Mother’s Day Gifts: What Moms REALLY Want

From where I stand on the motherhood continuum, Mother’s Day is every day. While superheroes are considered fictional, consider this, who else would place their head on a chopping block, fry it up in a pan and do your dirty work? It could be a friend, possibly your partner, but almost always, it’s your mom. Adopted, biological, an aunt, a grandma, perhaps a guy played the mom role for you, no matter. This is not meant to guilt, but to nudge you toward a more proactive approach to Mother’s Day gifts. We asked SLmag staffers (some who also carry the title of mom) what moms REALLY want for mother’s day gifts.

#1 Do something WITH them. Duh.

#2 Empty the Dishwasher. Put things away and here’s a stretch, possibly reload, don’t throw her nice china or knives in there (they need to washed by hand). Place a post-it note with some cute words like, “D.O.N.E. <3″—or—”Hey Mom, it’s about time I did this ;).”

#3 Get her car washed with the works. If your mom will allow, borrow her car, fill up the tank and take it to the wash, all those deep encrusted goldfish crackers, and lingering sour milk spills be gone.

#4 Do yard work. OMG, you would think we asked you to commit a crime to pull a weed, mow the grass or plant something new. Run on over to Cactus and Tropicals on 2700 South and browse their amazing indoor and outdoor plant selection. Flowers like geraniums and petunias keep blooming all summer long and love full sun, and while they don’t smell like roses, they will brighten up your mom’s front porch, and she’ll think of you every time she admires them. Cactus and Tropicals, 2735 S. 2000 East, SLC, 801-485-2542.

#5 Do the Laundry. Do it right as well. No mixing reds with whites unless she loves pink! Pull out the delicates and don’t throw them into the dryer… we could go on and on here, use your common sense: sort, fold, hang. —Megan Bartholomew, Utah Style and Design Web Editor.

#6 Make a meal (and DO those dishes). You may not be a Michelin-starred chef, but there isn’t one in Utah anyway. And if you don’t want to cook, you’ve got plenty of options! Just check out some of the many recipes we have on our site! Click here.

#7 Give her the day off. Her special day doesn’t end with that breakfast you made her. For once, why not leave her alone and hold off on asking for favors?

#8 Frame a special photo. Take an existing one or have them printed at Costco or Walgreens, SLmag’s Exec Editor, Mary Malouf loves to find re-cycled frames.

#9 Plan an event. It doesn’t have to be big, but something the two of you can do together and enjoy. A hike up to City Creek, a weekend trip to Bryce, a pedicure.

#10 The CARD (we like the ones you make yourself). If your mom is like me, I am a sucker for a handmade, handwritten “mama I love you” note. We hold onto these documents like rare, prized possessions, don’t miss out on this. Penmanship is a dying art, and custom lettering and calligraphy are fun ways to make a card uniquely yours.

BONUS: Chocolate. Maybe you don’t know what sweet, savory or salty treat is your mom’s favorite, but find out and give it to her. Hint-hint: Caputo’s has an amazing selection of fair trade chocolate that is sure to please!