What I Do NOT Want for Mother’s Day
I’m not a picky, or high-maintenance person. But when it comes to receiving gifts, especially on the one day of the year meant for me (Mom), I do have a few mild suggestions. Requests, rather, on things I definitely do not want for Mother’s Day.
No Projects
Now, some people find zen in DIY crafts. And occasionally, I do enjoy breaking out some pastel paint, and transforming an old end table into something girly and pretty. But, this also requires careful planning and time. All the while maneuvering around household chores, work, and child-rearing. Unless it’s something you know I really enjoying doing on my own, please don’t give me something I’ll need to spend a weekend transforming. I’d much rather spend the holiday doing anything other than work. because let’s face it-even on Mother’s Day, Mom is spending her time taking care of everything as usual. Don’t add to the pile.
No “Messy” Gifts
Now, if my son were to bring me a glitter-covered card he made at school, I wouldn’t be crushed. That’s because he’s my son. My Husband should not be spending unsupervised time with glue and little shiny pieces of paper. After getting trolled from a great-grandmother with a super loose-glitter Christmas card, we have a no glitter rule in this house. Mother’s Day is no exception. Again, if the kid is giving it to me, I can tolerate the inevitable vacuuming that will follow. Adults aren’t getting off the hook that easy. No messy gifts.
No “Living” Gifts
I’m a Parent. I have enough people to feed and keep alive. Please don’t give me another living being to maintain. Unless I have explicitly said “I want a puppy,” assume I don’t. because that’s another mouth to feed, another poop to clean, another bath to give. This goes for cats, ponies, even fish. Actually, let’s add flowers onto this part of the list too. And the last thing I want to deal with are dead, rotting plants I’ve struggled to sustain, a week after the special day, just for me.
Actually, I’ve noticed a trend here; don’t give me something that just creates more work.
What do I want for Mother’s Day?
Honestly, just give me something I want! Not something I need. I might “need” a new can opener, but I’ll gladly take a bottle of wine and Grey’s Anatomy reruns. Give me something I’d really enjoy. Like a trip to a day spa, sans kids. That mildly expensive bottle of perfume I’d never buy for myself, because I’d spend the money on the kids first.
Or instead of an actual gift-give me time. Time to myself. No cooking, no cleaning, no children. Just time to read a book, take an uninterrupted bath….sleep! Give me the ability to focus on my own self-care, just for a day…instead of everyone else’s.
Mother’s Day is meant to show your appreciation for that special Mom in your life. You don’t have to go uber romantic, expensive, or impractical. Wanna know what your special “Mom” wants? Ask her. It’s better to play safe than sorry.
Yes, I completely agree with you, I don’t want gifts that give me MORE work, unless I specifically say I DO want it, then that is ok. Gifts for enjoyment, relaxing, or down time are perfect Mother’s Day gifts in my opinion.
Haha I love this! I didn’t get anything for Mother’s Day because apparently we don’t celebrate special days. First I’d heard of it! Annnnd I ask for a puppy all the time, but not so much as a flower comes my way haha!
After my divorce, my mother’s day has changed. I have my daughter on that day and we make sure to do something fun together!
This is a great post! Thanks for keeping it real!
I’ll take the sleep please. 😉
Amen to no projects!!!! I’d like for a project to magically appear done. Lol
I love some ‘me’ time for Mother’s Day - it doesn’t have to be lavish like a spa day (although that would be fab!) But a hot shower (alone), time to drink a hot coffee, read…little things like that! I’m with you on the glitter, too
YEs I love this!All so true, I must send it so my husband 🙂
I totally get it! I actually don’t want anything for Mother’s Day except flowers!
Totally agree with the glitter especially! I still have glitter in my car from when I worked at a day care — in 2009! I love the Valentine’s Day card that my daughter made me with glitter on it, but cards from the store should not have glitter!
Haha this was funny and true. Dont add to the pile! Happy mothers day 🙂
Sometimes we assume our husband and children will know what we want. You make a good point: if you want to know what I want, just ask! I’m ok with someone asking me, and I am happy to share ideas. 🙂
This is great! I especially love no living gifts. I can’t possibly take care of something else lol! Thanks for sharing.
I am SO with you!!! And please please please no ‘Mom’ knickknacks!
I completely agree with some mommy time ! I would love a few quiet hours to myself to read and take a bubble bath !
Amen! And don’t you dare make me feel bad about it 🙂
Yes to this post! I always tell my husband that the price doesn’t matter, I totally just want some cheesy cheap monogrammed cup or something that gives me all the feels lol.
I agree! Some family time, relaxing time to myself and a bottle of wine is a perfect!
Time to myself is what I always ask for. Being a stay at mom I just sometimes need an hour to myself!!
Absolutely cringe when they give me something living! More work, aw, you shouldn’t have! I would just like as you said, time! Give me a day or two in a hotel, nothing fancy, not a vacation (those are tiring too haha) send me with wine and please don’t call.
Totally agree with everything!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I am with you on the “give me time” thing! My favorite gift for every special occasion is a massage coupon, complete with several hours of hanging out at Starbucks. 🙂
Great post! I so agree!
I will take a day of sleeping in, a nice long bath with a glass of red wine, thanks! This parenting/adulting stuff is exhausting. 😀