Mother’s Day is such a special day out of the year and probably one of the most overlooked. After all, none of us would be here if it wasn’t for mothers. When I was younger I faced two big struggles when trying to think of a gift idea for my mom. Number one, she already had everything! It seemed anything she ever wanted she just bought. Number two, I always felt like I had no money. Sometimes this was probably true, other times I know it was just because I wasn’t budgeting money wisely. Now as a mother myself one of the biggest stressors I put on my family is the fact that I am a minimalist mom. My entire life centers around avoiding clutter. So what do you buy a mom who doesn’t want stuff? Whatever the case and whatever your financial situation this Mother’s Day I have got the ultimate Mother’s Day gift list for you. Whether you have a mom who has everything, a limited budget or a mom who doesn’t want anything. So here’s my ultimate list of minimalist Mother’s Day gifts to avoid clutter and not break the bank! 

*This post contains affiliate links through which I may make a commission. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Out and about

One of the best ways to avoid getting mom a gift that will add to clutter is by getting her out of the house! There are so many great options when it comes to finding ways to treat your mom. Whether it’s a day by herself or a day with her favorite person (you, obviously.)

**Save even more**: To save the absolute most money on purchases like this be sure to open your Ibotta app and then shop Groupon listings. If you don’t yet have the Ibotta app, click here to get an additional $10!

• Yoga lessons – When browsing Groupon you will find a ton of different options for peaceful ways to treat mom. Things like yoga classes are a great idea if you know your mom already loves yoga. Here are some other great ideas if your mom is a dedicated yogi:
• Wine tasting – Wine tasting is all the rage these days. Treat your mom to a day at the winery filled with wine tasting and maybe even some great finger foods! You could also have wine samples delivered to her 3 times a year with Vinebox!
• Body massage – For me personally, this is all I ask for on Mother’s Day. Sometimes mom just needs those kinks worked out. Give her the gift of a private room with dim lighting where she can take a snooze and just unwind.
• Brewery – Maybe your mom isn’t the wine type.  If she’s more of a beer-drinking lady, then treat her to a local brewery and lunch! Just be sure you both get home safe!
• Dance class – Check out the local dance classes in your area. If you have a mom that loves to cut loose she might enjoy some of the salsa, ballroom or…pole classes? Explore your options and keep your mom in mind when choosing!
• Mani/Pedi – File this one under “Treat Yo Self.” Sometime’s making mom feel special on Mother’s Day doesn’t take any more than just giving her a little pampering. Personally, I love when my nails are done. I just instantly feel better.
• Comedy show – Not sure where to go? Take her to a comedy show! This will be a great chance for you guys to spend some time together and get in a few laughs.
• Painting class – There are so many options for painting classes these days so make a night of it! Take your mom out and create with her side by side. If you’re not artists, then just do it for the laughs and the memories.
• Try a new restaurant – When looking for local dining experiences, don’t forget to check out Restaurant.com! You can get great deals on gift cards where you get $25 but only pay $10!
• Hotel stay – Maybe you are ready to go all out for your mom. While your mom deserves a month-long vacation in a tropical paradise, but maybe you can spring for just a weekend.
  • Book with Airbnb for the first time and receive $40 off your stay!

Mild clutter

Don’t worry, if you have a clutter-free minimalist mom, you still have plenty of low-clutter options.

• Smart coffee mug – Now, obviously, if your mom is not a coffee drinker, this won’t apply. If she is an avid coffee drinker (and she’s always running to the microwave to warm it up), consider investing in a Smart Mug that keeps her coffee set at her perfect temperature and can be controlled by an app!
• Kindle gift card –  Is your mom a big reader and you know she doesn’t want to add any books into her house? Then opt for a Kindle or iBooks gift card! That way she can read without adding to the mess!

• Gift card to her favorite store – Maybe your mom rarely shops for herself. Don’t give her the option to spend money on anything else but herself! Go straight to the source and get her a gift card for her favorite store.
  • **Save even more!** – Don’t forget to check your Ibotta app. You might be missing out on extra savings! They often partner with a wide variety of stores to get your money back on your purchases.
• Hands-on reading – Maybe your mom is like me, she doesn’t like clutter but she needs to hold onto what she’s reading. She needs to literally have a page-turner. If that’s the case, opt for a good book. Maybe you aren’t totally sure what book to get her set up with, check out Cratejoy and their variety of subscription box book sets! Then again, maybe your mom is more of a magazine lady. She likes to keep up with all the latest. Then you can also select from a wide variety of magazines that are more catered to her taste.
• Card or thank you – Yes, cards are expensive but sometimes they say the words we can’t think of ourselves. Make sure to take your time and select a card that really stands out. Maybe a card doesn’t feel right. Try writing her a personalized Thank You card. Nothing could make her happier on Mother’s Day than knowing you appreciate all the hard work she has done over the years.
• Bottle of wine – Grab your mom a bottle of her favorite wine, or you could just set her up with a wine club membership for the year!
• Baking class – I’m sure your mom is already a perfect baker! But, would she like to learn some new techniques? Don’t worry, she doesn’t even have to leave the house to get some of the best baking tips. Designer-cakes has cake decorating classes from beginner to pro!
• Cooking class –  Maybe baking isn’t her thing, she’s much more into cooking! Again, she doesn’t even have to leave the house she can take advantage of Smart Kitchen cooking classes at her convenience. If you really want to throw her for a loop, put her in Gordon Ramsey’s cooking class!
• Flowers – I am not an advocate for flowers as gifts on holidays, however, maybe your mom has a favorite flower or plant that would totally brighten her Mother’s Day. Consider buying a potted plant or getting flowers from the local farmer’s market!
• Subscription boxes – There are so many fun subscription boxes these days! If you find one perfect for your mom, she could receive little gifts from you throughout the year. Then the pressure is off of you to actually hand select a gift as well. Just trust the experts. Here are some of my favorites:
  • UrthBox
  • StitchFix
  • Love With Food
• Canning materials – If your mom is crazy frugal and really efficient in the kitchen, this might be the perfect gift for her. The Mason Jars Company has canning materials, fermenting kits and tons of other fun things to do with their mason jars!
• TV – Chances are your mom already has TV, but you could actually help her cut her cable bill by $1,200 a year! Mohu has top-quality indoor digital antennas that are helping people get rid of their dish, save on cable and still get TV throughout the house!
• Buy her groceries – I know this sounds silly, but if your mom loves grocery shopping through online stores, you might consider flipping the bill for some of the membership fees. Places like Thrive Market have membership fees that often turn people off. Unfortunately, they miss out on the convenience of saving huge on their grocery bills and having their food brought right to their doorstep.
• Get her a fitness membership – If your mom has been wanting to get her exercise in more, you could get her an Aaptiv app membership so she can use it to work out from home or the gym!

Use your gifts

If you really are just strapped for cash or can’t think of anything for your mom consider giving her a little bit of your God-given talents. Maybe they are even something you’ve inherited from her, like your singing voice or artistic ability.

• Sing her a song – I did this last Mother’s Day for my mom. It was terrible. My grandfather used to play the guitar and sing beautifully. Every night when I was a kid she would sing me one of the songs he used to sing her. So, I self taught myself the chords and played them terribly while attempting to sing along to the song. I meant well and I think that’s all that matters.
• Create a piece of art – Are you great at drawing, painting or sculpting? Consider creating something unique and special just for her. Something she can display and proudly say was made by you.
• Hand make something – Beyond artwork, are you good with building or crafting things? You could build her a bench, something for her garden, or even a cute bird feeder. Something that is fitting for her that’s made just by you.
• Coffee mug (old school) – Remember that old ceramic mug you made her when you were little that had all the holes in it? (I never got the chance to make one.) Maybe you could give that a second go. Hopefully without holes! Even better, make it with her and make sure both of your fingerprints make it onto the bottom.
• Write a poem – Maybe working with your hands is not your specialty, so use your words. Write a poem or a story for her. Go a step beyond and have it framed. She will love getting this little piece of your heart. Heck, you could even write her a book of poems and have it printed!

Sentimental

You can never go wrong when you go sentimental. Taking pieces of your lives and putting them together for her to cherish is something most moms crave. It will take more of your time and effort but is usually highly affordable and has a huge payoff.

• Slideshow – Create a slideshow for your mom and set it to her favorite song. Maybe one she used to sing to you when you were little.
• Create a photo book – You can easily create a beautiful photo book using photos taken from Facebook or Instagram that fill the pages of a bound book. Mom’s love having these quick grab books to show their friends, especially if it means they get to show off grandchildren! You could even get extra creative and make her her own magazine!
• Transfer home movies – Let’s face it, the older we get the less we understand technology. If your mom has videos on VHS, her phone, computer or camera take the time to get them transferred onto a DVD or USB for her! Most moms want this done and it’s something that never happens!
• Retake an old photo – You’ve seen the photos of siblings who took an old photo from when they were toddlers and re-created it as adults. They are absolutely ridiculous and they make a perfect Mother’s Day gift to make her smile.
• Piece of the past – Did you move from your childhood home? Has your mom lost a parent? Consider taking a piece of something that meant that world to her and turning it into a keepsake she can always have with her. I did this once for someone with a key from their old home. I simply took the key, framed it, and put it with popular song lyrics, “The House That Built Me.” I have also done wedding photos where the bride has taken a piece of her deceased father’s shirt and had it sewed into her gown. You can easily do this with blankets as well. That way she gets to keep a piece of a special person with her all the time.
• Just spend time with her – This is the last one and yet it’s probably the best. Especially if you don’t see your mom that often or if you live far away. Do whatever it takes to stop in and give her a hug directly from the source.

No matter your budget, talents or time make sure you stop to think of your mom this Mother’s Day and come up with something that will make her smile. After all, she has done a lot for you over the years. Make sure she knows she’s appreciated. I know too many friends who didn’t make it out of high school with a mom by their side. If you still have yours, consider yourself lucky and take every chance you can to appreciate her. She won’t always be around. So make sure she feels special this Mother’s Day.

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