You’re past the point of Amazon now.

First: If she told you what she wants, get her that. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s a good idea, or a fun gift. If she specifically told you, she meant it.

For Mothers of Young Children - These ladies are tired. They will be showered with precious homemade cards, flowerpots and handprinted crafts from the littles that were made at school. To really treat her this weekend, take the pressure off her to make the plans, handle the food, wash the clothes, etc. Make all the little decisions that day. This includes coming up with a gift for your own mother.

For Mothers of Older Children- These mamas miss their little babies and don’t get much time with their big kids. Plan some no-phone quality time. Go to lunch, have movie night together, maybe an afternoon fishing. Encourage your big kids to tell her how much they appreciate her, write her a short note in a card, or maybe just skip they eye rolls for a day. Involve them in the gift selection process. Sons need learn how to treat their future spouses and daughters need to learn how they should be treated.

For Your Mother - If you’re out of the house, time is the best gift here. If she lives far away and you can’t make it to visit in person, set aside some time to call or FaceTime her without being rushed. If she’s close, make a point to spend some time with her one-on-one if you can. Grandkids will get you bonus points, but don’t forget that she misses just being with you too. You should know you’re her favorites by now, so treat her well.  

Here are a few links and suggestions to browse for inspiration for gift ideas:  

• Tackle a couple of the things on her honey-do list that she’s been asking for.

• Give her some alone time doing something she enjoys but would not treat herself to. Gift cards to her favorite spa or salon, a restaurant where she and her friends can have a night out, a new pair of her favorite running shoes.

• Make her life easier with a cleaning service to do a deep clean, a detailing service to really clean that mom-mobile, or anything to take something off her list.  

• Plants or containers for her garden or the house (and the crew to help put them in).

• Her favorite perfume or candle. Check what’s at the house before you buy.

• Dinner date with her boy(s) or mani-pedis with her girl(s).

• Something for the kitchen if she really enjoys cooking.

• A piece of jewelry she would love. 

Local Spots for Last-Minute Options:

• The Olive Tree – Starkville, MS

• State Floral – Starkville, MS

• The Mill – Columbus, MS

• Elizabeth Clair’s – Tupelo

• Walton’s, Lowes or Home Depot