OK, I messed around for like 2 1/2 years to get this to line up and look right. I give up! Here ya go.
Mother's Day is fast approaching. Have you gotten Mom something yet? If not, I've compiled for you, my devoted readers, a list of possibilities. You can use these while shopping for your mother, mother-in-law, grandma, or any special mom-like lady in your life. You can also, print it out, and nonchalantly leave it lying around where your husband will find it. NOTE: do not count on him actually finding it, reading it, understanding the hint herein, and getting you a thoughtful gift. It's only happened twice in history so the odds are against you.
If your Mom likes to garden, a hanging basket of flowers, gardening gloves, or other gardening gift sets make a thoughtful present. If Mom, like me, kills anything green, then maybe this plant is the way to go. The "Almost Unkillable Plant" is ideal for home or office. Just keep in mind the keyword here is "almost".
I don't feel that I have a really big family, but apparently manufacturers disagree because every time I try to order a personalized gift, I run into the same problem. Most personalized items include up to 3 or 4 kids. Not here though! These sculptures of bears on a couch can be personalized with up to 17 family members! They have several different beary cute designs from which to choose. (I can't believe I just used such a lame pun! My sincerest apologies.)
This mug pretty much says it all. 
What mom couldn't use a bit of pampering? A gift basket of goodies from Bath and Body Works always makes a lovely gift. On the flip side, it's probably not a good idea to get Mom a fragrance that screams out, "I care for toddlers all day!" Case in point... Play-Doh cologne. Mmmmm! Nothing says, "I Need To Get Out More Often" like the smell of Play-Doh.
Check out these night lights from Light Affection! Are these cool or what? They take your picture, carve the likeness into some sort of material, and illuminate it from behind to create these night lights. Mom or Grandma would love this!
I love these purses from Personal Creations. These purses come in different sizes, have black leather trim, and a zippered inside pocket. Simply upload your favorite digital photo to their website and they'll create your one-of-a-kind purseonalized bag. (Seriously, another one?! What's wrong with me?! Enough with the stupid puns!) And don't worry; you don't have to decide on only one picture. You can order additional snap-on panels of as many pictures as you'd like.
Who doesn't like chocolate? Except for my friend Sue's kids, (I know - weird!) I can't think of anyone! Go to MyMMs.com to order a bag of personalized M&Ms for Mom. Order pink and white M&Ms that say "Mommy" & "We Love You", or order yellow and aqua M&Ms that say, "Mom" & "You're the Best". The possibilities are endless. Check out their assortment of gift bags and containers too.
Now here's a gift that Mom can really use! It's a diary. Or is it? Open it up and find the hidden flask. At the end of a long day, nothing helps you unwind like locking yourself in your room and "writing in your diary".
This comes from a website called stupid.com. I think the name sums it up. I did actually think this one item was kinda cute though. It's a baby sock change purse! I love how the small print in the picture reads, "$20 bill probably not included". If anyone is crafty out there, I bet you could make one of these. If you do, be sure and send one to me. :)
Is Mom a gourmet cook? How about Rachael Ray's cookbook, 30-Minute Get Real Meals? Throw together impressive and delicious dishes in minutes. Or maybe a creme brulee set from Bed, Bath & Beyond? Of course, then you'll have to invite yourself over for dinner and insist she 
try out her new present. ;) See? When you give, you receive.
It's perfectly acceptable to give cooking accessories if that's what Mom is into. If Mom is the type who orders take-out for dinner and has no desire to learn how to boil water, don't make the mistake of giving her something like this. This oven mitt set comes with instructions and a handy diagram showing you how to slide your hand into the opening so you don't make the mistake of putting it on your head or something stupid. Mom probably won't find it too amusing.
This is my favorite necklace. I wear mine every day. Clayton comes up and quizzes me about which birthstone baby represents which kid on a regular basis. This would make a nice gift for Mom or Grandma.
And of course, the number one item atop everyone's Mother's Day list, is a copy of Because I Said So! OK, so you won't really have it in time for Mother's Day, but a certificate that says, "A copy has been ordered for you!" is the next best thing. Right? Right? :D
Can't blame a girl for trying. ;)
34 comments:
I actually made one of those sock coin purses earlier this month and plan to give it to my Mother with a gift card in it.
Lynn
Where can I get that mug with "Because I Said So" on it?
Thanks
Silky1991
Yes that is awesome I have preordered myself a copy Im so excited.
I think I will also have to print out a picture of that necklace that would be a great gift.
Thanks for the ideas.
I just wanted you to know that I asked for your book for Mother's day. Last week I flat out TOLD my husband what I wanted - no chances for excuses this year!
Dawn,
All of those gift ideas are great, but what I REALLY want is the book!!!
Do they seriously make a Play Doh cologne??? Ummm, eewww!
Donna in PA :)
Hey Dawn,
I've been following you since the Summer when a friend forwarded me the link to your ebay auction. It was back before you were a superstar. I was looking through some of your past posts last night and just wondering:
What is the highest number of hits you've had in one day on your blog?
Maybe a question you could answer on your next Sunday Soundout.
It's been great to follow you this year, thanks for sharing with us.
Great ideas Dawn. I have the purse and get so many comments on it. Of course I had to send the link to my husband and put the Personal Creations coupon code in the email, but, hey, I acted surprised on Christmas morning! The best part is that I'm getting ready to order a new photo panel, it will be like a new purse!
Dawn, I'd totally love to have your book for Mother's Day. I'm sure I'll end up with a home made card (aren't those the best?) and a cheese cake with those candles that keep lighting back up even after you blow them out like my daughter got me a couple of years ago for my birthday...along with yet another flashing tiara that I not only have to put together but also wear ALL DAY LONG because it is my special day and she bought it for me. Not only will I have to wear it all day long, but I will also have to have my pictures made with her because she was so THOUGHTFUL to get me a flashing tiara that I have to put together. Anyways, lol.
I will be in Florida on Mother's Day (My gift to myself)
I hope you have a great one and the kids are extra sweet to you.
And here's a little something from me to you. When I read it this morning, I automatically thought of you and your blog:
This is for the mothers who have sat up
all night with sick toddlers in their arms,
wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer
wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying,
"It's okay honey, Mommy's here."
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at
work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains
on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and
make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to
babies they'll never see. And the mothers
who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art
collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars.
And that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't
have missed it for the world," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with
their children and explained all about making
babies. And for all the (grand)mothers who
wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go
hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight,
Moon" twice a night for a year. And then
read it again, "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught
their children to tie their shoelaces before
they started school. And for all the mothers
who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons
to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?"
in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away
at college -- or have their own families.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids
to school with stomach aches, assuring them
they'd be just FINE once they got there, only
to get calls from the school nurse an hour later
asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone
astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they
bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of
recent school shootings, and the mothers
of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their
children to be peaceful, and now pray
they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good mother anyway?
Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and
sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache she feels when she
watches her son or daughter disappear
down the street, walking to school alone
for the very first time?
The jolt that takes her from sleep to
dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put
her hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again
at 2 A.M. when she just wants to hear
their key in the door and know they
are safe again in her home?
Or the need to flee from wherever she is
and hug her child when she hears news
of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are
universal and so our thoughts are for
young mothers stumbling through diaper
changes and sleep deprivation...
And for mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us...
Hang in there. In the end we can
only do the best we can. Tell them
every day that we love them. And pray
and never stop being a mother...
Please pass along to all the mothers in your life.
"Home is what catches you when
you fall - and we all fall."
Maybe having another flashing tiara wouldn't be so bad after all =) If she gives me one this year, I'll make sure to post a pic on your comment board!!
Have a great Mother's Day.
In all sincerity, I actually told my 19 year old son, the day you posted what the book was going to look like, "Hey, if you want to get me something for Mother's Day, go to www.amazon.com and pre-order this book for me. Then put the receipt for that in a nice, gooey sentimental card telling me how grateful you are for each and every little thing I've done for you in the past 19 years." He snorted, Dawn! he actually SNORTED and said, "um... yeah, prob'ly not on the card, but I might think about the book" He SNORTED!
You didn't put any kind of sedative on your list.
To guarrantee your hubby to read this, tape it on the bathroom wall, then remove all other reading materials. ;)
I bought a few bags of good chocolate (non-kid kind) the other day to put in a basket of pampering goodies for my mom & MIL. Maybe a good book, some chocolate & flavored coffee in a basket.
These are great suggestions. I thought I just had to buy the M&M's thingy for my mom and my aunts until I saw $74.99 was the price. Chocolate for mom, Chapter 11 for me. I think I'll try the book suggestion instead.
awesome list! i think the necklace and book are my favorites...not necessarily in that order. : )
Ooooh! I love the night light! And the little gardening bag.
And who is that book written by? The one at the bottom? Dawn who?
Never heard of her.
;)
Hmmm, the flask diary or your book? Maybe I will just ask for both!
Hey, your book!!!! THAT'S SO COOL! And very sneaky to stick it at the bottom like that. I hadn't quite got over the oven mitts with directions yet.
Thanks for the suggestions! They're great! I really love the gardening bag, but the link didn't work for me. Can you please mention where you found that? Thanks!
Claires in the mall here has the sock coin purses I got my daughter one for christmas last year they are 1.99 if you feel you can't live without one I will pick you up one when I go to the mall again... fair warning though I dont do the mall very often :D
Cute post and I will be getting a book and I like the coffee mug can I get one in a travle mug with lid???
hugs Laura
Wow Dawn! I have that same necklace! My little brother got it for me back when it only had 3 charms on it. Now it has 6 just like yours. And, yes, every time I wear it I have to go through the whole list with the kids. This one is you, that one is him...
How many times when you're wearing it have you heard someone say "You don't really have that many kids, do you? Oh My Gosh!" My new answer is "Yeah, my doctor finally put me in retirement." I could use another 6. Any chance of you giving away a few "FREE to a good home"?
This is the first time I've seen the book cover - it's so cute! I am definitely dropping hints about it for Mother's Day, even if I just get a receipt for now.
These are AWESOME ideas. Of course your book is the best one. I do love the bears.
I have another gift idea to add to the list - Because I Said So pajamas!! Right after I read your blog I saw the pjs in a catalog that arrived today in the mail.
http://www.pajamagram.com/becauseisaidsopajamas.html
Love your blog! Tracy
Congrats on the book!
OK, I'm just really scared for all of the gay (not that there's anything wrong with it) little socky change purses you're now going to receive by women who are going to make them and mail them to you. And there will be no twenty dollar bills in 'em either.
And Joe Konrath--do you know that's THE J.A. Konrath, author of the Bloody Mary books--he's famous you know. I knew that.
Cuz I'm an author stalker you know.
And here's me, throwing out a blog-pimp--I'm giving away ANOTHER book on Manic Mommy, and all you have to do is share your first/worst kiss, and it doesn't necessarily have to be the first one! or the worst one, just one of 'em. Come on over Dawn, share a good story with the Manic readers! Puh-lease!
PS--rumor has it you now know how to text... what's NEXT??
TWITTERING!!! GOOD GOD!!
Can't wait to read the book (and Review it). Thanks for the Mother's Day gift ideas - My mom is a huge gardener!
LOVE THE LIST!!!!!!
Thanks!
There are other kids out there that don't like chocolate?! I thought I had the only one. Glad to hear mine's not as alone as he seems in that regard.
Ok, so I have to totally agree with you on not being able to find things to get personalized for a mommy of nine. It is rare unless I do research online under something like "giant families". LOL
Thanks for the tips though...
Although I usually get the same thing & makes me quite happy. We all go to church, the kids make me breakfast, my husband cooks me dinner, & all of the kids usually make me something.
(think I will order you book for myself as an added bonus! YEAH!)
I find that leaving something that you want your hubby to find on the toilet seat (in the down position) with the item that needs attention circled in bold with red sharpie works wonders!
Play Doh cologne? Seriously, who came up with that one? I love the diary with the flask, but where's the Valium suggestion?
I've already asked (begged) for a copy of your book for Mothers Day. Did that a couple of weeks ago :)
Kathy D.
Dawn,
My mom got me one of those sock coin purses at Clairs Boutique. LOVE reading your blog - keep it coming :)
Kristin
Mississippi
DAWN!!!!
I love your blog, always makes me laugh, even when I'm blue.
DID YOU KNOW that, when you click the link for your book you get the Amazon website, and when you are curious, like me, and click the "Author" link you see TWO books for Dawn Meehan - this one and No. 2 - "White spot syndrome virus in frozen shrimp sold at Massachusetts supermarkets.: An article from: Journal of Shellfish Research" by Cara Reville, Jennifer Al-Beik, Dawn Meehan-Meola ......"
WOW, you are so-o-o busy!!
Who knew?? LOL
I have been reflecting, on the upcoming day we celebrate Mom's. I would like to share with you a quote from Sally Field, one of my favorite timeless actresses. Sally states in the Ladies Home Journal magazine, Motherhood is given the brush-off in our society. "Oh, I'm just a Mom," you hear women say. JUST a Mom ? Please! Being a Mom is everything. It is mentorship, it's inspirational and it's our hope for the future. I want to applaud them publicly.
Thank You Sally!!
and
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Thank you, Dawn!
I actually forwarded this blog entry to my husband, who always stresses big-time over both Mother's Day and my birthday (which comes just about a week before Mother's Day, poor guy!) I didn't specify anything, just said perhaps it could trigger some idea for him, but I did comment how amazing it was that you could get a "family" sculpture that accommodated large families. Well, lo and behold, I opened my gift from him yesterday, and - you guessed it - a Mama and Papa bear and 7 little bearlets hanging out on the couch! It was obscenely expensive, but certainly an heirloom. Now we just have to try not to have any more baby bears, so they don't feel left out when they look at the sculpture! :)
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