Apparently, I’m right on trend. According to IBISWorld, a marketing research firm, spending for Mother’s Day is down 15 percent this year from 2008. I hope my household is part of that statistic. In a year when budgets are tight, moms might consider asking their families to tackle the honey-do-home-improvement list in lieu of a material gift. Dads and kids, take note: Pitching in with a good attitude is harder than buying a gift certificate, but worth a lot more than you think. Here are some ideas:
Have a family yard day. Weed, mow, prune and plant flowers.
Paint the fence or the garden bench.
Get the patio or deck summer-ready by washing down outdoor cushions, furniture and sun umbrellas; refreshing mats and rugs; and putting annuals in planters.
Clean the garage.
Put up wainscoting, crown molding or a chair rail.
Paint the playroom.
Have a mass clean-out day followed by a run to the Goodwill store.
Build a bookcase.
Have everyone pick a day of the week when they’re in charge of dinner.
Wash and detail mom’s car.
Don’t fight, goof off or flake out.
Make your own card and seal it with love.
(Private note to moms: I don’t like to let on, but truth is, despite the havoc they create, I’m grateful I live with people I love who do leave crumbs, footprints, smelly fish tanks and clothes on the floor. I bet you are, too. Happy Mother’s Day.)
