Mother's Day: A Gift Guide for Dads
Mother's Day can put a lot of pressure on fathers – especially those who have young children that aren't old enough to buy mom a gift or take her out to a nice restaurant. While a lot of those "kid" gifts can fall on your shoulders, it's also a good idea to give the wonderful woman in your life a practical, meaningful gift they'll genuinely enjoy.
Consider it the world's biggest “thank you” for being an incredible partner and mother to your children.
You know your partner better than anyone, so that can give you a head start to determine what she might enjoy for this celebratory holiday. However, if she's a mom who “has everything” or is involved in multiple hobbies, you might be drawing a blank.
If you're looking for both unique ideas and practical gifts that never go out of style, we have you covered. Whether you've been together for years and have multiple children or you're expecting your first, these gifts will make your partner feel loved, appreciated, and adored for weeks to come.
Focus on Self-Care
A 2020 study found that stay-at-home moms work, on average, 2.5 full-time jobs. That's a 98-hour workweek. If your partner works outside the home and still takes care of the kids and the household, that's just as much time, effort, and dedication.
It makes sense, then, that most mothers would love nothing more than a self-care experience. Some women don't have many hours in the day to relax and focus on themselves. This Mother's Day, you can encourage that for your partner by taking her to her favorite spa or even out to eat at an expensive restaurant she loves.
If you're on a budget or know she would be more comfortable at home, bring rest and relaxation to her with a few of the following ideas:
- Take the kids out of the house for the day
- Make her breakfast in bed
- Set up a warm bath for her
- Let her sleep in
You can even set up a spa-like experience at home that she can enjoy all day. Set her up with a few pampering products like essential oils, bath bombs, and a comfortable, flattering chemise she can wear later that night to thank you for the relaxing day! Take Her Away From the Norm Moms need time for self-reflection and relaxation away from home. That sometimes involves re-establishing their identity outside of being a parent.
If you really want to spoil the mother in your life, consider taking her on a trip away from the kids for a while. Traveling has multiple mental health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Lower risk of depression
You can choose to send her on a trip with her best friends, or plan a romantic getaway for the two of you to reconnect and reignite the spark in your relationship. Be sure to include gifts within your trip that will make the experience even better for her, including spa days, massages, reservations and restaurants, tours to things she might enjoy, and luxurious lingerie. If you don't have the budget for a couples' retreat or you know your partner would benefit from a solo trip, choose a place she's always wanted to go, and let her enjoy the personal enrichment and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Create a Long-Term Gift
The only problem with Mother's Day gifts is that they usually only last for the day or a few days or weeks at most. If you truly want to show the mother of your children how much you appreciate her, consider giving her something she can use for years to come.
One of the best options – especially if you're handy – is to set up a designated self-care area or glam room within your house.
Even if you're on a budget, you can set up a glam room by utilizing and upgrading an existing space. Map out the right dimensions, include accents and decor she would like, use her favorite colors, and soundproof the walls so she can “get away” whenever she needs a break.
This is a great gift for a first-time mom or a mother that's expecting. You can set up the room now while you still have time before the baby is born, and she'll have a place to rest and relax while your little one is sleeping or when you take over.
Don't hesitate to get creative with your Mother's Day gift ideas this year. Whether you choose something sweet, practical, extravagant, special, or sexy, make sure you're putting your partner's needs first, so she always knows how much she means to you and your family.