenty of deals out there to be had.
Don’t worry about offending your mum by taking advantage of a freebie. We all know mum’s appreciate a good deal when they see one!
6. Free flowers
Like cards, a store bought bouquet can be a bit impersonal as well as being expensive. Spring is in the air and the daffodils are blooming, so why not make a bouquet of your own?
Get up nice and early to pick the flowers from your garden and then whip up a quick bouquet to present to mum along with her breakfast in bed.
7. Cook her a meal
Even if you left home at sixteen, a conservative estimate is that in that time your mum lovingly prepared you around 5,800 meals. Don’t you think it’s about time you returned the favour?
There’s many excellent Mother’s Day recipes available online and you don’t have to be James Martin to prepare them. If you do find the idea of cooking a meal slightly daunting, then why not appeal to your mum’s sweet tooth by baking her a nice cake. You can also personalise with a special message on top.
You know that for mums the effort is always more important than the end result, so don’t panic if things don’t go quite as planned.
Again, just make sure to leave the kitchen as tidy after as when you started.
8. Two treats for the price of one
A popular treat for mums on Mother’s Day is a day out at a health spa. If you are going to treat your mum to a day’s pampering then why not clean the house for her while she’s out relaxing as well? That way she’s getting two treats for the price of one.
9. Take a trip down memory lane
Mother’s Day can often be a time of reflection for mums. Why not tap into this by taking her out to visit a place that has a special meaning for her?
It could be her old school, or a place where you used to picnic when you were young or even a favourite walk in the country. It’s her choice.
10. Put on a show
Why splash out on an expensive West End musical when you can put on your own show at home for nothing? Why not get the kids to perform a special Mother’s Day cabaret for mum featuring all her favourite songs?
If you’re lacking musical instruments, but have access to a games console, then you can always make use of games like Guitar Hero or Karaoke Revolution to provide some musical accompaniment.
