Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in small businesses and nonprofit organizations, and Managing Partner of SevBerg Global, LLC, a creative marketing and business consulting firm. 

    Mother’s Day is the day for quality time with your mom, sister, wife, daughter, friend or other special someone who has left their mark on you as a maternal figure. It is a day to celebrate love, share moments and, as custom has it, bring a token of your affection in the form of a gift. Gift giving is very difficult for some. “I never know what to get” is something I hear more often than one would think. Gift giving need not cause stress or angst for the giver. Instead, read on for some tips and ideas that may help you select the perfect gift.
    Mother’s Day gifts come in all forms and price points. Last minute shoppers often end up with a potted plant or flower that does not reflect the love they have for the mom in their life. Instead, give some thought to the type of woman for whom you are shopping. I am a firm believer that gift giving is a very personal thing; selecting a gift will feel right when you have an item or service planned that you know will bring a smile to her face. So before you begin your shopping, I encourage you to consider the person. Is she a professional, a painter, great cook,  fitness buff, wellness devotee, avid reader, make-up enthusiast,   coffee fiend or a foodie? Or, a woman with another avid passion? Every woman is a complex combination of love, ambitions and interests, so I expect you may have said, “Yes” to several of these. It’s not about choosing all of them…it’s about selecting something from among her passions. It is about showing her that you know who she is and appreciate all of her.

Monthly subscription clubs are great gift options. You can buy a year, half year, or a three-month subscription based on your budget. Whatever term you select, you will light up her day with boxes that arrive monthly with a bevy of treats to appeal to her tastes. There are now subscription kits for nearly every taste, from skin care to Disney fans to nerd boxes.

If, perhaps, she is wild at heart, feed her desire for adventure with a zip lining experience, sky diving or a day of driving exotic cars.

Paint or Plant nights are very popular and typically come complete with a glass or two of wine – a combination that provides a fun and creative evening.

If you want something closer to home, you may consider a gift certificate for an experience that speaks to one of her interests. Spa days are a wonderful option and can soothe the mind of the most stressed lady in your life. 

An overnight getaway at a favorite hotel or bed-n-breakfast is a great way to show her how special she is.

A series of Yoga or Pilates classes can be a great gift for her if she is looking to be healthier and connect with her inner self.

For those who prefer to gift merchandise, there are boundless options. Some favorites I have heard from friends and family have included a plush bathrobe, a piece of jewelry (choose what works within your budget), bath products in her favorite scent, or a collection of books she has been meaning to read.

Gift Basket companies have great pre-made options from which you can choose, something with goodies that you know she will enjoy. Many also offer custom options where they can build a basket with her favorite things. The price includes the items in the basket, along with the services of putting the basket together and ensuring delivery.

Consider a handbag she has been admiring, or a new piece of tech to help her feel on top of her game. 

Sometimes, it is the most personal DIY gifts that have the greatest impact. Framing a child’s drawing may create a gift that will bring a mom to tears; a handmade craft just for Grandma may provide the perfect sentiment. Whether she is nearby or far away, an old photo from childhood imposed onto a pillow or blanket may be the exact gift to warm your sister’s heart.

If it’s entertainment she craves, bring her out for dinner and a show. Help her make a memory she will not forget.

Whether you choose a gift that invokes relaxation, favorite tastes or takes a page from her latest hobby, be sure to choose a gift that shows you thought about who she is – as someone in your life and as a person with remarkable interests. Though she may love the gift you choose, it will actually be the time you dedicated to finding it that wins her heart.

Wishing you and all the moms in your life a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with warm hugs, big laughs and memories to last on this next trip 
around the sun.