What Kind of Mother’s Day Gift Would You Prefer?

Photo Credit: Crystl

Mother’s Day is almost upon us! I was going to save this post for Mother’s Day but instead decided to post it early out of curiosity. Plus, if there are any men out there waiting until the last minute, because that’s what men do, perhaps the comments alone could help them get their mother (and wife) that perfect gift to show their appreciation. After all, mothers are wonderful and highly under appreciated if you ask me.

The question of the day is what’s the “perfect gift”?

Mothers do lots of awesome things but the one thing that men will never EVER be able to come close on is child birth. That one act alone catapults mother to a place most men would never want to be, including myself. If men had to deliver babies mankind would be in terrible shape and sex would probably be the last thing they thought about instead of the first. Haha!

With that said, I appreciate and respect every single mother out there that does everything she can to be the best mother ever, even though that means putting themselves last. Let’s face it, mothers are better at sacrificing than men, at least that’s how I see it.

Now let’s get to what really inspired this post in the first place. It all started with this article, and I have to admit the first line bothered me the most. “Who’s treating mom the best this year?” This article immediately correlates “treating mother best” with spending, something I find to be absolutely ridiculous, but a part of me isn’t surprised. I mean, we live in one of the most consumer-driven countries in the world. Show me a holiday, and I’ll show you 6 out of 10 people who have an excuse to spend too much money.

This is not about judging people, it’s about starting a conversation and sharing different points of view.

It’s important for me to point out that I have not always taken this position. I was duped by the same debt hungry society to think that expensive gifts were the symbol of ultimate love. Thankfully, I see through that now, but I do want to add that I’m not saying that if you spend money on your mother — or if you have kids, your wife — on Mother’s Day, that you are somehow stupid. What I AM saying though is that how much you spend shouldn’t be the guideline for “treating mother the best”.

Apparently, those living in Oregon get that award for spending an average of $137 in 2010! SAY WHAT? I can tell you right now, my mom would probably smack me if I spent that much on her for Mother’s Day. She would be happy with being able to spend time with her kids and grand kids and that would be the ultimate gift for her.

“HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, I LOVE YOU MOM!!” Even this would be enough if you asked her.

I, however, tend to be a little more like those in Alabama, though I think $56 is still hefty in the name of showing your love and appreciation. I just do not believe that expensive gifts do love and appreciation any justice. Anyone can reach int0 their wallet and throw it on the counter, but it’s the actions of the heart that make the biggest impact on Mom! On Father’s Day, I’ll be happy with a family picnic and a nice drive out to the Blue Ridge Mountains so I can take some special family pictures.

Love is not found in your wallet! It’s in your heart and in your actions, and not just on Mother’s Day.

Personally, I do spend a little bit in general, because there is something that my wife hardly ever has that she absolutely loves, but it only costs me about $30. A box of chocolates! Not just any box of chocolates though, her favorite homemade chocolate from a local shop here in Charlottesville. I have bought her the bigger box, which costs about $50, but she said it was a bit much when I did. Isaac and Noah will be handing Mommy a hand-made card and a box of homemade chocolates, all for under $30.

My mother doesn’t know it yet, but we’re planning on driving down to Richmond on Sunday to surprise her on Mother’s Day! Guess what? I will not have a gift worth $137 because I don’t want to get smacked! 😉

Going back to the article, it seems to suggest that the amount of money you spend on your mother is an indication of how much you love and appreciate her. I say that’s nonsense, and if you read the article you’ll also see that Citibank had to throw their two cents in and I’m not surprised. A bank that wants to take advantage of a holiday like Mother’s Day…NO WAY! (shocker) They say spending a lot on mom is an investment and go on to guilt you into thinking the same way by implying that because her worth is approximated at $61K, you should buy her an expensive gift.

An investment? Really? If mom is already great, an expensive gift isn’t going to make her better — is it?

My opinion: You can’t put a price tag on what mothers are worth — it’s priceless!

Now I want to know from all you mothers out there. What is it that you love and enjoy the most about Mother’s Day? Is an expensive gift really a game changer for you? Furthermore, those of you trying to get out of debt, would paying down or off a debt be a good enough present for you?

Please, share your thoughts below and be honest. It’s not a bad thing to enjoy nice gifts, but I have a feeling that deep down most of you probably agree with me on this one. I can’t wait to find out!

Have a terrific Mother’s Day and I hope it really ends up being the best day ever! And just in case you don’t already know it, you’re worth way more than $61K and no expensive gift could ever say that. 😀

P.S. Please oh please, don’t use Mother’s Day as a reason or excuse to go into more debt. 😉