5 “Boring” Gifts for Mom (That She Really Wants)

child giving a gift to momThe other day as I was backing my car out of the driveway, my eyes zeroed in on crushed Goldfish crackers and red baseball field dirt on the floor of my backseat. I thought to myself, “Maybe I should ask for a gift certificate to get my car detailed for Christmas.”

How life has changed. 

Just a few short years ago, designer watches and Gap gift cards were all I wanted. Now I’m dreaming of new sheets (since my son keeps spilling strange substances on ours) and car detailing! I started thinking about this, and it occurred to me that many other moms are undoubtedly in the same boat. I polled some of my mom friends and came up with the following list of totally non-sexy gift ideas that the moms in your life REALLY want! Christmas gifts for mom

Appliances and/or equipment.

I realize this one can be tricky, because you don’t want to be the person who seems like he or she’s dropping a hint by purchasing someone a vacuum. That said, quality appliances and/or equipment are things that moms truly appreciate and are often hesitant to splurge on for themselves. Some of my mom friends said that the best gifts they’ve ever received are a pressure cooker, Dyson vacuum cleaner, a Shark Rocket, and high-quality camera equipment (for capturing those family moments with something other than an iPhone!).

Alone time.

One of the best gifts you can give a mom is solitary peace and quiet. While this certainly overlaps with the “spa services” category below, take it even a step further and consider gifting her a day “off” to sit in a coffee shop and read, go to a movie that isn’t animated, or shop in a store that doesn’t even carry children’s clothing. You could easily customize this gift for the mom in your life. For the book-loving mom, for example, consider giving her a voucher for a half-day of babysitting and a gift card to Barnes and Noble where she can peruse to her heart’s content (there is something absolutely therapeutic about wandering a book store and looking at real pages).

Spa services.

This one is more obvious, but it’s so true! Moms often forget to pamper themselves, so they’ll always appreciate a gift certificate for a facial, pedicure, manicure, or massage. Even better yet, check with your local spa to see if they offer a membership! One friend’s husband got her a membership that was good for one massage a month for an entire year. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Memberships and subscription services.

This one isn’t sexy, but it sure does sound amazing. Consider giving the mom in your life the gift of a membership that might save her time and/or money throughout the year. She’ll think of you and get sweet fuzzies each time she uses it! Some great ideas: Costco, Amazon Prime, or Sam’s Club are great for year-round savings on consumable products. Or try a clothing subscription like Stitch Fix for the fashion-loving mom who no longer has free time to shop, a make up subscription like ipsy for the make-up loving mama, or my personal latest favorite–a car wash membership!!

Cleaning services.

Our homes and cars NEVER stay clean, and Lord knows moms could use a break from trying to keep them that way! Consider hiring a housekeeping service or gifting a gift certificate for car detailing to give that mom you know a break.

Coffee.

Bags of specialty beans, a Starbucks gift card, or a treat from a local coffee shop is sure to win favor with the mom in your life. Because, obviously.

What’s the best non-sexy or “boring” gift you’ve received as a mom?

Jordan Kieffer
Jordan is General Counsel for WMB and a regular contributor. She is also an attorney in private practice and the owner of Barre Forte Wichita. She grew up in the rural Butler County area and spent most of her childhood outdoors. She attended WSU for undergrad, followed by KU Law. The year before Jordan completed law school, she and her husband got married, making her a stepmom to three. They have since added two little ones, making a total of five fun and crazy kids! In her free time, Jordan can be spectating at the kids’ ball games, at the barre studio, horseback, or listening to audiobooks. She lives a blessed life and she's excited to share it with you!

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