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Mothers do it all: it's a 24/7 job with no breaks, sick days, or salary. In fact, according to Investopedia, stay-at-home mothers work an average of 98 hours per week and would earn $178,000 per year if they were paid based on all the hours and services they provide.
But motherhood is more than a job. It's a calling that requires endless patience and sacrifice. Mother's Day is the one day each year set aside to celebrate moms and all that they do! This year, do something special for the mothers in your life and don't make the mistake of giving one of these 8 bad gifts.
Vacuum or another household appliance
Mother's Day is meant to be a reprieve from a mother's typical role as house cleaner and caretaker. Save the new vacuum for another time, unless she specifically asks for something that will make her life easier, like a new dishwasher or that Dyson she's had her eye on. Even then, proceed with caution.
Socks
Socks are the gift you get for a coworker who is always cold or a cousin you don't know very well. Socks are not the gift that says, "you are cherished, loved, and valued." CNN Money recommends steering clear of what they describe as "boring staples." This includes socks, scarves, gloves, and other necessities.
Cash
Cold, hard cash is the quickest way to say, "I didn't want to put any effort into buying you a gift." One mom told The Bump, "My husband's gift budget was $100. He couldn't think of anything to get me, so he just transferred $100 from his account to mine and said I could spend it on whatever."
Moms want to feel like you went out of your way to think of a gift especially for them. Effort and personalization go a long way—the gift of cash neither.
Mug
The classic "best mom ever" mug has had its moment in history, but it's time to move on. One Reddit user says, "When you don't know what to get someone, you get them a mug. That is the easiest and safest option. But mugs really just show that you barely know the person. Or you forgot to get them a gift and grabbed the first thing that came to your mind when you ran to the store."
If mom is a tea or coffee lover, then, by all means, add a cute mug to the gift, but you should do more than the mug alone.
An IOU coupon
Cute when coming from a five-year-old, not so cute coming from an adult child or a spouse! Instead of creating coupon books for services in the future, just spoil mom with them now! Let her have several hours at home alone. Order her takeout. Wash her car. Do all the things you write on your coupons—on Mother's Day.
11 things your mom used to say (and now you do, too)
Here's a list of a few things your mom told you as a kid that have likely made their way into your everyday vernacular. Some will make you wince, others will make you cringe — but some might just make you smile.Gym membership
According to a study performed by Wish and published on Business Wire, gym memberships and weight loss items were both in the top 10 worst gifts findings. A gym membership is in the same vein as buying her a vacuum—unless she specifically asks for this gift, don't do it. It could trigger the less-than-kind implication that she needs to lose weight or exercise more, even if the gift is well-intentioned.
A new pet
Even if she loves pets, giving Mom a new puppy means more work, more bills, and more responsibility. Peta doesn't recommend giving a pet as a gift, not just to moms, but to anyone. "Caring for animals is an enormous responsibility, and they should never be carelessly given as gifts to anyone. Many people who receive animals as gifts find that they're unable to make the lifelong commitment to caring for their new animal companion, no matter how much they'd like to make it work," Peta's website states.
You want to give mom something to take the load off, not add to it!
Perfume
For most women, scent is a very personal thing. While a lovely gesture, chances are she would rather pick out her own perfume than receive a surprise scent.
Can't think of a gift? Minky has you covered
Finding the perfect gift is easier than you think. The moms in your life are sure to love a luxurious, warm robe from Minky Couture. Minky robes wrap the wearer in a warm hug of Minky's signature snuggly fabric. They also come in a range of sizes, with dozens of five-star reviews touting the robes as being super soft and perfect for gift-giving. If mom isn't one to wear robes, consider getting her a cuddly blanket. You can never go wrong with a plush, useful gift! Shop the whole collection on the Minky Couture website.
