Parenting

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Five things you should never buy as a Mother's Day gift

While we're on the topic of the worst Mother's Day gifts you've ever received, let's talk Mother's Day gifts that should be strictly off limits.

A definite no.

A definite no.







Kitchen appliances. Not the gift of choice for Mother's Day. No bread makers. No Cuisinarts or blenders. Even for kitchenistas. Even in cool retro colors, don't do it. Especially when you're replacing something that's broken -- that doesn't even count as a gift.

Exception: A coffee maker. Mama needs her caffeine.

What, you think I smell?

What, you think I smell?









Lotions. Yes, we know you think it's sweet to buy us lotions because women like to doll up and smell purdy with soft, luscious glowing skin. But what we think when we open this gift is, "I know I don't shower every day, but are you trying to tell me something?"

Exception: A slightly overpriced but exquisite lotion that a mom only purchases on special occasions.





Not. Hawt.

Not. Hawt.










Little House on the Prairie-inspired pajamas. Caroline Ingalls is the only mom who ever will make them look sexy.

Exception: Grandma.







I will never. clean. again.

I will never. clean. again.









House-cleaning gear
. Even moms will admit the Dyson DC07 vacuum is one hot little number. But for a $600 price tag, we'd rather have the cash. We're in a recession, people. Drop that money into a savings account.

Exception: Mom asks for it. And even then, we're not even sure it's cool.






The Man Cold. Oh I know. You can't buy a cold. But you know what I'm talking about. The only thing worse than a kid being sick on Mother's Day is a husband/partner being sick on Mother's Day. You and your man colds. Mom should high-tail it 'outta dodge. But she won't. Because she's Mom.

Exception: Never.

For more do's and don'ts on Mother's Day, check out Rachael Brownell's post over at Strollerderby.



Related links on Shine

What's the worst Mother's Day gift you've ever received?
Mother's Day Gift Guide from the editors of Shine
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 496
  • Kaylan's Avatar
    Posted by Kaylan Thu May 8, 2008 6:29pm PDT

    The man-cold vid was hilarious! And I agree, lotions isn't really that nice of a gift. The reason? Because it is one of those store-bought gifty items they display right in the front of dept stores. As if every mom out there really needs more lotion in her cabinet. Honestly, if you check those gift sets at the store, a lot of them are made overseas and given the recalls these days, I'd be worried what is in it.

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  • Kiesha M's Avatar
    Posted by Kiesha M Thu May 8, 2008 7:57pm PDT

    I would love something that is just for me, a new coffee pot would be great, because my other one sucks! And I am the only one in the house that drinks coffee, and maybe to be able to sleep in, yeah that would be cool! Um yeah but not a vacuum ugh i would be really bummed!

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  • different kind of normal's Avatar
    Posted by different kind of normal Fri May 9, 2008 3:57am PDT

    What usually happens in my family on Mother's Day is my husband and father-in-law grill overcooked steaks and 'hockey puck' hamburgers, they sit down to watch a baseball game and fall asleep on the couch. Then I sit with my MomAgenda planner and check schedules and wish for something to do other than watch B-grade movies that don't interest me. And try to keep our kids (and nieces and nephews) from killing each other.

    I'll take an appliance, I'm allergic to most lotions, I need a new vacuum cleaner .... but mostly I wish men would come up with something original and thoughtful, that I don't have to tell them, remind them, explain the benefits of, or pick out for them. In other words -- put as much thought, care and attention into planning something for Mother's Day as we moms do in taking care of our families! Simple!

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  • Phyllis B's Avatar
    Posted by Phyllis B Fri May 9, 2008 5:39am PDT

    I would love all of those, maybe even the ProActive like c_stoppa. Buy me things I need but don't want to pay for out of my own pocket. even if the new vac comes out of the same bank account. To me its a difference. But like everyone else, all I want is a day to myself and indulge. I'm thin with a big appetite. So I want to shop and eat all day, no cooking or housework.

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  • m3m3m3's Avatar
    Posted by m3m3m3 Fri May 9, 2008 7:54am PDT

    My rule about Mothers day/Birthday gifts is nothing that plugs in and no gift cards. I think those rules are great because it really makes someone think.

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  • Watcher's Avatar
    Posted by Watcher Fri May 9, 2008 7:57am PDT

    I agree about the ugly nightie, man colds and lotions--Oh Lord, do I NOT need or want any more lotions! But quality Kitchen appliance? Oh heavens YES!!! And a Dyson vac wouldn't get a snarl from me. I think the important key to Mother's Day gifting (or any other gifting) is to know the receiver. If Mom really covets her friend/sister/whoever's Kitchen-aide, then get one for her! Diamonds are always perfect, but if that's out of the budget, give her a gift that says you really know her. And men, don't be a cheap-skate because your wife isn't your Mom. If she does the job, she should get some perks!

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  • MARY E's Avatar
    Posted by MARY E Fri May 9, 2008 7:57am PDT

    I would love any of the things listed, except the pajamas. I would consider flowers or jewelry a big waste of money.

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  • Tek's Avatar
    Posted by Tek Fri May 9, 2008 7:57am PDT

    This article/blog is ridiculous. Since when does lotion say, "You smell"? It more says, "I lack creativity, or I waited until the last minute." This author seems quite uninspired, and perhaps a little simple minded. Who actually has control over whether or not they catch a cold? Stupid.

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  • bradylover's Avatar
    Posted by bradylover Fri May 9, 2008 7:57am PDT

    I agree...especially the man cold...they're such babies! I want breakfast(eggs benny), relaxation(daddy entertains kids), mexican takeout for dinner and Daddy to to baths! I LOVE the homemade gifts from the kids...I save them!

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  • c's Avatar
    Posted by c Fri May 9, 2008 7:58am PDT

    stupid article. my mom is all about kitchen appliances.

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