By Angella of Dutch Blitz

So! Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. As if all of the cheesy ads on TV weren’t enough to remind you, I am here to add to the bombardment of commercialism.

I am kidding. Really. Before I was married, and for many years afterward, I gave the big middle finger to commercialized holidays such as Valentine’s Day and the others. I might be getting soft in my old age, but maybe in the midst of our crazy lives we need an official “holiday” to remind us to appreciate those around us.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought that I would share some of my favorite gifts that I have received in these past six-and-a-half years of being a Mom.

1. Handmade cards.

Yes, I have kept them all. No, I don’t know how I will deal with the storage. On my very first Mother’s Day my son was but five months old. Daddy placed a pen in his wee little fist and let him scribble to his heart’s content. My husband then “translated” the scribbles (and has done so for our next two children) and the words he has written have made me laugh and cry at the same time.

2. SPA DAYS

For both my birthday and Mother’s Day my husband gets me a gift certificate to a local spa for a pedicure (in addition to the other goods he gets me). Predictable, yes, but he knows that I would feel guilty for spending that money on myself. A gift certificate is like the free pass out of Guilt-Dom. You may pass go! And receive $200!

3. Stuff that Daddy makes

Two years ago I was away teaching for the Mother’s Day weekend. I arrived back home late in the afternoon of the Mother’s Day Sunday. Not only had my husband kept my children alive, he had planted our garden, cleaned the house from top to bottom and crafted me a Mother’s Day gift like none I had ever expected.

He took an old crate, used some kind of tool to create the words out of wood, and had photos developed. This is hanging on the wall of our bedroom. I have pondered updating the photos, but my kids were so WEE. And so CUTE.

It might just be the best Mother’s Day present ever.

Linda already posted asking the worst Mother’s Day gifts.

A few gifts that will never be frowned upon:

• Gift certificate to the Spa. Any denomination will do. I’ve yet to meet a Mom who was disappointed at the thought of a pedicure.
• Lunch or dinner out. I am one that loves to plan meals and cook dinner. However. Eating out for a meal always tastes better somehow.
• A gift card to a great store. I love to go shopping but in these economic times feel a little guilty for doing so. If I have a gift card? No guilt!

Do you have a great idea that you want to share?