Gifts for Busy Moms: Ideas That Are Both Meaningful and Practical by Jamie Jefferson

Gifts for Busy Moms: Ideas That Are Both Meaningful and Practical
by: Jamie Jefferson

Give the busy mom in your life a gift she'll use and one she'll remember. Here are eight gift ideas that are meaningful but practical, perfect for even the busiest of moms.

1. Dinner Out. Make her day by taking care of things around the house and, at the end, treat her to dinner out. During dinner, each person in the family can take a turn saying what specific things they appreciate most about mom.

2. Chef-Prepared Food. Check the yellow pages for a business near you that will deliver already-prepared food. There are even several online businesses that specialize in delivering chef-prepared food, which she can keep in the freezer for her busiest days.

3. Maid Service. You can bring in a professional maid service for a single day, a week, a month or a year, depending on your finances.

4. Car Maintenance. If you can help a busy mom check one thing off her never-ending to-do list, she'll be so grateful. Take her car in for a wash, wax, and interior detail. You could even spring for an oil change, tune-up, or tire rotation.

5. Subscriptions. We don't mean just magazines. Give mom a subscription to a monthly gift club, for example, so she can get new selections of her favorite things throughout the year. Does your favorite mom love flowers, new foods, new restaurants, gardening goodies, scrapbooking supplies, beer or wine? Do a google search for appropriate monthly gift clubs.

6. A Quick Trip. As a busy mom, this is my personal favorite thing to receive. The special Mom in your life may love a weekend (or afternoon) to herself or with her girlfriends at a getaway spa. Or she may enjoy a weekend trip with the family in which she doesn't need to cook or clean. Make sure the weekend focuses on things that she likes to do.

7. Spa Gift Certificates. Pamper her with a hot stone massage, a body wrap, or a simple facial or pedicure. You can either choose the spa or salon treatment for her or allow her to choose her own. You might even want to book an appointment for two and go with her.

8. Jewelry. Okay, so this one's not so practical, but a nice piece of jewelry will probably make the busy mom in your life feel more appreciated. Visit your favorite neighborhood jewelry store (or online jeweler) and you'll find a dazzling selection of jewelry specially designed for moms. Whether you choose a Mother's ring or pendant or another piece, make sure to tell Mom why you chose the piece you did for her. It's bound to become a treasured keepsake if you give it sentimental value with a story or card that makes it more meaningful.