Mother’s Day is around the corner and with the average person expected to shell out around $180 on this celebration, it’s important to mind your budget when searching for that perfect present. After all, your mother wouldn’t want you to overspend on her anyway!
If you’re seeking one of the traditional gifts like flowers, gift cards, a spa treatment or a meal out, check out these five frugal tricks to save money without skimping on the sentiment.
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5 ways to save on Mother’s Day
1. Flowers
Florists have been known to hike up prices right before Mother’s Day, given it’s a popular time to order flowers. If you had a fresh arrangement in mind, head over to a local grocery store to scope out their selection. You can typically stems and bouquets for up to 30% less. For moms who love to garden though, opt for something she can plant in her front or backyard. Alternatively, a faux flower arrangement from discount stores like HomeGoods or Marshalls are the perfect home decor gift that will last.
2. Restaurant outing
Taking mom out to brunch or dinner is a popular way to celebrate this special day, but beware of pre-fixed menus which could become costly especially for a big group. Instead of sticking with the traditional meal out, consider an activity that doesn’t require overpriced restaurant fare. Take mom on a day hike to spend quality time together and pack a picnic filled with her favorite snacks. Otherwise, host a potluck with family and ask everyone to bring a favorite dish for that extra special touch while saving on food.
3. Gift cards
[Editor’s note: Money expert Clark Howard normally recommends against buying gift cards, but he does make an exception when you can buy gift cards from healthy companies at a substantial discount.]
If you prefer to have your mother choose her gift, a gift card to her favorite store is a good option. Plus, you can find discount gift cards for at one of the discount websites to save up to 25% off the card’s value. For example, you can save nearly 30% on gift cards to Talbots and 10% off of Macy’s gift cards. You can also score savings on gift cards at warehouse stores like Costco, which offers bundled deals like $20 off $100 worth of gift cards to California Pizza Kitchen and $25 off $100 MovieTickets.com gift cards.
4. Greeting cards
Even though your mother may not expect or even want a gift, a greeting card is a must. Sharing a special sentiment is a wonderful way to make her feel special. The best place to buy greeting cards is one of the dollar stores like Dollar Tree where you can find a large selection of 50-cent cards specially designed for Mother’s Day, from mother to new moms to daughter to grandmother. Consider greeting cards cost an average of $4 a pop at drugstores and big box retailers, this is a big savings especially if you pick up a few cards for every mom in your life.
5. Spa treatment
Sometimes all your mom wants is a little rest and a relaxation on this special day. Before you book a massage or body treatment, check daily deals sites like LivingSocial or Groupon for savings of up to 60% off. If it’s still not in your budget, a little creativity can go a long way! Pick up a cute tin from a craft store and make your own spa basket filled with beauty products like bath salts, lotion and a lavender-scented candle. Make sure you take her kids or clear her schedule so she can really relax and enjoy the “spa” time.
If you’re stumped on a gift, give mom the best one of all—the day off. Doing her laundry, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, washing her car or taking her clothes to the dry cleaner won’t cost you much if anything at all and is a priceless gift that she’ll simply adore!
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