Working moms have a 24/7 job. If they’re not at work, they are working at home. Yes, husbands may help…but sometimes they can’t or simply won’t. Many moms also don’t have the option to rely on their husbands or partners because they are parenting solo. When everything is all on one woman, stress can take its toll. There are only so many hours in the day for the job, kids, meals, homework and the rest of the household responsibilities.
For moms who are running a solo enterprise and wearing multiple hats as mom, dad, and every other role, it’s hard to take a break. Actually, breaks are pretty much like a mythical unicorn. When the weight of the household, the income and everything that holds the family together are shouldered on one person, the responsibility and stress is incredible.
But single working mothers are a growing majority in American households. According to a Washington Post article written by Emily Badger titled “The unbelievable rise of single motherhood in America over the last 50 years”: “Single motherhood has grown so common in America that demographers now believe half of all children will live with a single mom at some point before the age of 18.”
Kids are the badges of honor that showcase the wonderful work of every mother, but every mom also loves a gift of appreciation…just because. And, frankly, Mother’s Day isn’t enough! For the friends in your life who are incredible working mothers (single, married, divorced…) but who don’t ever take a moment for themselves (we all know those moms), surprise her with something out of the blue that she will love!
For the Fashionista
The mom’s personal budget is usually the first that takes the sacrifice. Kids need clothes, shoes, braces…and food. Sometimes there isn’t leftover surplus for mom to go out and buy a new pair of shoes or new clothes. Sometimes there isn’t even enough left over for mom to get a haircut. Chances are high that she’s putting herself last…because that’s how most moms operate (sometimes even to the detriment of their health). Here are a few great gifts to give your favorite friend who loves fashion (but can’t invest in herself):
Gift cards: Make sure the card isn’t for a store that sells kid’s clothes. Otherwise, she’ll be tempted to use it for the kids. Opt for her favorite store or a local boutique that sells her favorite styles.
Spa Day: Treat her to a spa day for a mani/pedi and maybe a new hairstyle. Or gift her with a massage to help her de-stress.
Cosmetics: If you know her favorite brands, surprise her with a great shadow palette, some new lipstick or a few crazy cool shades of nail polish that brings out her fun side!
For the Mom with a Sweet Tooth
We all have friends who are choco-holics or who just love sweets! Maybe she doesn’t always indulge her sweet tooth, but you can! If the way to her heart is through sugary goodness, try these delicious surprises:
Cookie Bouquets: Better than flowers, because they are edible! You can customize an awesome friendship cookie bouquet in any design…or cookie flavor! However, iced sugar cookies are the best option when you really want to customize a cute cookie.
Favorite Candies: Give her a gift bag filled with her favorite candies. Licorice, M&Ms or peanut butter cups…whatever she craves, give her a bundle! Just make sure she stashes it away for her! You can also craft candy bouquets created out of lollipops, candy bars and other favorites!
Classic Cookies and Baked Goods: For a DIY treat, bake up a batch of her favorite cookies or brownies. Or bake a cake or her favorite pie. This is a simple gesture that can really make someone’s day!
Extra Time
If she’s doing everything solo, one of the best ways to show appreciation is to give her the gift of time. Offer to babysit for the kids so she can do errands, get her hair done or just relax. Or help her out at home. Offer to take on a few chores to ease her load. You can also surprise her by hiring a cleaning service to take over for a month or hire someone to mow her lawn.
Whether it is her birthday, Mother’s Day or any other present buying event, a surprise gesture to a busy mom outside of that lone day makes a huge impact. Moms rarely put themselves at the top of the to-do list, and often they need a reminder that they are important, too.
Gwen Lewis is a writer and makeup artist based in Southern California. Because of her passion for beauty and health, she hopes to help others not just look great but feel great, whether through makeup or her writing. In her free time, she enjoy shopping and pick-up soccer games with her friends.
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