Five Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Mom

As the years tick by there are fewer and fewer material possessions that I find I want. This, so my children tell me, make shopping for me for Christmas a nightmare. So this year I decided to write a list of things that I, or other moms, might enjoy.

1. A Maid For A Day. Wouldn’t it be great to go out for the day and come home to a sparkling clean home? I have long harbored a secret wish for the ‘maid fairy’ to come to my house and do all those things that I never seem to find the time to do. The ice-box defrosted? Done. Those dusty baseboards? Cleaned. Imagine returning home to find all my ornaments cleaned and shining. Now that would would be heavenly. If hiring a maid for a day is more than your budget will allow, how about getting together with other family members, sending your mom away for the day (perhaps combined with idea number 2), and doing it yourselves?

2. A Day At The Spa. Buy your mom a gift certificate to spend a rejuvenating day at a spa. You can mix and match the treatments to whatever her favorites are and whatever you can afford. For example, choose from a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or exfoliation treatment. Being pampered with 100% attention devoted to your mum in a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere will be a real treat for her.

3. A Family Portrait. This will be especially appreciated by any Mom who has children and grandchildren scattered around the world. I would love it if all my grandchildren could be photographed together – all twelve. But I know this isn’t possible as I have grandchildren in Italy, Sacramento, New York and other cities throughout my state. However, what is possible is for one of my more techy family members to collect a number of digital photographs from their siblings. From these they could create a lovely digital family portrait.

4. Handmade Gifts From Children Or Grandchildren. “It’s the thought that counts” may seem a bit of a cliche but in this case it’s true. Some of my most treasured possessions are the things that were made by my children or grandchildren. I have a “Welcome Home” card my son made me when I returned from a trip overseas, a felt mat my daughter made me whilst in grade school, a pot my granddaughter made in her first year of high school and numerous pictures, drawings and little thank you notes given to me over the years. Although I am not keen on cluttering up my home, handmade gifts are always appreciated. And I get enough that I can keep the best from each child as keepsakes.

5. A Pamper Mom Gift Basket. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a certificate for a day at the spa, there’s always the next best thing – a gift basket with all the necessary things for a pamper day at home. Fill it with pretty soap, bubble bath, exfoliating cream, moisturizing lotion, candles, and even potpourri. Then, give her a couple of hours peace so she can relax in the tub with the door locked with no-one else to worry about.

These are 5 simple ideas for Christmas gifts that I, as a busy mom, would really enjoy. I’m sure, there’s at least one that your mom would also appreciate. At the very least I hope the examples here have sparked off your own ideas.

Pauline Travers is a mother of 3 and lover of Christmas time with the family. Visit her website for more great Christmas gift ideas. Where you’ll also find plenty of unique decorating ideas such as hallmark Christmas ornaments for both your home and your yard.