My sweet step-daughter lived with us for about half a year–just long enough to see what makes this household tick. Proving she knows me pretty well now, I came home yesterday to the perfect Mother’s Day gift. She left a 32-pack of Diet Coke, a gift card to the spa, and a coupon for free babysitting on my front porch. She even wrote down days and times that she’s available to watch the kids. Honestly, she had me at the DC and free babysitting.

Teryn’s gift is the perfect example of turning any gift card into a thoughtful gift. She followed all of my rules. She gave me the gift of self-indulgence (something I can rarely afford to do), offered to babysit (knowing I’d need someone to watch the kids in order to indulge), and included my favorite drink (ok, I have one guilty pleasure). It’s practical, personal, and perfect for me. Thank you Teryn.

I’ve got other Mother’s Day ideas listed on my web site. Many of these can be adapted for mom’s birthday or for Father’s Day coming up on June 20th. If you have some ideas of your own, post a comment below so we can all learn.

Pampering for Everyone

As you know, my little sister Brooke is expecting a baby. Her co-workers surprised her with a gift certificate to her favorite spa on one of her last days before maternity leave. They cleverly Photoshopped a Pampers diaper logo onto a poster that read, “Pamper Yourself!”

I couldn’t help but copy that SO cute idea in a less graphic-skills-required kind of way. Get your expectant friend a package of Pampers and attach a gift card to a spa or salon so mom and baby both get a little “Pampering!” You’ll be the hit of the baby shower!

This got me thinking about other ways to pair mom gift cards with newborn baby necessities. You could get a pack of baby wipes and a restaurant gift card, then write, “For when you’re too wiped out to cook!” My brain is a swirl with ideas.

Check out the New Baby section for other ideas as well.