gift for a picky mom?

Question

my mom is really picky when it comes to mothers day gifts...she wont accept gift cards, spa days or anything like that, i can't get her flowers or jewelry, and i cant buy her pajamas or make her anything...she wants something bought...if i dont get her something that says i put a lot of thought it she'll more than likely be upset, any ideas? and please no spend the day with her ideas or picnics, she just sees that as a way of me being unable to come up with anything she'd actually like...

Answer 1

My mom is picky too- but I'm not going crazy anymore- it's the thought that counts and I like to get things she can use- I hate waste.
Does she like to do her own nails? You could make her a basket of pampering personal care products, like facial scrubs, bath salts, nail polish, nail brush, pummice stone, loofa sponges, pocket/purse sized facial tissues, body splash, bathroom air freshener or scented candle, lotion....etc. Go to your local gift wrap store and get the clear plastic cellophane wrap and wrap it together with a bow-sort of like an Easter basket for adults.
Bath and Body works has some with cucumber theme and the smell is wonderful. The products are great- but a little pricey.
My mother has stone planters on each side of her front steps so I have been filling them with creative annual arrangements that last until Autumn. I buy trays of flats, so I get to enjoy them in my window boxes as well.
My neighbor goes to the Christmas Tree Shops (MA & NH)- I don't know if you have them, but they have decorative lawn and garden ornaments- many of which are decorated nicely- the price is so reasonable too.
Maybe you have bargain lawn and garden shops in your area- you could plant your mom some sort of garden if she has a yard.
There is always the gift certificate for a facial, manicure or pedicure, if they like that- and you could accompany them on the day that they go (I see that she won't enjoy this one).
The other thing I do is take her out to dinner at a really swanky spot.
If she likes to sew, for example, you could get her a really nice new set of shears and threads of every color- or tailor the gift to her hobbies.
Not all of these are what you're looking for, but maybe someone else will get an idea too.
Good luck and Happy Mother's Day to you!

Answer 2

Here's something creative that will be appreciated and you will have fun doing:

Make up a crossword puzzle and have all the hints be personal inside moments and jokes that only you two would know about. Put it on a poster board and add some clipart and some pictures to it!

The crossword puzzle could be time consuming and a bit frustrating ... you could do the same idea with a WORDSEARCH or WORDFIND puzzle.

Put your computer skills to work! Use Excel, get clipart from Yahoo Images Search, copy them, and reformat them, use a gluestick to put on posterboard.

Use graph paper, and pictures from magazines if you are not as good on the computer, and it will give it a homemade feeling.

This is a really beautiful poem too!

Women have strengths that amaze us.
They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up for injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without new shoes so their children can have them.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!
Women do more than just give birth.
They bring joy and hope.
They give compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

-Author Unknown

Answer 3

Flowers. Even if she is like my ma who says that they cost too much and are a waste, she would really appreciate it. Plus perhaps a gift card to a shop she likes, then she can pick out the clothes. Or make her a nice supper, that is super healthy. Perhaps not on Mother's day, but when she is home long enough, but let her know it is for Mother's Day.

Answer 4

What about having a favorite old picture professionally restored? A pic of her and your father or an old family photo of her with her mother, a pic or you and her when you were small. That's pretty thoughtful and personal :-)

We had a photo quilt made for my mom one year. She really like that.

Of course if she has any hobbys like scrapbooking you could get her supplies for that. You could buy her a weekend at a bed & breakfast or somewhere she's always talked about going. A unique handmade vase or set of glasses from a small shop in a small quaint town (we bought my brother in law a set of gorgeous martini glasses at a small store in Cambria, CA... have never seen anything like them!) An antique lemonade pitcher and stuff to make lemonade, or tea set with a selection of teas... If she doesn't live where she grew up you can order a basket of things from her hometown. Good luck!

Answer 5

Get her a couple of magazine subscriptions on topics that she does like. Put the two magazines on a bed tray or in a nice magazine rack to present to her. Tie a bow around it and add her favorite tea or coffee blend.

Or a Coach brand purse. I don't know of one fashion conscious woman that does not want one. Even if she already has one, get another one for her or get a Coach wallet that will match it. A nice department store will carry these.
The salesperson should be able to help you find something that would be appropriate.
http://www.coach.com/default.aspx?WT.srch=1&bc=Overpihome&cm_ite=None&cm_pla=&cm_cat=None&cm_ven=overpiPaidInclusion

Answer 6

I bought my mother a Paula Deen cookbook. She had commented a while ago that her recipes looked delicious on Food Network so that's what made me think of it. Good Luck.

In the past I have bought my mom something as simple as a coffee mug, lawn decorations, new gardening tools and seeds, and other books.

Answer 7

I would go to one of those places that have cards you can put your own message in , and make her a card that said, "Gee I thought about alot of things to get you, but since you don't like any of those things, I just didn't get you anything". I am a mother and if I were picky that's exactly what I would get from my kids. A little tuf luv.

Answer 8

If your Mom is a outdoors personand loves the Summer moths.Get her a set of glass for tea and a matching pitcher.Now that is a gift that she will use.People come over,she has the set to impress.Do her a favor, get 8 glasses..

Answer 9

Wow... that's picky, and demanding. I would say consider her hobbies and interests. How does she spend her free time and do something that plays into that. If she doesn't like it then that's too bad, it's a gift, it's your show of appreciation for her, and in return she should show some appreciation for your wanting to express that feeling.

Answer 10

I am in the same boat. My mom is very picky too. Any how, I don't know if you have siblings but a ring with all your birthstones is a suggestion. I got it for my stepmom one year and she loved it. It may be a little late though because I had to pre-order mine. Good Luck!!