By Mary Clark
Drug store perfume? Sigh. Chocolates? Ho hum. Not every mom is in love with standard “mom gifts.” In fact, a 2013 survey by Groupon found that 84 per cent of moms reluctantly accept underwhelming presents with “quiet disappointment.” While spa days, jewelry and gift cards are often appreciated, after several years of the same old gifts for birthdays, Christmases and Valentine’s Days, odds are she might appreciate something a little different. If you want to give mom a pleasant surprise, why not think outside the chocolate box?
There are a number of gifts that many people consider to be “dad gifts,” when in reality, mom might enjoy them just as much, if not more. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Sporting Event Tickets
Men aren’t the only ones who like sports. Today, more females than ever are sports fans. She-conomy reports that nearly half of major league soccer fans are women, while 40.8 percent of NHL fans are female.
If your mom follows one of these sports she’ll probably love getting tickets to watch her favorite team. There are other options, such as a sports TV package or satellite radio, that also allow her to watch or listen to the game.
Photo by Michael Miller via Wikimedia Commons
Electronics and High-tech Accessories
High-tech gadgets aren’t just for dad, they make great gifts for mom too. Think about getting her a Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet or accessories for one of her favorite tech toys. There are options available to fit most every budget, such as laptop carrying totes that come in beautiful shades of pink, blue, red and even patterns like herringbone.
Photo by Intel DE via Wikimedia Commons
Sporting or Fitness Equipment
Many moms don’t just watch sports, they play too. Even if she doesn’t get out and throw a football, there are lots of other sports in which she might participate. If she practices yoga, a yoga mat from Gaiam is a great inexpensive gift. New sporting equipment for golfers, tennis players, skiers and snowboarders are popular with women as well as men.
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg either; even accessories such as golf or tennis balls, hand warmers or gloves are sure to be appreciated by the active mom. You’ll often find the best prices on just about everything under the sun, including sporting goods and accessories, on Amazon.com. That means you won’t even have to drive around trying to find the perfect gift.
Photo by Atomic Taco via Flickr
Car Accessories
Most people tend to think of dad when it comes to car accessories, but chances are that mom is behind the steering wheel most of the time. She would probably appreciate a gift that will make driving more comfortable. A remote car starter is ideal for moms who have to get out during inclement weather to start the car. If she doesn’t have a GPS system, this gift can reduce the risk of an accident as she’ll be able to keep her eyes on the road instead of a map or her smartphone.
Low-budget gift ideas include personalized car accessories such as a license plate frame or a pair of personalized floor mats. TrendyMomReviews.com reports that sheepskin steering wheel covers are “must-have” accessories for mom and available for less than $20 each.
Photo by rtadlock via Flickr
Mary is a personal trainer, and Judo master. Her husband knows not to mess with her.
