Even though I feel this way, I’m not sure that my mom does so I sent her a little present. Even though children of all ages seem to have difficulty picking out a present for their mothers, it’s really quite simple. When I need to pick out an amazing gift for my mom, or anyone else I run down a 3-step mental check list.

1. Is it reasonable? This means is it in your budget, easily doable/executable, and within your giftee’s capability to accept it. Sometimes large expensive gifts make people uncomfortable. If you are buying for your mother watch out for the guilt factor.

2. Is it useful? Flowers bouquets and balloons are nice but they have a short life span. Food is always appreciated but, meh. Try to pick something she/he will be able to use. The more times a gift can be used the better.

3. Is it one of her/his favorite things? This should be easy because everyone has favorite things. Take some time and think about 2 or 3 things that your giftee really loves.

So this year I got my mom a $20 gift card to Old Navy. It was in my price range, I could easily send it to her in the mail, (#1 check)  it is obviously useful (#2 check) and my mom’s favorite thing to do is to go shopping (#3 CHECK!).

She is not at all fond of traditional greeting cards so I made a large sales tag out of construction paper, decorated it and wrote, “Wish I was with you for a day of shopping. Happy Mother’s Day!” Yeeeaah she loved it.

Best thing about this Mother’s Day? ABC family is playing Mary Poppins all day. Love to sing along Cheeky!