Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Do you know what you’re getting mom yet? No? Well, you’re not alone! A gift doesn’t have to have a monetary value, sometimes a gesture is just as valuable. Here are the best gifts (and gestures) under $50 for mom.
Presents
Is your mom always on the go? Give her the gift of healthy snacking! Snackbox is a monthly snack discovery subscription service that features healthy, natural, and most of all, delicious snacks. For Mother’s Day, they have created a limited edition Snackbox. It is a one-time delivery and features treats from companies such as Cocolico, Nature’s Bakery, Beta 5, and many others. They will also include a card with a personalized message from you! You have to sign up by May 7, 2013 to ensure the Snackbox gets delivered before Mother’s Day. www.getsnackbox.com/mothers-day-snackbox. $47 (includes tax and shipping).
Does your mom put everyone else before herself? Treat her to a yoga class where she can focus on herself for a little while. Drop-in classes are available at various studios in Vancouver, and can range from $15 – $30.
Is your mom constantly drinking her Twinings Earl Grey or Tetley Orange Pekoe? Introduce her to the world of tea shops! Bring her to David’s Tea, Teaz Tea Boutique, or the many other shops in Vancouver. Let her smell all the different teas, and treat her to a tin of her favourite tea, along with a nice tea set. If she can’t decide which is her favourite, you can always buy her my favourite – The Skinny from David’s Tea.
If you are completely allergic to cooking, you could buy some nice pastries, cheese and beverages and take mom on a nice afternoon tea picnic. If you’re going this route, please make sure you get nice pastries. There are so many boutique bakeries in the city, there’s no reason to get your pastries at a grocery store. Also, don’t forget the necessary cutlery!
Is mom an avid gardener? Is she running out of space in the garden and in the house? Check out Sky Planter. They’re upside down pots! You can find these pots at Art Knapp on Hornby Street. About $35.
DIY Ideas
Sometimes the best gift is help. Offer to take over her cooking duties for one day, or better yet, for one week!
Not crafty? That’s okay. You will still be able to make this super easy photo album. If that is too complicated, you can always go to London Drugs, or Costco, and have a custom photo book printed. Starts at $14.99.
Brunch is always popular. Why not spend a little bit more time and cook mom an amazing brunch at home? It doesn’t have to be complicated. After all, she’s your mom. You can do no wrong! Right? Here’s a simple recipe that looks great on the plate! Toad in a Hole Recipe
Shopping for a first-time mom? Make some freezer meals for the family. There are a variety of make-ahead meals available on Pinterest. There are slow cooker recipes. If she doesn’t have a slow cooker, there are also meals for the oven. Don’t forget about breakfast! Sometimes cereal just won’t cut it!
Lastly, if you must resort to chocolate. If she absolutely loves Purdy’s Hedgehogs, okay fine, buy her Hedgehogs. But if you’re buying them because they’re there, and convenient, STOP right there! Like bakeries, we have many great chocolatiers in Vancouver. Take the time and visit these places. A couple shops that come to mind are East Van Roasters, Beta 5, and Mink Chocolate. Or better yet, check out up and coming artisans at the Baker’s Market. Saturday, May 4, 2013 is the last day of the market. So don’t procrastinate!
Hopefully this post has given you some concrete things to do for your mom. If you take one thing away from this post, it’s this: Go the extra mile, and give mom the quality she deserves. After all, she did bring you into this world (with a little help from dad).
Connect with Michelle on Twitter: @michelle_au
Photo credits: O. Taillon (first image); Suzie Y (second image); Carrie (fourth image); Donal Skehan (fifth image); Miranda Wong (sixth image)
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