All I want (and don't want) for Mother's Day
When my kids were little, Mother's Day was usually a lovely picnic out in a park where we could all romp around, but only after I'd had a luxurious morning sleeping in while my husband brought me coffee in bed. But as the kids got older, my lying in bed became more of a communal affair. For the past two years, my kids now bring me a breakfast mostly made by them followed by some "relaxing" foot and shoulder rubs. It's a little less than restful and more like having a bed full of monkeys crawling all over you. Of course I don't want them to stop, but I wouldn't mind hearing my hubby tell the kids, "Okay, enough rubbing, now let's leave mummy with her coffee and book!"
I hear this from a lot of moms: what they want is the gift of time or peace and quiet. Yes, we want to enjoy time with our partners and kids, that's precious, but a lovely afternoon at home alone would also be precious! If you're still wondering what to get that special mum in your life for Mother's Day, other than an afternoon of babysitting, have a look at some of these ideas:
A lovely gift would be giving a donation to UNICEF's Gifts of Magic to help other mums and children who are less fortunate. Donations start as little as $10 for a bed net all the way up to $505 for a water pump. There are lots of options in between so check out the link.
These cute Mozi mugs ($19.99) from Indigo are great on their own or buy them all to create a set.
Also from Indigo, the V&A (as in Victoria & Albert, as in the museum in London) line of gardening tools ($12.99 for a measuring tape to $79.99 for a watering can) will make her the poshest gardener in her neighbourhood. Royalties from sales go back to the museum, which is a bonus for you and mum!
This is a gift that keeps on giving to your beloved mum: these cards from Botanical Paperworks are embedded with North American wildflower seeds, so when she plants them she can grow Bird's Eyes, Clarkias, Poppies, or Snap Dragons.
And if you decide to buy flowers, why not buy from a florist who uses fair trade flowers, such as Sierra Eco.
For something really out of the ordinary, there are Mother's Day packages available at Medieval Times in Toronto. We don't judge.
And for even more ideas on Mother's Day, check out my Family Friday blog over on FoodTV.ca.