Your mom is one of the original Brene Brown enthusiasts and one of her loudest and proudest advocates. She’s constantly reminding you to Dare Greatly and Brave the Wilderness.
She is the kind of mom who loves Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She knows what she wants and needs, and has everything she needs, and nothing else. The last thing you want to do is say, “Thanks for birthing me, nursing me, and making sure I came out okay, mom!” with more junk.
You, my dear millennial, believe in experiences and learning over purchasing things. I’ll argue that any books and items included on this list are the best of both. They are things that enhance your experience for the mom that loves surprises, opening gifts, and loves a sweet gesture.
Here’s a list of twelve things the Power of Now loving mom will actually want, use, and appreciate through the lens of one of her favorite books, The Five Love Languages, with book recommendations to help mom live her best life.
Gifts that are practical and functional:
Mom has everything she needs, sure. Is there something that would make her life a little bit happier or healthier? Gift mom a beautiful, functional new suitcase and Have Mother, Will Travel, or a luxurious new eye mask that will make her feel like a queen when she lies down at night to read The Sleep Revolution.
Gifts that are consumable:
Can’t go wrong with things that will help to engage the senses. Find her something she can taste, touch, see, hear, or smell. Or even better, something that does all five. Consider Forest Bathing, essential oils and incense to bring the outdoors inside.
Gifts that will make a difference:
Your mom was the first empowered woman who empowered you. Let her continue to empower others while empowering herself by gifting her a gift that keeps on giving. Subscribe her to Go Love Yourself, a monthly book subscription box that supports and promotes women-owned small businesses and features books like The Gifts of Imperfection, The Sleep Revolution, Tell Me More, and Forest Bathing and provides 1-on-1 and group coaching opportunities as a part of membership.
Quality Time with the family:
Mom knows that the secret to happiness is in spending money on experiences, not things. As a gift to mom, gift your brothers and sisters the book How to Break Up With Your Phone two to three weeks in advance, then schedule a game night, dinner, hike or picnic together to celebrate the amazing, caring, present family your mom has nurtured.
Quality Time with her friends:
This mom was one of the first to jump on the “Text Me When You Get Home” trend and was an original proponent of the Shine Tribe. Or she’s just realizing that friends are an undervalued part of life and could use some additional Friendtimacy. Gift her one of these books and a gift card for her and her best girlfriend for pedicures, brunch, or drinks and a comedy show and let them treat themselves together.
Quality Time Alone:
As much as mommy loves you, sometimes, mom just needs some damn alone time with her own thoughts so she doesn’t have to worry about anyone or anything else. If mom is an introvert, gift her Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and a tea service. If mom just wants time away from the maze, gift her Tell Me More, some bath salts and a staycation in a local B&B.
Words of Affirmation from you:
If mom just really needs to hear how great she is a few more times, gift her You Are a Badass, and couple it with a heart-felt love note from you detailing all the ways she’s shown up as a total badass in your life, from that time she helped you get that spider out of your bedroom when you were five to the time she helped to save the cake on your wedding day with a spoon and some hairspray.
Words of Affirmation from the whole family:
Let’s be honest though, she really deserves to hear this from the whole family. Orchestrate an affirmations-round-up and collect quotes, letters, songs, photos, thoughts on behalf of mama bear. Gift her a keepsake box with these beautiful memories and the book Mom, Tell Me Your Story.
Acts of Service around the home:
She loves the idea of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but maybe she could use some help with it. Or perhaps she’s been dying to enhance the Feng Shui of the living room. Or remember that time she talked about putting in a garden? Gift her Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life and a Saturday afternoon of your time to help her with her most long-dreamed of home project.
Acts of (luxurious, self-) Service for herself:
A mom’s gotta take care of herself so she doesn’t lose her cool on her babies or her baby’s babies. Gift her The Balanced Mom: Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Self and a gift certificate redeemable for a fun class at the local community college. If your mom is more “Treat Yo Self,” include a mani-pedi or yoga classes.
Physical Touch from her partner or herself:
Listen, we’re a progressive bunch who can acknowledge that our moms have needs too, right? Gift her Come As You Are or Mating in Captivity and a bottle of wine. She’ll get the picture.
Physical Touch from someone else:
Many spas feature gyms, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. Gift her a day away and Body Wisdom: Light Touch for Optimal Health to help her reconnect with her physical body.