Community Corner

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Tips

If you put off your shopping, don't make these mistakes!

If you're a procrastinator, your mom already knows. Remember, she's the one who brought your forgotten homework to school or raced through the streets getting you to class before the tardy bell rang.

So since she already knows you didn't get her gift until the last minute, make sure it's a good one!

Here are some do's and don'ts for last-minute gifts:

Find out what's happening in Lemon Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Don't break the bank trying to assuage your guilt for waiting until the last minute. Instead of one dozen roses, you send three. Or four. Or five and one of those giant teddy bears (how old is your mom—5?) You can buy her something expensive, but don't go over the top out of guilt. She'll be able to tell.
  • Do be thoughtful. Even though it's the last minute, that means you have some time to think about what would really make your mom happy. There are plenty of packaged gifts at the grocery store, and if your mom is a big fan of nauseatingly scented bath sets, then by all means pick one up for her. But if not, take a minute and think about what she really wants. Get that.
  • Don't buy her a broom, or anything else to reinforce stereotypical "mom duties." Unless your mom is Martha Stewart, of course. Feel free to buy your mother the latest and greatest in vacuum technology any other day of the year, but let this holiday be one where you support her relaxation.
  • Do wrap the gift, or at least put it in a bag with tissue paper (do not forget the tissue paper!) Nothing says last-minute like an unwrapped gift. Run into Target, grab a solil-color bag and some tissue paper, plus one of those swirly ribbon bow things. It'll be better than nothing.
  • Don't call your better-prepared siblings, ask what they bought and “go in” on the gift with them. Procrastination and laziness? Tsk tsk.
  • Do get creative if you don't have money right now. If you're unemployed or otherwise tight on cash, ignore all of the pressure to buy, buy, buy. A heartfelt letter or homemade dish can say “I love you” just as well as a gift with a price tag. One cute gift (I think it was on Oprah) is to take slips of paper and write down memories and things you love about your mom. Then put all of those memories in a jar and decorate it with a ribbon. Tell your mom to pull one out each day (so make 30 for a month, or 365 for a year, etc.).
  • Don't miss out on some nice local outings this weekend. Check the guide for events going on around the region.
  • Do make some time to see her, if possible. Or give her a call. Don't let the gift speak for you!
  • Don't forget to make reservations if you're going to take her out to dinner on Sunday. Check out our directory to find contact information for local eateries.

Good luck!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here