For when your mom deserves the world, but all you can afford is a bagel.
A strange thing happens to most college students when they leave home and enter the semi-real world of young adulthood—they appreciate their mothers more than ever. She was the one who did your laundry and cooked you food for years and you only wish that you had her right with you in your dorm for all those nights when you have four ingredients in your fridge and a severe lack of creativity. Mother’s Day is once again upon us and we would all love to give our mom every flower in the world if there wasn’t one little problem—we barely have enough money to feed ourselves. The good news is, your mom is probably so awesome that she’ll love the construction paper card you didn’t remember to mail her. The even better news is, there are ways you can show your mom just how much she means to you without having to ask dad for the money to do so.
1. Make her something. This is not another one of those plates with your handprint on it or some other kindergarten craft. We’re aiming for more functional gifts like a jewelry box painted with a sweet message or a book she can read that you’ve written your own little notes in. Get on Pinterest and get your DIY on! Like I said, she’ll love anything you make her despite how displeasing to the eye it may be.
2. Send her a card—in the actual mail. Seal a lovely card up in an envelope with a stamp and everything. It’s the thought that counts and trust me, she’ll know how much you had to think about this one.
3. Post a sugary sweet, original poem on Facebook and attach the best photo of her you can find. Moms adore Facebook, it’s a proven fact. Showing their kids off on social media is what they do best. On her special day, take the time to show her off so the world can see just how much she means to you!
4. Call your mom and actually listen. As we get older, we want to learn more about our parents. They’ve gone through all the craziness we’re going through now and leaving our teen years, we’re finally ready to accept them as the wise people they are. Take the time this Mother’s Day to talk to your mom. Ask her questions like what she used to do for her mom on Mother’s Day. Quality time is the best time, even if it’s only over the phone.
5. Send her some good old-fashioned flowers. If you’re looking to splurge a bit—and by that I mean spend over $5—sending your mom flowers will never lose its touch. She misses you while you’re off studying! Every time she looks at those flowers she’ll think of you and know how much you love her.
What you decide to do for your mom on Mother’s Day probably won’t make or break how much she loves you, but it is always nice to show people how much you care about them. On the plus side, I would bet she’ll welcome anything letting her know that you’re doing OK, unlike the usual phone call rants about how stressed you are. But at the end of the day, that’s what moms are for and that’s why we love them!