Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She had the nerve to call me the day before to remind me that it was her birthday-- as if I would forget. I had no idea what to give her. When I was at home, I tried to get her to do a gift personality quiz over at Gifts.com. That was the most trying experience. I know she was trying to be modest and grateful but when you have either/or questions, you don't expect "I don't know. Whatever you get me will be fine," as an answer.
See, I know that "anything" will not do. I have bought her perfume-- "Do you think I stink?" My uncle bought her a sandwich maker-- " You know I don't dammit cook." LOL -- I think that was the funniest. I bought her clothes-- " I don't like that! That is not my style." My granny bought her a sweater one year-- "Thank you. It looks comfortable and nice enough for an old person." Yes! My mother is that hard to shop for.
My girlfriend suggested that I complete the quiz for her. I did and I came up with the perfect gift. I got her a business card holder from Things Remembered and had it engraved with her name and birthday. It is a good gift for 3 reasons:
1. It has an American flag on the front. She is a Republican and very, very, very, very, very, patriotic. Everytime I turn around she is trying to put an American flag on something- book covers, brochures, fliers, etc.
2. She will take it out to show it off. Anytime my mothers name is on something (newspapers, programs, etc.), she will show it off.
3. It can't be returned. She won't want to waste money, so she will use it just the same. Plus she doesn't have one, but her business cards are always in her purse. This will be a nice elegant touch.
It still has to be shipped. But a lot of the online retailers now feature e-card gift announcements. I absolutely love it. I bought it but I don't have to fret about her thinking that I didn't get her something. It was a really cute card and the site allowed me to schedule it's delivery. She responded favorably to the e-card. I will let you know how she responds to the actual gift.
Hi Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI can identify with this. This year I just gave up and gave my mother a Visa gift card. Lol She seemed to like it. My blog address is http://myaffinity32.blogspot.com
I understand what you are going through. My mom tells me what she wants me to buy her from my brother but I always have to come up with an impressive gift.
ReplyDeleteSweet T- That is a good gift. My mom has so many though...they give them as gifts in the local republican party so it isn't special for her anymore.
ReplyDeleteAlessandra- I wish she would tell me. Then I wouldn't stress over it so much.