Your mom might like this gift
if she has a garden with a pond...
but then again, maybe not...
1. Memory Pages - This is one thing you can do alone or with your siblings. Buy a Memory Book or Photo Album, and make up a few pages for Mom with photos, sweet and funny comments and mementos.
Note: You can even make a party of this gift, with your mom as the guest of honor. Bring the book, tape, glue, ribbon, ephemera ("junk to glue on", as some of us say in the art world), and photos, and do it together. That will add another layer to the wonderful memories.
Seasonings-in-a-pot
Basil - Go by smell. If you like the smell, it's a nice Basil. I like Purple Ruffle, Globe, and Lemon.
Rosemary - One of my favorites. Not only a good cullinary herb, Rosemary has beautiful little longlasting flowers when it's mature, and makes a pretty potted plant.
Thyme - Lemon Thyme is a must in my own kitchen, but French or English Thymes are good basics.
Chamomile - The flowers of Chamomile make a nice, relaxing tea. Roman Chamomile is a perennial, and German is an annual.
Oregano - Greek Oregano is easily found, but if you can find Cuban Oregano, it is delicious, and the large leaves can be fried as well as added to Mom's spaghetti.
Lavender - Lady Lavender is a pretty plant which blooms the first year and grows well in a pot. Flowers can be added to teas, or put under pillow cases for a good night's sleep.
Chives - The most popular chives are the Garlic Chives, with edible pink flowers and tubular leaves.
Necklace of glass and stone;
many bead stores offer assistance in making jewelry.
4. Music CD - If you have a few cd's that your mom enjoys, you might want to record a collection of music for her from them. If you have the know-how, be sure to record a sweet or funny introduction to her in your own voice. Make it mushy so you can make her cry...happy tears. Then decorate the front of the CD with permanent markers.
5. Cards - A Mother's Day card may seem like a "given" to you, but there are many ways to make really special cards. Stamping is a fun project, and paper, stamps and stamp pads are easy to find at any craft store. Or you can glue or draw things. You can also make a photo card using a special photo. Most photo programs have a way to put your photos on card stock. Any adorable family picture can be made into a pack of 6 to 10 notecards, printing two cards per piece of card stock. Buy envelopes for notecards at an office store or Walmart.
An easy apron
Cut a 22" x 36" strip of fabric for the skirt.
Trim side selvages, fold edges over and stitch.
Fold a 3" hem, iron and stitch.
Cut two 3" x 36" strips for a waist band.
Sew one end together, fold down the length, top of fabric together and iron.
Stitch ends, and stitch from each end toward the middle, leaving a 22 1/2" opening to insert the skirt.
Turn and iron so that the unsewn part is folded down the same as the sewn seams.
Gather the top of the hemmed piece, and pin to what will be the inside of the back of the waist band.
Machine sew.
Hand stitch the top of the waist band to the skirt, and topstitch if you prefer a more finished look.
Pick flowers fresh from your yard
A "Mommy Vase" made from wire and an old bottle,
for tiny blooms
My grandson hard at work making art
9. Children's Art - If you have some colorful children's art of your own or your children's, you can matt it and put it in a simple frame. It will make a treasured gift for Mom.
A water garden: pot, plant, small goldfish,
water conditioner, and fish food
Note: This gift will need part shade so it won't get too hot for the fish. Only one or two small fish would be recommended for this container; if you don't want fish, clean out the water weekly to avoid mosquitos.
11. Cook Something Yummy - If you bake a delicious cake, you can buy some frosting in a tube and write something on top. Or bake Mom's favorite cookies or a tart. You can even make dinner for her. She'll love that! Just don't forget to clean the kitchen when you're done.
12. Make a Book of Coupons for Helpful Chores - You can make up a little package of things you can do for her and tuck them into your card. She can redeem them as she needs them done. Weed the garden, clean the kitchen, do the dishes, mow the lawn, help clean out a room or closet, organize her studio... Anything you will actually be able and willing to do for her. She'll be so pleased with what a thoughtful person you have become, and will appreciate this more than you may ever know.
This is just a sample of wonderful things you can do for your mom. Depending on what she's interested in and your budget, this is a pretty fun selection.
Remember, the most important thing is to give your special gift with a note that expresses your grattitude and love...words that she'll treasure in her heart forever.
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