Every year, as I get older, the fewer “things” I feel are needed to make me happy.
Especially around the holidays! After becoming a mom, my needs and wants have dwindled, so long as my family is happy and healthy. This year I wanted to share some “intangible” and unique last minute gift ideas for a mom in your life.
Last minute gifts for the traveler mom
The experience of travel can be empowering for any woman through their journey of motherhood. Whether she wants to travel with or without the children, have her pick a place on the map, and MAKE IT HAPPEN! Depending on your budget, of course, this could be somewhere local and within driving distance, or far enough to fly. There are 365 days in the year, and I can guarantee that the mom in your life puts everyone else’s needs above hers for each of those. Allow her to choose a weekend for what she desires to do. There is a plethora of search engines out there to find a destination.
However, Airbnb allows you to search by dates, cities, and even experiences.
Last minute gifts for the artist mom
Perhaps you have an artist in the family? A super fun night out for mom could be a paint and pour class at a local winery or brewery.
She could go alone, or with you, or as a girls’ night out. Painting can be relaxing and rewarding. Not to mention when she’s done with her masterpiece, she can hang it in the house and remember that night for years to come.
Last minute gifts for the sleep deprived
One of the greatest gifts you can give any mother, is the gift of sleep. One way to help a mom and her baby to sleep through the night is to hire a sleep trainer or buy a sleep training program. I would only gift this to a mom or parents who have an interest in sleep training because it is a lot of work. But the reward is well worth it. I hired Megan Schuchart at WeeSleep and it was worth every ounce of effort to get our baby on a sleep schedule. Another popular sleep program you can purchase online is called Taking Cara Babies.
If a sleep training program isn’t the right move, you could also pay for a night away in a hotel for the mom in your life. Sometimes recharging for even one night can be empowering.
Do not underestimate the joy and power of sleep.
Last minute gifts for the energetic mom
For the mom who has lots of motivation, and energy, and loves to exercise the perfect gift may be a membership to a local gym. If she doesn’t like to go out of the house there are tons of exercise memberships she can do from home. Or perhaps she likes a variety of activities, maybe Class Pass would be a great membership! Class Pass allows you to attend classes at different gyms, yoga studios, Pilates, meditation, etc.
Last minute gifts for the newbie mom
For a new mom, the sense of community, support, and relatability can be life changing. This gift may start with more of a conversation and depend on availability. However, for first-time moms especially, connecting with other mothers going through similar challenges and victories can be such a beneficial experience. If you don’t know of any moms in a group currently, the next best thing would be a google search. One organization called “Moms of Preschoolers” is also a great resource, which offers in-person or virtual meetings.
We joined a mommy and me at the seven-month mark and I call it therapy. I finally felt free to be transparent and honest about the hardships of motherhood. I felt like I could take off the “I have it all together all the time” mask.
Last minute gifts for the pampered mom
The classic gift, that can’t go wrong is a spa day. That could be a mani/pedi, facial, massage, or maybe even one of each! She could space them out or even do one a week. I don’t make any of these pampered activities routine in my life, so when they scrape all that dead skin off my hands and feet it feels like a rebirth. And as far as a facial or massage, it is so peaceful to close my eyes and physically not be able to wash bottles or fold clothes, or vacuum. Of course, I’m still making mental lists while I’m supposed to be relaxing, but it’s as close to relaxing as I get. You could take it a step further and ask her girlfriends if they want to all make a day of it!
Honey-do coupons
I remember as a kid making coupons for my mom on Mother’s Day when I was younger. It’s such a fun homemade and “free” gift. Some coupons that a mom may enjoy, even if you don’t think of it could be: Car wash and detailing of the inside, prepping and cooking dinner one night a week, vacuuming the floors, washing the bottles, etc. The coupon ideas could legitimately be endless.
These can be simple and written on a piece of paper and placed inside a holiday card. Just remember, it’s the thought that counts!
Wine and dine
Take her to her favorite restaurant or maybe even where one of your first dates was. Make it meaningful and romantic if you can. Hire a babysitter and enjoy the evening! Just don’t forget to make a reservation if it’s that type of restaurant.
Another amazing experience is a cooking class! You can wine and dine with each other while also learning how to make an amazing meal! I loved our cooking class and can’t wait to do it again.
Last minute gifts for the wine enthusiast
For the mom who is a wine lover and appreciates exploring different wines, consider a monthly wine subscription box! One subscription box is Firstleaf where you can take a short quiz to better understand your wine preferences. Another wine subscription is Winc, in which you will fill out a palate quiz to determine your preferences. I don’t personally have a monthly subscription, but I do love wine tastings, and this is a great way to bring it to your home.
Wrapping it up
No matter what gift you decide for the mom in your life this year, just remember it truly is the thought that counts. Making her feel cherished, loved, and seen matters. She has probably been running around prepping for the holidays since before Thanksgiving. So, find a way to help her feel appreciated this holiday season.
