Love to Yo Momma (With Last Minute Gifts)

When talk turns to Mother’s Day gifts, flowers or jewelry automatically come to mind. Breakfast in bed or going out to dinner are also on the list of favorites. But, if you would appreciate some help thinking “outside the box” for this Mother’s Day, here are some suggestions:

Techno-Moms

Moms are becoming more “tech savvy” every day, but when the computer refuses to behave or the iPod acts up, it’s still frustrating finding someone who can fix the problem. 

An increasing number of companies are offering in-home technology support services, making it easy for Mom to get back to emailing friends, checking her on-line calendar, or exercising to her favorite tunes. Support.com is one such service and stores such as Best Buy offer in-home support through the Geek Squad.

Techno-Moms II

As much as we might like to, it’s not always possible to be with mom in person on Mother’s Day.  That’s why those in the know predict that Mother’s Day will once again be the busiest Sunday of the year for telephone volume. 

How about giving Mom the gift of “face-to-face” time by setting her up with Skype or other voice/video calling services?  Being able to see your smiling face makes it all worthwhile.

Go Hollywood

If you need to go more “low tech,” think about a “tribute” video.  Moms can be great storytellers, reminding us of our favorite (and not so favorite) childhood memories.

Return the favor by filming the kids telling their “Mom stories.”  Spice it up by including spots by old friends and relatives, sharing something special about Mom.  It’s one movie she’ll want to watch over and over.

Not “Just” a Mom

Many of the mothers I spoke to fondly remembered gifts that acknowledged they had lives outside of motherhood - that spoke to their specific interests or talents. 

Whether it is watercolor painting, composting, or Italian for travelers, think about springing for a class that might appeal to Mom. Junior College Community Education Programs offer classes covering a wide variety of subjects at very reasonable cost. 

Go Boldly Where Mom Might Not Go

Picture the most adventurous Mom you can.  Now help her make that adventure a reality.

Can she picture herself hot air ballooning?  What about sailing on San Francisco Bay?  Is she African safari material? Does Mom have an inner skydiver waiting to come out?  Maybe you can give her the “push” she needs to make it happen.

Wine Country Moms

Lots of us recognize how lucky we are the live in Sonoma County Wine Country. And some of our best wine makers are Moms. 

If you think Mom would enjoy turning the wine country experience up a notch by making her own wine, consider Crushpad in Sonoma, a state of the art winery where you are the wine maker.  Crush some grapes, choose your blend, design your own label, market your wine…all with the help of their wine making team.

Memories

One size does not fit all when it comes to finding the perfect gift for Mom.  However, a common theme among many Moms involves preserving memories of their children. 

Mother’s rings, set with the birthstones of their children, were very popular years ago and are making a comeback. Jewelry embossed with replicas of hand and footprints from birth certificates is making an appearance. Moms love family traditions such as picking out rose bushes from the nursery and getting to watch them bloom year after year.

Use Your Words

A mom who received a beautifully designed  pen from her twenty-five-year-old son told one of my favorite stories about Mother’s Day gifts. The barrel of the pen was filled with many tiny Swarovski crystals. The card read, “All these crystals are for the times I’ve forgotten to say ‘I love you.’”