It's not easy for Mom to look genuinely delighted when Dad and the kids, all full of smiles and secrets and pride, hand her (for the fourth year in a row) the infamous Mother's Day fuzzy pale pink terry bathrobe with matching slippers. She tries hard, but her best efforts at "it's just what I wanted..." are getting less and less believable as the years go by.
Moms can be really hard to buy for. So what's a dad or son or daughter to do? Here are some tips from Canada's etiquette experts:
Plan ahead
Mother's Day is going to come every year in May no matter what, so first of all you must plan ahead. This is an occasion that should focus on Mom and make her feel like the sun rises and sets on her. Try to think of what she has mentioned throughout the year -- you should always be making mental notes of these subtle comments. Better yet, keep a running list. Leave a pad of paper in a drawer and add items or thoughts to the list as they come up. (Check out the Canadian Living moms' list for some great ideas.)
Give Mom the day off
Another consideration is brunch and/or dinner for that day. Mom does not need to be the chief cook and bottle washer on her special day. Make reservations, pick up her favourite take out food or get over to the grocery store and then cook up a storm at home. She will be thrilled and extremely happy if cleanup is taken care of by her family.
For menu ideas check out the Canadian Living Test Kitchen's Mother's Day brunch menu (includes work plan for dad and kids) and an easy-to-prepare dinner that celebrates the fresh tastes of spring.
Pamper, pamper, pamper
Pamper me please. If there is any time in your Mom's life that you can show her your appreciation, this day is it. Hence the name Mother's Day. Manicures, pedicures, facials, or any event when she can relax without a care in the world would be a red flag day. Imagine how relaxed and happy your Mom would be after all that pampering. You may even get away with a messy room that week.
Get Mom what she really wants
Flowers, chocolates, jewelry...all typically welcome in most Mom's lives. But remember that it's always necessary to consider the person before the item. If you hear her mention tulips 20 times this spring, maybe carnations are not the best choice. Also consider the person's level of prudence when it comes to jewelry. Many moms will be thrilled with the $10 pin and unimpressed about the expense of a $300 bracelet.
Time well spent. The gifts are beautiful and dinner is fabulous. But have you ever considered a gift of choice? Cadillac Fairview has a fantastic option in their shop. It's a card that can be used at 25 of their malls across Canada -- good at 4,000 stores. The etiquette ladies can relate to time off with their families and are always thrilled at the chance to hit the malls and choose a gift they have glanced at in a store window or seen in a merchandise flyer.
Always consider who the event is about. Put in the effort and show your Mom that she is appreciated and that you listen to her all year long. Happy Mother's Day!
