Lost for Mother's Day gift?

Created as a day to celebrate motherhood (or perhaps it was another Hallmark creation to generate revenue), Mother's Day has become something similar to Valentine's Day. I saw a women's inquiry to Miss Manners asking if it was too much to expect a card from her mother-in-law on Mother's Day, as she was caring for the woman's grandchildren and should therefore be thanked. Are you kidding me? I am happy to have healthy, happy kids, so my Mother's Day will be spent racing a 30k with my family supporting me as the best gift ever.

However, I thought it would be nice to offer a few gift suggestions for those who have Mother's or wives with young children. Suppose those mothers are runners, then here is some sage gift advice for this upcoming May 'holiday.'

1. Flowers. I believe these are best left in the garden where they can be enjoyed much longer than those cut variety, plus mom is not then responsible for cleaning up when they drop pollen all over the kitchen table and does not have to tote the wet slimy stems out to the compost pile... Potted plants are more enjoyable, last longer, and can be used to teach children about gardening. Of course, I would also offer to watch children so she can plant the thing. I have lost a few potted plants that did not live after they were never put in the ground.

2. Movie time. Going out to the movies can be fun. Some people seem to do it often. It pains me to see the amount of money one must plunk over to watch a film and enjoy some goodies, so we don't go often. This Mother's Day, perhaps a running video would be more enjoyed and of course she can watch it over and over for motivation.


3. Lingerie. Maybe this is more a Valentine's Day thing and I cannot imagine anyone giving any to their moms (please don't tell me if you do). But as an alternative, might I suggest a new running top? While the lacy pieces might say 'I love you', the sports bra says 'I support you as a running mom because it makes you healthy and sets a great example for our kids.' I, for one, love hearing that!


4. Drinks on the town. Ok, yes, the sound of drinking a few beers out on the town sounds wonderful after a week with my kids. Then I remember that it takes only one for me to start getting pretty happy. I also vaguely recall not feeling in top condition the morning after I last drank and that it ruined my workout the next day. So instead, I recommend a new water bottle. There are great bottles for trail running and what better way to encourage your mother or wife to stay hydrated and healthy and ready for that next race?


4b. I would also gift her some electrolyte replacements to put in that bottle. With summer approaching and some long runs and races on the horizon, this will be vital to keeping her in top shape. Someone told me about a woman doing shots of whiskey during the Boston Marathon. Don't know how that worked out, but I'm going to stick with what I practice in training... And so should you.


That sums up my gift recommendations for this Mother's Day. It is a special day to celebrate the "mom" in your life and her healthy lifestyle. But please, whatever you do, don't give her gifts like these:


I am all about practicality, but underneath it all, she is a woman and not a maid. Get these for the kids and let them clean the floors. Maybe mom can get the flowers planted while the kids are hard at work.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad