Coupons for Mother's Day?

This week there will be a mad rush done in the name of mom. With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, oodles of spouses, partners, daughters and sons will be scrambling to get something for that beloved mother in their lives.  Our own Danielle Sullivan wrote Mother’s Day Gifts: 5 Things Moms Really Want. But what is it they don’t want? What should you steer clear of? Here are 5 gifts not to get mom as Mother’s Day Gift.

1 – Coupons
This has been a go-to gift for countless kids. It’s a perfect solution for those kids without enough allowance saved up to purchase something. But how many moms actually utilize the coupons? When I was a kid, I was guilty of giving coupons on a couple of occasions with things like, “good for one hug,” “good for one clean room,”  or “good for one batch of cookies.” But I do not recall my mother actually redeeming any of them. They just went into a box where she kept cute drawings I had done or sweet love notes.  It was – for sure- a ‘it’s the thought that counts’ kind of gift.

2 – Clothing
Unless the kids or the mom’s partner knows EXACTLY what specific item of clothing she wants, just don’t do it. Seven out of 10 times (that is my guesstimate) the clothing choice is wrong – either by style or size.  If my husband and kid picked out my clothes, I’d be wearing an Alice Cooper shirt to a PTA meeting and a pink fluffy ball gown to do our grocery shopping.  And if you buy a XL when she’s actually just an L…well you’ll be in trouble.

3 – Breakfast in Bed
Yes, not having to get out of bed to eat your morning meal is a nice indulgence, but it really isn’t that practical.  You spill syrup on the sheets, pour coffee on your PJs, or just totally tip the tray over with food going everywhere. Plus, who gets to clean up the kitchen after breakfast has been made by your loving children and spouse? Many times it is mom. And get a young kid doing any kind of mixing and stirring and there will be a mess.

4 – Flowers.
This made it onto Danielle’s list of what things moms really want but under the line item of  “NOT flowers,” citing it as a “useless gift often a last minute thought, and an easy purchase to fulfill the obligation of even getting a gift.” And it just isn’t very creative. Mom gave birth or filled out all those adoption forms…she deserves more!

5 – Time away from the kids.
This one is debatable. Many a mom will say she just wants some time to herself. But most? They do want those hugs, those kisses, those cards and – yes – any of the four things mentioned above. Having those kids in her life is why she is a mother. Stealing away for an hour or two for a massage, a spa treatment or a nice lunch is one thing. But getting that love, acknowledgement and adoration from the offspring? That’s the best gift of all.

Photo: Flick: fun is Always in Style

Babble Suggests: 25 quirky Mother’s Day gifts!

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