“There’s a lot of pressure on us all when it comes to Mother’s Day gift ideas. You want to find something she’ll use all the time, but it can’t be strictly utilitarian. It should also have a sentimental spin.” That is a direct quote from the pages of Real Simple magazine.
CLICK HERE for the full article
Their list contains everything from flowers/book of the month to electronics and sheets. Of course there are some traditional items. Specialty chocolates, teas, and coffees. Tried and true, these items are always well received but don’t last very long.
How long will your Mother’s Day gifts last this year?
Roses, and most flower bouquets last about one week. Of course, many of us start rearranging the ones that are still good after that and downsizing to a smaller and smaller vase until we finally give in and let them go so we can clean up the baby breath droppings and dust the table.
Chocolates can last for 6-9 months. Or, that is to say that anything that is left will still be tasty and fresh after that time. Some expert advice is pointed out in this article from a chocolatier.
- Don’t refrigerate
- Store in cool, dry place
- Do place in airtight sealed container
- Hide somewhere that only you know about*
For more on how to store chocolate CLICK HERE
*Ok I threw that in so that the kids who probably gave them to you don’t devour them all on Mother’s Day.
Gift certificates are nice. Sure. That way she can get something she wants at a store you chose that she has maybe never visited, or is in another town. Maybe your intentions were good, “Mom, we’ll go on a special shopping trip together. Won’t that be fun?” Except then there’s a pandemic and it’s another year before you get to do that shopping trip, and your family is very busy, and work is crazy… It’s estimated that 19% of albeit well meaning gift certificates are never used.
How about clothing? She hasn’t shopped for herself in more than a year, right? She’s maybe put on weight during the pandemic, about which she will be happy you reminded her (after she’s taken down all but that small mirror above the sink) Yes, get her some clothes that will last until next pandemic.
Of course, the best and most meaningful gift is time. Your time with her. Listening to stories she remembers about when you were a child. Or even better when she was a child. Time to spend helping her with chores she finds a little more difficult to get done by herself, like turning the mattress or changing out her seasonal clothes and decorations. Changing the furnace filters and washing out the mud in the garage.
And if you don’t live close enough to your Mother to do those things in person, Golden Bridges can help. We offer an Advantage Card that works on an hourly punch card rate. Call 888-922-6368 to learn more about how we can help her live life better.
Susan Scholz, Partner
Golden Bridges