Struggling for gift ideas for the number one woman in your life? (I'm of course referring to your mother or wife!)
According to Paula Pugh, author of the book Celebrating Beginnings and Endings, the best gifts for Mother’s Day (or indeed any occasion) aren't found at a store.
Instead of the usual "boring cards, corsages or dinner out," Pugh has suggestions to make the day truly special and memorable. When it comes to making the most of meaningful moments, Pugh is something of an expert. Her book describes over 100 different and innovative ways people can connect with family and friends in these increasingly detached and fast-paced times.
“The first thing you need to do,” she says, “is to ask, ‘what does she really want?’ You are searching for ideas which lead you to that very special way of telling her how much she means to you. You might even go and ask her yourself! You may be amazed at what surfaces.”
Some examples:
Create a “Honey Do” list as one man did for his retired mother. On Mother’s Day he and his wife and kids spent the day attending to all the things that needed doing around the house.
Hold a dinner at mom's house, only this time you and your siblings don the aprons, and cook up family recipes.
Create a capsule of old photos. Write up a special memory to accompany it as one woman did with a photo of herself riding a pony as a girl.
Take your dad or uncle fishing (or whatever), to thank the one who taught you the skill as a kid.
For lost loved ones, wear or carry a keepsake of that person to commemorate them like the woman who wore one of her mother’s old hats to church on Mother’s Day.
So this Sunday, instead of grabbing a Hallmark with a generic verse or buying a bouquet that will only wilt in a few days, think hard about the person you are celebrating and then really celebrate them. As Pugh demonstrates above, the gesture need not be big but it must be thoughtful to make a big impression. More suggestions here.
Have you done (or received) anything special for Mother's Day in the past? Go on, inspire us.
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