Bad Mother’s Day Gifts

Mom loved those hand made gifts when you were a kid. The pot holder made of clay, the macaroni necklace with glitter, the painted flower pot, but you’ve grown up and so should your gifts. When showing mom how much she means this weekend, make sure you don’t send the wrong message with a bad gift. What is a bad gift? Read on…

An Exercise DVD. What message are you sending? Even if mom is starting a diet, or is an exercise super star, this DVD says you don’t think she looks her best. Talk about an ego blow from one of the most important people in her life! Unless mom tells you she wants this DVD, including the exact title, this is a horrible idea for a gift.

Time with a Personal Trainer. See Above. This can be an okay gift only if she already has a personal trainer and you are buying her more time with them. Under no circumstances should you pick out a trainer or even a gym and buy time with a trainer. This is a very personal decision for a woman, do not assume you are doing her any favors by “jump starting” her exercise plan. She will again assume you don’t think she looks good enough.

Anything used to clean the house. Don’t you think mom already spends enough time worrying about how to keep the house in shape and balance the rest of her life? You may think you are making her life easier, she will think you are giving her chores to do. Think about it, in order for her to use your new gift she has to do more housework. Wow, that sounds like a great idea!

The Snuggie or any infomercial gift. Does mom really need a blanket with sleeves? Does she need cleanser that will make her toilet sparkle? Does she need to chop veggie quicker and faster? Really? Infomercial buying just says you were too lazy to go to the store and just decided to shop on your couch. But again if mom has pointed out a specific product she wants then go for it. But be careful, she has to really want it, not just wonder if it works.

Clothing that is too small. In general clothes that don’t fit are a bad idea. You have given her an errand, not a present. Take a moment and call dad to get her size. Okay, he probably won’t know but at least he can check the closet. But if you have to guess about size, go smaller. Women HATE IT when you give them clothing that is too big! Just think what message you are sending about how you see her body.

Nothing. While this could be a better alternative than the gifts above, getting nothing shows her you don’t care. Come on, she wiped your bottom when you were as baby, she kissed away your boo boo’s and she was there when your first relationship crumbled. Don’t you think she has earned a token of appreciation?

So spend a few minutes thinking of something mom would really appreciate and get it. Flowers are a safe choice, but what about a DVD of her favorite movie, tickets to a show she really wants to see, or just a lunch date with you next week.