What To Do For Mother's Day With No Money

Gifts can be pricey. Do you want to spoil Mom but don't have the money to do it? Here are 21 ways to treat her that won't cost a cent.

1. Take her to Movies @ Home

Sometimes gifts for Mom that involve effort are so much more effective than expensive ones. Go big… rearrange the lounge, dim the lights, get the popcorn popping. Line up Mom's favorite DVD, or simply give her exclusive rights to the remote for the night. Give her something to prop her feet up on and keep a steady supply of tea, hot chocolate or coffee flowing. Make sure she knows that you will clean up afterwards otherwise she won't be able to relax.

2. Massage her Hands

Treat those hands that have done so much for you with a relaxing hand massage.

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3. No Fighting

Agree to stop all bickering for the day. Yes, the whole day! Bite your tongue, sit on your hands – do whatever you must … but don't fight! Mom will be delighted, or shocked. Either way, this gift will be appreciated.

4. Do Mom's Jobs

Give Mom the day off. Do as many jobs as you can that she does around the house. NB! Just giving her the day off and NOT doing the stuff, does not count! All it means is that she'll have twice as much to do the next day.

5. Treasure Trail

Take your mom for a walk. As you go, pick up little treasures along the way – tiny wildflowers, pretty stones. As you present each gift to your mom, tell her something that you appreciate about her.

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6. Memory Journal

Fill a notebook with your favorite memories. Think back as far as you can, dig out all the gems of togetherness, all the little things you shared. You can glue in photos, bits of fabric from special occasions…

7. Back Rub

Let your fingers do the talking and give Mom a relaxing back massage.

8. Cook a Meal

So you're not Nigella or Jamie, don't stress. A mommy with a get-out-of-the-kitchen pass is easy to please. Go simple, make it with love and use a recipe if you need to. If all else fails, call for backup. And remember: CLEAN UP AFTERWARDS!

9. Powerpoint Presentation

If you thought these were reserved for school projects and boring boardroom meetings, this one might surprise you. How about using it to make Mom feel special? Haul out your favorite family photos, throw in a song that will tug at her heartstrings and watch her face. You get bonus points if she needs a tissue while watching.

10. Foot Massage

Feet are a lot like moms, they work hard and seldom get the attention they deserve. Now is the time to change that. Learn how to give a great foot massage here.

11. Everlasting Flowers

If you have nail varnish, beading wire and nimble fingers, you can make your mom a mini bouquet that will last forever.

12. Bake a Yummy Gift

Get busy in the kitchen and throw together some sweet treats to serve with tea. If you are new to baking, or keen to get little people involved, here are six great recipes to get you started.

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13. Bed 'n Book Voucher

Get creative with cardboard and pens and make Mom a voucher that entitles her to stay in bed and read her book for as long as she wants. To make this gift effective… go back to point 4!

14. Pebble Paperweight

Find a smooth rock in the garden. Use whatever you have in the house to decorate it and make it special. Sequins, feathers, buttons, paint… whatever you make, she'll think of you every time she uses it.

15. Mini Manicure

Your mom might not be too keen if you come at her armed with a nail file and clippers, but she won't say no to some cream rubbed into her cuticles and a good buff to make her nails shine.

16. Moms Memory Lane

Set aside an hour or two and get Mom to tell you about her life. When she talks, listen. Treasure her words. She might need a little prompting, so ask questions like; What is your earliest memory? Your most embarrassing moment? What did you enjoy most about growing up? If you could change anything about your life, what would it be? Is there anything your parents did that you vowed never to do as a parent? What did you love most about your mom?

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17. Shopping List

Use some blank paper, cut it to size and punch holes in the top. Tie it together with some pretty ribbon or string for Mom to use as a shopping list. Before you give it to her though, write little love notes on random pages throughout.

18. An Email a Day for a Month

Send the first one on the special day, with the promise of more to come. Each email can be unique. Find quotes that you like, or pictures that make you happy. Write little things about your day, moments that made you think of her. They don't have to be long, just short reminders of how special she is to you.

19. Treasure Hunt

Write a dozen "Why I love you" notes on cardboard. Hide them throughout the house. If you are adventurous, write the clue to the next card on the back of the card before. If that sounds too tricky, let her find them by playing hot and cold, or leave some of them hidden for her to fall over later on.

20. Mini Facial

Give Mom a mini facial. Use the products that she normally uses on her skin.

21. Tea in the Trees

If the weather is fine, throw a blanket under some trees, take some snacks and juice and have a picnic outside. Lie on your backs and find shapes in the clouds.

Don't rush.

Just enjoy the gift of being together.

Featured photo credit: WolfWorx via wolfworx.co.za