Mother’s Day is upon us and it’s Mom’s turn to be pampered and spoiled. It is the one day a year when we are to honor our mothers and give her the day off from those pesky everyday things like cooking, cleaning, and washing (clothes, dishes and butts)! This woman spent how many hours in labor with you? She took care of you through how many sleepless nights when you had the flu? She kissed how many of your boo-boo’s to make them better?

They have been there for us our entire lives, loved us unconditionally, and have been our biggest and loudest cheerleader. Whether you’re two or 52, you need to do something for your momma and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

New Moms

Since this is their first Mother’s Day, dads step up!  You will need to get the gift, wrap it, and don’t forget the Mother’s Day card. A charm bracelet is always a nice gift. Take the baby’s hospital picture, foot and hand prints, and surprise her by having them framed nicely. Anything sentimental is a good touch for that first Mother’s Day. Remember dads, Father’s Day is in June so set the standard!

Toddler Moms

Dads are still going to need to help these little ones. Moms still need a card.  Plus, try breakfast in bed and let the toddler help (crack eggs, stir pancake batter, etc.). My dad would take us to the store and let us pick out something for mom. It usually would be the biggest, gaudiest piece of costume jewelry, but my mom would wear it with pride.

Elementary Kid Moms

Most dads think they are off the hook because most children make something in school, Girl Scouts, or Church.  These are the gifts moms cherish the rest of their lives. The gifts are the  handprint, recipe book, picture they color, the poems they write, and the Mother’s Day cards they make. These truly are unique and one of a kind. But it is appropriate for dads to pick up something for the moms from the children. Make it personal, a pretty scarf, a great book she’s been dying to read, or a fabulous handbag. Breakfast in bed is still a special treat and the kids are old enough where they can do most of it themselves.

Middle & High School Kid Moms

This is the age group where coupon books are great. Moms at this point are tired and just want help around the house. They run so much with school, activities, and work that anything you can do to help mom out just a little will mean the world to her. Try creating a cute coupon book (clean kitchen, don’t fight with brother/sister, fold towels, 10 minute back rub). These can be easy light chores that will help mom out. Dads, this is a great time to pamper your wife with massages, facials, mani/pedi’s.

Moms of College & 20 Something Kids

At this point they are just glad you are home.  She has missed you and just wants to be with you. Plan a date with Mom, go to the movies, lunch, shopping, spa, anything that involves you and her; she will appreciate the time. Don’t forget the card.

Moms of 30 & 40 Aged Adults

You are established and have your own family now. But you still celebrate with your own mom. It’s all about family; a big family dinner where the guys do all the cooking and cleaning and the gifts are things she wants. A new robe, a picture of the grandkids, tickets to a play for you and her.

Moms of 50s & 60 Aged Adults

There is nothing they need but make them feel special–a great brunch,  flowers, strawberries dipped in chocolate. Spend time with them; take the grandkids to see her.  If your mom is in her 80’s, you’re lucky and need to spend as much time with her as possible.

Appreciate your Mom.  There will be a time when she won’t be here so make the most of the time you have. Happy Mother’s Day to all the fabulous moms out there and remember, your mom will always love you the most!