Mother’s Day Madness

Mother’s Day and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love being a mother.  I love having a mother.  I love being pampered on Mother’s Day, and the Sassy Husband does it well.  But I hate, in the most loving way possible, trying to find something for my own mother.  She and my dad have downsized to a condo, and are in a constant state of Clutter Purge.  This means I have to think twice about giving her anything that actually has mass.  

In the past, I have tried things like tickets to a live show, or the ever-popular (but let’s face it, kind of lame) gift card.  Even the most space-limited mom has room for that in her wallet.  This year I found something both cute and practical, and I hope she’ll like it.  I can’t spill the beans because she sometimes browses this blog.  But I can give some other ideas, for those of you who are searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.  Or for teachers who need something for their kids to make for their moms.  Or for folks who just want to see some cute stuff, and couldn’t care less about a Hallmark Holiday.

For the gardeners among us, this is the perfect time of year to give new tools like the Fiskars 7067 3-Piece Softouch Garden Tool Set
which I own and love.  They’re sturdy and strong, with comfortable grips.  They almost make weeding bearable. 

Or how about this cuter than cute garden tote? Large Ladybug Garden Tote with Tools Set
  I have a similar one, and I use it all. the. time.  Mine’s a much more manly green color, which would make sense if I were a man.  I’m coveting those polka dots.

And finally, if your parental unit loves garden-grown veggies but has no garden, try the Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter :  it can hang on a patio, a porch, anywhere that gets sun. 

  Does your mom like to cook?  Chances are, she has a kitchen full of mixers, platters, mixing bowls, and muffin tins.  She’s had a lifetime to collect the things she wants and needs in her home.  But guess what that means?  She’s had a lifetime to wear things out, too.  If her towels are raggedy and her hot pads stained, why not give her fresh, cute linens?  She’ll never buy them for herself.  I’m a little in love with these DII Garden Whimsy Floral and Sayings Print Dishtowel, Set of 3 and check out theseJust Dandy DII Take-Out Gift Box with Kitchen Cloths Set, 4-Pack — oh my heavens. 

Too bright?  Too feminine?  How about this Ritz Gourmet Collection 3-Piece Mitz and Thumb Mitt Set that even dad wouldn’t be ashamed to use? 

 If you’re more hands-on, here are some home-crafted ideas:  

First, how cute are these bowls?  Made from a doily, stiffened with cornstarch, this is perfect for a child to make at school, in a playgroup, or at home with a dad desperate for ideas.  Fill them with wrapped chocolates or maybe some funky, inexpensive jewelry, and you’re golden.

Or there’s a soothing eye mask;  this one looks like it’s even within my sewing capabilities.  If your mom has allergies, you might want to pass on this one.  Nothing like giving the gift of misery, eh? 

If you’re the crafty sort, you won’t be able to resist this skinny chipboard album.  Seriously.

Okay ladies (and gents), I’ve done some of the legwork, now get out there and honor your mom!  And if you are a mom yourself, you might want to accidentally-on-purpose leave this post up on your screen.  Sometimes the men in our lives need a little nudge.  Happy hunting!