10 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Mom
Valentine’s Day is a commercialized Hallmark-holiday of love, but that doesn’t mean that the mom or wife in your life doesn’t want to feel adored and appreciated anyway! So lean in to Cupid and all that mushy gushy stuff, and pamper your lady love in the ways that she wants to be treated on V-Day!
In a very official poll (thanks, Facebook community), I asked real moms and wives what kind of things they actually wanted for Valentine’s Day. The overwhelming response centered around the notion that “it’s the thought that counts.” Moms don’t want to do any of the planning, arranging, or organizing to make it happen! They want a day off to be loved and appreciated (with none of the usual work that comes with everyday life).
Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the mom (or wife) in your life that she actually wants:
- Put it on Paper: A sweet, well-meaning card or even a hand-made note that explains why she’s special, why you love her, or some other romantic musings. (But don’t stop there.)
- Flowers Still Win: Many moms still love flowers (have them delivered them at work for an extra special gesture) but don’t want to have to cut and arrange them themselves. Or, if she’s a gardening fan, she prefers a plant or flowers she can keep longer and plant in the garden herself. Know your lady on this one or just ask if you aren’t sure! P.S. No carnations, mister!
- Feed My Belly: A lovely dinner that mom doesn’t have to pick up or plan is A+! She doesn’t want to cook or clean or be responsible for groceries. And she doesn’t want to go out on actual Valentine’s Day because the service industry is overbooked and under-serviced, so she’d rather a lovely dinner at home (that you arrange) or a dinner out on another day. Don’t forget to plan for the babysitter, too!
- Pamper Me: A spa day or gift allowance for dermatological care is a great gift! Some moms suggested booking the appointment in advance too. That way she will make the time to go and really appreciate this me-time.
- Kids Crafting: A few moms said it would be fun to do a family night with the kids on actual Valentine’s Day. The kids could decorate the house or plan a fun at-home family night. But then, moms wanted a separate couples-only event away from the house on a different day.
- Romantic Roomba: Mom wants her house clean! She asked for a full house cleaning. You could do it yourself, Dad. Or you could call in a cleaning service. Skipping toilet cleaning this month doesn’t sound romantic, but moms loved this idea!
- Experience Gifts: Tickets to a fun music concert, a shopping date just the two of you, or another special outing is a great gift idea. Many moms/wives just wanted to spend time with their love and have some one-on-one time away from the house. If you book it, schedule it, and set up childcare, you’ll get extra points for this one!
- Honey-Do List: Does your wife keep talking about a household project that she really wants tackled? Those “acts of service” love types would love to have a specific house project accomplished. I cracked up at once response: “I want my floor grout cleaned and sealed.” I had to LOL at this one, but mom wants the projects done!
- A Few of My Favorite Things: I got this idea from a friend and business owner who keeps a list of “things my employees like/want” for moments when she wants to say Thank You or surprise them with an extra special appreciation gift for accomplishing an objective at work. Wouldn’t it be great to do this for our spouses? Keep a list of things you might want for a future gift. One idea was a specific paperclip necklace she’s been eyeing up for a while. But we have to be specific with the hubs so he knows what items we are pining over. Write it down and give him guidance (for the year)!
- Sexy Time: Getting back to the basics. Your honey wants a nice dinner and some lovin’. If you have little kids, make sure she doesn’t have to put the kids to bed that night, and then show up with the romance.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to pause and say Thank You for all you do, and I Love You. No matter how you plan to spend your Valentine’s Day, make sure you plan ahead a little bit and show your appreciation for the special someone in your life. It’s not about the spend, remember…. it’s the thought that counts!
