Each first weekend in May, in time for Mother’s Day, a dogwood tree blossomed outside of my mother’s kitchen window. My birthday, often coinciding with Mother’s Day, was also marked by the bloom of that tree. My mother and I, together celebrating birth and motherhood, both saw the beauty of rebirth and newness in the blooming pink regalia. We always remarked about that tree.
Mother’s Day approaches again this weekend, and new moms everywhere expect to celebrate beauty and birth. If you know a new mom in need of a special gift, or if you are planning a baby shower for a new mom-to-be, we have some especially unique ideas to mark these occasions. For some of the more expensive ideas, consider collaborating with your family (in the case of Mother’s Day) or other baby shower guests.
- Maid Service For a new mom who is fastidious and depends on a home well kept (and who doesn’t), purchase one to three months of a local, reputable cleaning service. Angie’s List is a smart resource for reviews.
- Personal Chef Hire an expert to cook two weeks worth of meals. Find a professional chef in your area through the American Personal & Private Chef Association. Or, check locally for a cooking franchise where friends or family can gather to put together easy-to-assemble, tasty gourmet meals in a fun atmosphere. SuperSuppers and DreamDinners are two such franchises.
- Casserole Party As a baby shower invitation add-on, ask each guest to bring a dish for the new mom. It doesn’t have to be a casserole, just something that can be frozen. If freezer space is limited, consider www.mealtrain.com, featured in a previous blog.
- Personal Trainer or Spa Gift Certificate These generous gift ideas really are two sides of the same coin. What better way to remind a new mom who has dedicated herself wholly to the well-being of another that she, too, needs some pampering?
- A Flowering Tree Can anyone keep the quiver out of their voice when reading aloud Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree? This classic story beautifully illustrates in words and pictures the wholly selfless, self-consuming role of mothers through the ages. The aching sadness of the little-boy-turned-lonely-old man who still wants his mother is unforgettable. Pair this classic with a small sapling for an extra special gift for a new mom or mom-to-be.
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