creative1the / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Do you know what you’re giving your mom, yet? Below I share frugal ways to celebrate Mother’s Day without breaking the bank.
1. Make a memory book – If you’re into scrapbooking, put a photo book together. This low cost gift will be filled with memories that mom will appreciate. If you’re not good with scissors and glue, you can also make one using your computer.
Gift cards make a great gift!
Phew! Today’s post on the best overall gifts brings the Bargain Babe Hot Holiday Gift Guide to a close. After 10 days, I’m all shopped out! We’ve also suggested electronics gifts, gifts at Sears, toys for kids, mens’ shavers, gifts for teens, unique and quirky gifts, All You mag gifts, restaurant gift certificates, and gifts for men and women.
Gifts cards are a thoughtful gift that is easy for the giver and receiver. No guessing what size or brand; no returns. You can make it a thoughtful gift card by picking a store the recipient loves to shop at, and by wrapping it in a special way. (This video has three great ideas for creative gift card wrapping.)
Kindle Fire is HOT!
The most sought-after gift cards,
ClickItToGiftIt.com sent me this list of retailers that are offering significant discounts when you buy a gift card. The promotion is tied to Mother’s Day, but technically you can buy a gift card for any reason. The discounts are:
- Dell – Give a $300 gift card and get a $50 gift card for yourself through May 25, 2011.
- Chili’s — 10% off eGift cards of $100 or more through May 8, 2011
- On the Border – 10% off eGift cards of $100 or more through May 8, 2011
- Not Your Average Joe’s – Buy a $25 eGift card and get a $5 one for yourself through June 30, 2011
- Uno Chicago Grill – Buy a $25 eGift card and get a $5 one for yourself through June 26, 2011
- P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – 10% of all gift card sales (up to $25,000) will be donated to CARE, a humanitarian organization that fights global poverty by empowering women and girls through June 30, 2011
To get the discount, go to the retailer website.
Go to our roundup of Mother’s Day flower deals, discounts, and freebies.
Celebrate all the things mothers do for us. Credit: klehmkuhl/Flickr
I’m going to be updating this post through Friday so check back for the latest Mother’s Day deals on flowers, gifts, and freebies. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8, 2011.
Mother’s Day Flower Coupons
Best deal! Get 70% off flowers through the daily deal site Moolala. Pay $12 for $40 worth of flowers with this Mother’s Day flower discount. Ships nationwide.
dospaz/Flickr
So many readers shared great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts that I wanted to make sure everyone saw them.
Sue has a surprise planned:
Since my daughter is also a Mom, I like to do something for her, as well. I’m a little arthritic and can’t bend down the way I used to, so I asked my gardener to go to her house and replant the pots she has lining her front walk. The existing ones are in bad shape. It will be a surprise.
2babies1momma suggests an unusual custom gift:
Every year we make a calendar for my MIL with pictures in the day for everyone’s bday, any photo site makes them. Or last year we made coasters for my mom and they were a huge hit! Photoworks has a cutting board you can customize with photo’s, I have one and it is awesome!
Terri says no food!
As a mother I can highly recommend a ’special outing’. I have ’stuff’. What I truly enjoy is a day doing something that my son(s) and I both enjoy doing together. A trip to the city, museum hopping…just a day out together! It’s the best… and it doesn’t have to be on Mother’s Day (one of the worst days for doing things!) On Mother’s Day, just a card inviting me on an outing, (and no cooking!)
Nancy looks forward to many simple pleasures:
My favorite MD is when my kids let me sleep in and then they bring me breakfast in bed with homemade cards and tickets of “things they will do for me”. We all lay in bed and read them togeter, it is time just for them and me! Those are the best gifts I ever get. And at night my husband will cook!
Best day ever! ps my kids are 16, 14 and 7.
Debra suggested:
I think a letter detailing how much she means to you, put in a frame with a favorite photo, would be lovely and meaningful. Or along the same lines, frame a photograph of a special moment with the two of you with a note about how you treasured that day together. Re-create that moment/day if possible and affordable.
Ellie has lots of ideas but says the right gift depends on your Mom:
Having been on both the giving and receiving end of Mothers’ Day gifts, I’ve found that what matters most is that Mom is remembered in a personal way. A heart-felt card with a personal message (handmade cards when my boys were kids) tops the list. Meeting Mom’s needs with things she wants done but can’t do herself are right up there. A special treat to a meal away from home, whether at a restaurant or at your house, is always appreciated. Store-bought items that don’t mean anything personal… not so much. And most important: no more clutter of “stuff.” You know your mom… do whatever makes her the happiest!
What do you think makes a good Mother’s Day gift?
It’s a tall task thinking up a gift for a great Mom. How can one present possibly express thanks for the loving support and kind words a Mom gives her kid?
Last year I made my Mom a memory jar but this year I’d like to surprise her. I’m brainstorming Mother’s Day gifts to the ideas flowing.
- custom-made T-shirt that celebrates her
- jar of memories of your mom
- hand written letter
- special outing
- help around the house
- surprise visit
- make her a gift basket
- gift card
- lunch/dinner at her favorite restaurant
- phone call or card
- flowers (use a local florist for the best deal)
- poem or book
- spa day
- old photo you found and framed
I wish I could come up with something more original. What do you think makes a good gift for a Mom?
