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Uh-oh/content/aarpe/en/home. Mother’s Day is upon us, and there’s no time left to dash out to the mall or to ensure the prompt delivery of online purchases. But don’t despair. There are still plenty of last-minute gift ideas that won’t leave you in the doghouse. Here are five to help you get the most bang for your buck, especially if you’re scrambling. You’re welcome.
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Subscription services
Inject yourself into the recipient’s life each and every month by ordering a subscription to something. With Birchbox and other services, there’s no doubt your gift will arrive on time. Just sign up online and get proof of the purchase. Print it out, wrap it up in a nice box and, voilá, you have yourself a lovely present. With Birchbox, you get a monthly delivery of five beauty products, all picked out just for that special someone, for only $10 a month with free shipping. (There’s also a version for men for $20 a month.) But if that isn’t her thing, there are plenty of other subscription services. A soap-of-the-month club offers a special soap in the mail every month for a set price. You’ll find plenty on Etsy.
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If you want to go the more traditional route, there also are a wide range of flowers-of-the-month clubs. Do a Google search, and take your pick. There are loads to choose from.
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Experiences instead of stuff
If “things” aren’t her thing, then why not buy a gift voucher to a painting class, a skydiving course or a wine tasting. Does she love the theater? Then order tickets online to a show or a concert and print them out for her. Does she enjoy the spa but never gets the chance to go? Treat her to a spa day. If she loves going to the movies, an afternoon tea or a family game night, organize it. Experiential gifts aren’t just thoughtful; they also will save you a trip to the store.
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Breakfast in bed
All those possible spills and stains may not sound like a romantic notion, but we think there’s still something super sweet about serving Mom breakfast in bed. Yes, you probably will have to run out to the grocery store on Saturday night. But even some strawberries, scrambled eggs and morning bagels with cream cheese can be a treat. Need recipe ideas? Then browse hundreds of recipes available from AARP. Make the meal even more thoughtful by handing her a breakfast-in-bed menu the night before so that she can check off her choices. Top it all off the next morning with a handwritten voucher for a 30-minute massage later in the day — given by you — and you’ve got yourself a winning present.
