Mother's Day ideas on a budget

By: Morganton News Herald Staff | StatePoint
Published: May 01, 2009

If Mom taught you anything, it's not to waste money — especially in tough economic times. Luckily, there are many creative ways you can celebrate Mom this Mother's Day without breaking the bank.
Mother's Day should be all about pampering Mom, letting her know how much she means to you and giving her gifts that truly have meaning to her, regardless of cost.
Here are some great ideas to let your mother know she's special:
• Create an At-Home Spa: While spa treatments, bath beads and lotions can be costly, you can use inexpensive replacements — such as Epsom Salt and petroleum jelly — to create at-home pamperings.
For a relaxing soak add two cups of Epsom Salt to water in a standard-sized bathtub and soak for at least 12 minutes. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Mom's favorite soft music and a scented candle can make the experience truly relaxing. For a foot scrub, mix a quarter cup of petroleum jelly with two cups of Epsom Salt and a few drops of essential oil. For an inexpensive exfoliating facial, combine common cleansing cream with Epsom Salt.
• Make Mom a Meal and Floral Arrangement: She's made you plenty of meals. Now it's your turn. The food doesn't have to be expensive — pastas, salads and soup all will work. It just has to be made with love. Add ambience with candles and her favorite tunes. Or pack it all up for a picnic. The same goes for flowers. Prepare a floral arrangement from your own garden and save a trip to the florist.
• Make a Special Garden Pack: Clear out the garden so Mom can do some spring planting. Then put together a basket with packs of her favorite flower seeds or herbs. Don't forget to include plant food or fertilizer. Inexpensive options like Epsom Salt also will work well here. It helps seeds germinate, makes plants grow bushier, produces more flowers and deters pests. When preparing her garden, sprinkle one cup per 100 square feet before planting.
• Give Her the Gift of Time: This can mean many things. Plan a day to spend together visiting her favorite museum, park or landmark. Or, clear out the kids and do the chores so Mom can spend quiet time alone with a favorite book or movie. Consider making it permanent by giving her a subscription to a magazine and the time alone each month to enjoy reading it.
Mother's Day doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to be about letting Mom know you care by taking the time to show her.

Mother's Day ideas on a budget

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