A Mother’s Day Gift - help me get unstuck!

[nancybotwin]

My mom moved across the country last year to where we live. The plan was for her to live in our back house (we have a converted garage) while she looked for a job, at which point she would get her own place and move out. We are about to hit the 12 month mark and she is still with us.

I give this context because I’m having trouble thinking of a MD gift. She lives in a very small place, so stuff seems like a silly gift. I want to spend $45-$60. I’d rather not do an experience with her because the next 6 weeks are already very busy and I don’t want to worry about scheduling something else. She plays mahjong, she wants to learn pickleball, she enjoys theater and movies, good food and good drink, she is fashionable and well-put together.

Any ideas?! I really need some help. TIA!

[heygrey]

I would lean into the pickleball. Paddle, bag to carry gear? Does she have friends that already play? You said you don't want to schedule an experience, but would she get into it sooner if you helped her connect with a group of peers to play with?

Pickleball is hugely popular in my town and there are often posts on facebook inviting people to join, particularly among the senior/retiree group.

[sofamonkey]

I am no help, as I’m also stuck. :/

[VillainV]

Fortunately someone posted about tulips yesterday, so I just ordered those. I think flowers are always a good choice for people who don’t want or need “stuff.”

Could you look for an introductory pickle ball lesson? If you did that would you have to facilitate scheduling or do you think she would manage that herself?

[thebreakfastclub]

We don't give physical gifts in my family. I'd give her flowers or a plant and go out to dinner that weekend.

[livinitup]

Fresh cut flowers that look lovely for a week and a nice card? Hanging plant if she has outdoor space to stake it?

I think Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that don’t need long lasting stuff anyway. That is mercifully one of the nice expectations for gift giving for it.

[bbdoll]

How about a fancy food basket? Things she normally wouldn't buy herself.

[nancybotwin]

May 6, 2024 0:52:28 GMT -5 sofamonkey said:

I am no help, as I’m also stuck. :/

The commiseration helps

[nancybotwin]

Thanks for the ideas. Maybe I’ll get her a pickleball set…they seem to be in my price range. Doing a food thing is just a little weird because she uses my kitchen, so the gift would be there for everyone. And if I told my kids to keep their hands off, it would be weird too. I’ll be glad when/if she moves into her own place!

[Roc A Bee]

I’d do flowers or a plant. This year I’m making arrangements for the. Mom’s, but I enjoy it.

[gerberdaisy]

I would do a pickleball set for sure. Should be able to get one easily/not too expensive and is something she's interested in. We're doing garden clogs this year for both moms. My mom mentioned them over the weekend and MIL spends so much time gardening and could really use them vs ruining all her sandals.

[rosiebear]

Job counseling? Kidding!

Experience gifts don’t have to be done with you; if she’s into fashion and looking nice, maybe something like a one-time jewelry making class. Or a hand-on (ie, at their kitchen) cooking or baking class.

[mags]

Gift card to movie theater or her favorite restaurant.

[sofamonkey]

May 6, 2024 8:56:00 GMT -5 rosiebear said:

Job counseling? Kidding!

Experience gifts don’t have to be done with you; if she’s into fashion and looking nice, maybe something like a one-time jewelry making class. Or a hand-on (ie, at their kitchen) cooking or baking class.

Legit LOL! 😂

[rhian]

What about theater tickets that are farther than 6 weeks out?

[meanie]

Is there a local theater that has a season pass you could get her? We did this pre-kids and it was a lot of fun, you got to go to the after parties and meet the actors, plus you would see the same group of people and got to know everyone. 

[Jalapeñomel]

GC to a fancy movie theater with dinner and drinks.

[shauni27]

flowers/plant. Maybe a hanging plant for outside?

[gemini79]

My brother got my mom fancy slipper socks, which seels a little cheesy, but I have similar socks and they are great. Plus you can pack them if you travel. I love them.

I know you said no stuff, but I got my mom the Ember smart mug. If your mom likes coffee or tea, this is great gift.

[aspentosh]

I'm all about the experiences, especially for someone in a small space (like my mom). Agree with someone above that it doesn't mean you need to go with or facilitate.

Charcuterie class
Wine tasting/beer flight
Wreath making class

[namasteak]

Does she have any mahjong accessories? Those are small to store but useful and fun!

[ellipses84]

Pickleball gives you lots of options. Does she have workout clothes to play pickleball in or does she have favorite workout or lounge clothes you could buy more of? Even if she has a lot of pajamas or loungewear, I tend to wear my favorites all the time and they wear out.

[namasteak]

May 6, 2024 14:47:49 GMT -5 ellipses84 said:

Pickleball gives you lots of options. Does she have workout clothes to play pickleball in or does she have favorite workout or lounge clothes you could buy more of? Even if she has a lot of pajamas or loungewear, I tend to wear my favorites all the time and they wear out.

Women's pajamas are on sale at Target this week too!