Are you procrastinating when it comes to buying your Mothers’ Day gift/s, because you’re not quite sure how this should play out in your situation? If so, below are answers that may help you move forward:
- How much do I spend?
That depends entirely upon your budget. Inexpensive yet tasteful is always appropriate if your budget is limited. Chances are Mom doesn’t want you to go into hawk over her Mothers’ Day remembrance! I know a couple whose gift was an invitation to their home for dinner- the kids donned aprons and prepared the meal, of course, If you’re curious, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend an average of $172.22 this year on Mom.
- What do I do for the Mom who has everything? Try giving her an experience: an afternoon at a spa, a museum subscription or tickets to a play, for example. As long as you know her tastes and base your purchase on those, gifts like these can be a hit. You could even turn the experience into a memorable mother/child event,
- My husband is deceased. Do I buy a gift for my mother-in-law? What a thoughtful gesture that would be! See this as an opportunity to honor her as the woman who gave you your husband and someone who has a unique place in your heart. Under normal circumstances, there only one side to giving her a gift –the upside!
- What if I read this post and realize, “I forgot!”! Give a gift anyway. In sticky situations, humor can often diffuse discomfort. In the case of forgetting the mom/s in your life on Mothers’ Day, however, I’d nix the witty-quip idea and opt for a remorseful apology.
Wishing all of you a happy Mothers’ Day!
Young professionals and college students learn concrete, implementable techniques that make clients and colleagues feel valued, understood, and heard. These subtle, powerful tools build businesses, careers, and confidence! Janet L. Parnes, Social Conversation & Etiquette Expert www.EtiquetteForToday.com
