Another Mother’s Day is upon us. Spouses and children everywhere are stumped once again about what to get the most amazing woman in their lives. Some are contemplating a new shiny appliance or a brand-new trash can, while others are thinking car tires and the like. As these suggestions might make you chuckle, please believe me when I tell you these were all Mother’s Day gifts for mothers I know (all names will be withheld to protect the guilty.)
So, instead of leaving you to your own devices to figure this out, allow me to offer a few suggestions.
I’ve talked with many moms over the years, and I have some insight that just might help your Mother’s Day gift of 2022 be the one that is remembered and talked about for years to come.
If you have ever heard of the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, you will definitely be a step or two ahead. No, I’m not suggesting you buy this book for the mom in your life. What I am suggesting is that the knowledge you will gain from this book and knowing her love language will put you light-years ahead.
Here’s a short summary. The five love languages are Acts of Service, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Words of Affirmation/Affection and Physical Touch. They are self-explanatory, but here’s the light bulb moment: if you know her love language you are already ahead of the game. If you don’t know her love language, consider having the whole family take the Love Language Quiz. Hopefully she won’t suspect anything if everyone participates.
Great! Now that that’s done and out of the way, here are a few suggestions for each of the love languages listed in the book, and also in the results of the quiz.
A mom whose love language is Acts of Service:
would probably light up if the house was cleaned from top to bottom for her. Or how about a complete clean of the garage? Anything that she has to see that is not spotless suddenly made spotless is sure to bring a smile to her face. How about having the kids clean her car and their room. Mind blown!
A mom whose love language is Quality Time:
would probably enjoy family time together. No devices and no screens unless it’s a movie together. Think about going old-school and heading to a drive-in movie theater. If you choose this option, pack the car with tons of snacks. But please don’t leave that mess for her to clean up the next day.
A mom whose love language is Receiving Gifts:
would enjoy a couple or few things wrapped up prettily, with a bow. Bonus points if some of the goodies are handmade by the kids. Does she have a favorite perfume or coffee shop? Consider packing a few things in a gift bag for her to rummage through, right after breakfast in bed.
A mom whose love language is Words of Affirmation/Affection:
would almost definitely need a box of tissue if everyone wrote AND read notes to her about why she is loved so dearly. Actually, no matter the love language, I think most moms would appreciate the thoughtfulness of this gift.
Finally, for the mom whose love language is Physical Touch:
consider expressing your love for her today by pouring on the affection. Hugs, kisses and cuddle time on the couch should be top of mind for the day. But also, consider gifting her with a massage or day at the spa. Or, how about bringing the spa to her with a neck warmer, foot soaker and bath and shower bombs. And the family waiting on her hand and foot.
Although there’s a list of things here to choose from, the love language of moms everywhere is TIME. She just wants to be with you. So put some thought into it, and if you are unable to be with her in person, arrange a Zoom or FaceTime call so that she can see you. This is best received if she does not have to be the one to organize it all. You do it!
Contact the family, all the children (grown, flown or in the next room). Simply send her the link to join and make it something special. And if after reading this you’re still not sure what to do, call her best girlfriend for suggestions. The one who knows everything about her. But remember this, no cooking or cleaning expectations of Mom today. That includes not leaving all the cleanup for her to do the next day either. It’s her day to spend doing whatever she chooses. Even if that something is nothing at all.
Related
Arts & Crafts for Mother’s Day
10 Unique Ways to say “I Love You, Mom”
