Frugal Mother’s Day Gifts that Will Score You Major Points
As a child and teen, I would ask my mother every year what she wanted for a Mother’s Day gift, and she inevitably said the same thing: a clean house. I did not like that answer. That answer took elbow grease. That answer was not as easy — or as fun — as going to the store and plunking down some cash for a little trinket or a bottle of perfume. That answer was not a quick fix. And we all know that our culture and our economy are hurting from too many years of quick fixes. Yes, yes, it is. So, today I propose budget-friendly Mother’s Day gifts that won’t cost you much at all — at least not where your pocket book is concerned. They may take some effort and creativity. But, as I look through the list, I know my mother would be ecstatic. And I know that, as a mom, I would be, too. Feel free to pass this on to all the sons, daughter, and husbands out there.
A Nice Meal
Food is the great comforter. And while a dinner out on the town can be wonderful, it can also be stressful if the money is not in the budget. Cooking at home can be delicious, elegant, and budget-friendly. Try one of these great Mother’s Day recipes.
The Ploughman’s Lunch or Traditional English Snack Plate
The Ploughman’s Lunch, aka Ploughman’s, is the UK version of the Snacky Lunch. Once a laborer’s meal, now a posh cheese and meat platter.
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Chicken & Raspberry Salad – Good Cheap Eats
Tender chicken, juicy raspberries, and tangy goat cheese party in this simple yet flavorful Chicken & Raspberry Salad. No need for take-out today!
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Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is sauced with sherry with cream and dotted with tomatoes and peas. It’s absolutely delicious!
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Make sure that you set the table nice and that you clean up afterwards!
A Sweet Treat
For the mom in your life, this might be a box of chocolates, but for many, it’s not. In fact, homebaked goods are better. They’re cheaper, too!
Lemon Blueberry Cookies
Like a burst of sunshine, the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of berries combine in the perfect Lemon Blueberry Cookies!
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Raspberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe (No Cool Whip)
This classic Creamy Raspberry Pretzel Dessert gets an upgrade in this delicious dessert recipe. Real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip!
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Easy Chocolate Charcuterie Board Ideas for Dessert
Check out these easy chocolate charcuteries board ideas for the best dessert for chocolate lovers. Easy on the host, too!
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In a pinch though, don’t be afraid to grab some bakery cupcakes and customize them with fun cupcake toppers.
A Cheery Disposition
Ooh, that hurts, don’t it? But there aren’t too many things that plague me more than fighting or grumpy people. And I’m gonna bet, your mom isn’t too keen on it, either. Work to have a good attitude. Say please and thank you. Ask her if you can help her with something. At least for a day, do what she asks without complaining. That is priceless!
Good Conversation
One of my favorite things about Sunday dinner when our live-at-home kids are all together is that we sit and talk. We don’t solve the world’s problems, but we work on making life better for ourselves and each other. Good conversation helps all relationships.
Call your mom up and have a nice chat. Talk is cheap!
Time to Rest
I don’t think I need to explain myself here. But, in case I do…. Most moms I know are moving almost 24-7. If not their bodies, their minds are in constant motion, trying to remember the details of everyone’s life, trying to fill needs, attempting to solve problems. Let mom have time to rest, whether that is your getting up with the baby in the night, letting her sleep in, or taking on the carpool and errands.
A Clean House
A clean house is the best Mother’s Day gift. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start small. Begin with one room or one task.
- Make a list and check it twice. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- Get the whole family involved. Assign tasks to each family member to make it a team effort.
- Use cleaning products that are gentle and eco-friendly.
With these frugal Mother’s Day gift ideas, you can show your mom how much you care without breaking the bank. And who knows, you might just find that the best gift of all is the time you spend together.
