Finding the right way to show our appreciation for mom can be overwhelming (and expensive). But these budget-friendly mother's day gifts are priceless.
Ah… the second Sunday of May. Mother’s Day. It’s right around the corner, and it’s a time to celebrate: moms, spring, and, optimistically, very soon — freedom! Oh, and Mother’s Day gifts. This last year has been tough, financially, mentally, and physically. But now, hopefully, many of us are vaccinated and we can finally go back to celebrating holidays with our loved ones.
If you’re anything like me, finding a gift that truly shows your appreciation can be challenging. How do you put a price tag on all that TLC? We really love our moms, but do we really need to break the bank in order to show it? Odds are, your mom doesn’t want you to do that.
READ MORE: How To Have A Happy — And Affordable — Mother’s Day Celebration
Yes, our wallets may be lighter this year, but we knew there were some interesting, creative, and budget-friendly gifts to make Mother’s Day 2021 special for our favorite ladies. We checked in with experts for tips on cheap or even free(!) suggestions to make Mom feel like a million bucks.
FOR THE SWEET-TOOTH…
Forrest Gump’s mom was right — life really is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. Unless, of course, you make your own. This gift shows you how to make melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles. Perfect for the momma who craves quality time (and a nightly sugar fix). Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit – $38.00
FOR THE BOOKWORM…
Meaghan B. Murphy provides a guide to “living with presence” in her book, Your Fully Charged Life: A Radically Simple Approach to Having Endless Energy and Filling Every Day with Yay. Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, praises the guide for its “brightly colored, easy to apply tips to help mom bring joy into her life.” I mean, who can say no to joy? Meaghan B. Murphy, “Your Fully Charged Life” – $19.20
FOR THE NEW MOM…
Most new moms want one thing and one thing only — a good night’s sleep! This soothing Mom’s Survival Pack promises just that. It contains a luxurious sleep salve guaranteed to relax the busy mom, as well as floral mineral bath salts, belly butter, and more. All that’s missing is a glass of wine and some noise cancelling headphones. Mom’s Survival Pack – $25.00
FOR THE CHEF …
Is it just me, or doesn’t bread taste better dipped in oil than smeared with butter? You can help your mom and all of her dipping-desires by gifting her this Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit. Embark on a flavor safari and discover herbs and spices from international cuisines. This gift will make your mom feel like a culinary wizard of bread and oil. Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit – $42.00
FOR THE CRAFT QUEEN …
Pictures are easy. Paintings require a bit more work (and talent). Luckily Paint By Numbers makes it super easy with the Custom Paint By Number Kit. Upload a photo of your choice, and they’ll do all the hard work for you. The kit includes a pre-printed numbered canvas, numbered acrylic-based paints, brushes, and a hanging kit. All you have to do is paint within the lines (if you so wish). Custom Paint by Number Kit – (Sale!) $61.99 $39.99
FOR THE SELF-CARE ADDICT…
Gua sha, a traditional Chinese healing method, is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The practice involves massaging a smooth-edged tool directly on skin to relieve tension and boost circulation. Gua sha is a relaxing and beneficial gift for the mom who cherishes “me” time. Prices on these tools can be steep, but we found this Etsy shop that specializes in affordable crystals and gua sha materials. Crystal Gua Sha – $7.00
FOR THE CHILL MOM …
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the incredible restorative benefits of CBD. Trae Bodge suggests we all try the brand Life Elements, a sustainable skincare company specializing in CBD and honey-infused products. She comments: “CBD is so calming and soothing on the skin. Life Elements has great CBD skin and beauty products, and most of them are refillable.” Their CBD Pine Bath Bomb is only $20, and will make your mom’s bathtub feel like a hot spring of serenity. CBD Pine Bath Bomb – $20.00
FUN, FREE, OR ALMOST FREE …
Mother’s Day is not about money, but rather connectivity and quality time. One way to do this is by cooking or baking a fun recipe. FriedPicklez.com blogger Victoria Guardino suggests this delicious olive cake recipe she made with her mom last Mother’s Day.
I know my own mom appreciates a personal, handwritten letter from her daughters every Mother’s Day. According to Lindsey Roy, Chief Marketing Officer at Hallmark, “She’ll keep it tucked away in her shoebox of special cards and pull it out to read year after year, and each time feel just as loved and special as the day she first read it.”
You can also ask your mom questions about her childhood. Take notes and let her be your tour guide down memory lane. Alison Gutterman, CEO, President, and owner of Jelmar LLC, recommended visiting the house where your mom grew up. She took her own daughter, Eliza, to visit her childhood home. She recalls, “It became a lovely keepsake memory for the two of us.”
SOME OTHER MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS…
- Spending time in nature, whether that means going on a hike, visiting a botanical garden, or taking a walk by the oceanfront.
- Create coupons for different chores around the house.
- Make her a throwback playlist.
- Have a movie marathon of all her favorites.
- Go for a picnic in the park, or even your own backyard.
- Make her breakfast in bed!
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- 18 Must-Have Girl Power Gifts That Are Just What We Needed
- Incorporate These Six Painless Ways To Save Money On Gifts
- Clear your head and master your spending with these mind-over-money tips from behavioral economist Dan Ariely.
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