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This post is the second in a two-part series where Jenn and Heather discuss ways to save money while still having a very special Mother’s Day. In this post, Heather (who writes the Happy Hatchling posts) shares her thoughts on having a wonderful Mother’s Day without spending any money at all. In part one, Jenn wrote about how to save money on Mother’s Day.

I, HappyHatchling Heather, have never been a huge fan of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Valentine’s Day. Now that I am a mother, my views on the “Day” haven’t changed, but my appreciation for my own mother has grown exponentially. I feel as if creating one day out of the whole year to acknowledge all that mom does for us is just not enough. Additionally, the stereotypical Mother’s Day gifts of cards and flowers are not very personal. However, I do love the idea of doing something simple to say “We love and appreciate you, Mom.” Here are some ideas that would melt my heart and don’t cost a cent.

Disclaimer: My views are not shared by every woman… If your wife/mom loves cards and flowers, then by all means make her happy! And go read Jenn’s gift ideas for Mom.

Give Mom a Nice Meal

Make Mom dinner AND clean the dishes! This is an especially good option if your wife does all the cooking. Try making her a favorite dish and if you have older kids they can help out too. But don’t forget the dishes! Nothing says, “Mom, I love you” like a clean kitchen.

Give Mom a Gift

Give Mom the warm fuzzies. Instead of giving Mom a card, reminisce with your wife about becoming a mom, or your favorite family memories with your mother. Moms love hearing you (dads and kids) talk about your feelings. Make their hearts melt by taking a minute to fondly remember and talk about your family’s future hopes and dreams.

Let Mom Relax and Sleep

Let mom sleep in… In peace and quiet! If you are short of time and money for a real vacation (like Jenn suggests), just give Mom the morning off. Dads/Husbands- When the kids wake up, get them out of the house. Go for a walk or get breakfast out so Mom can sleep in without hearing babies crying or breakfast bowls clanging. This is an especially appealing option for those new moms who desperately need sleep. Oh, and maybe make a quick stop for her morning coffee when she wakes. (If you go to church early on Sunday mornings, try celebrating Mother’s day on Saturday instead so she doesn’t get her lazy morning cut short.)

Share Memories of Mom with Photos

Organize the digital photo library. We have thousands of photos, but they are all on the computer. Sort through the photos (organize the photos for extra bonus points) and pull out 10-30 of the best shots. Make a photo presentation or slide show, and then together pick out a handful to frame and put up in the house. You don’t have to go look for a new frame, just replace pictures that are already up that are feeling outdated. Your wife or mom will love having the best photos visible and accessible.

What are some of your favorite Mother’s Day gifts or memories? We’d love to hear them!

Heather and her daughter