Date Published: 02/29/2008
Mother's Day is the one day a year that you are supposed to give your mom anything she wants. But what about all of those birthdays on which she got you the total opposite of what you wanted -- the underwear for the holidays, the car emergency kit for your 16th birthday, that bland desk set for graduation? Consumer Guide remembers these moments just as well as you do, and for that reason, we know what awful gifts you might be considering for your mom. We're hinting to you in advance that these gifts are not what you want to get your mother this Mother's Day -- or any holiday for that matter.
No Deep Fryers or Small Appliances
Some moms are culinary geniuses in their children's eyes, while there are other moms that can't even make decent scrambled eggs. Either way, your mom does not need to be receiving kitchen appliances for Mother's Day.
A mother would not be too keen about getting a deep fryer for several reasons. First reason being that she is not a fry cook -- and if she is, she does not want to work at home. Second, deep fryers take up much-needed counter space. A deep fryer is not used all of the time and therefore would be in the way of everyday tasks. Last reason not to give her a deep fryer -- she may take it the wrong way.
If you must get her something for the kitchen, consider something that will make her life a little less stressful. Tea makers are perfect for your mom because although it is a kitchen appliance, it will help her make some fantastic tea. The Capresso H20 PLUS Glass Water Kettle is the perfect gift to help mom make a simple and soothing cup of tea. Then she can finally sit down and relax.
Capresso H20 PLUS
Lawn Care is Definitely Out
Lawn care products are definite no-no's. There is a difference between yard work and gardening. Gardening can be quite calming and some moms choose to make it their hobby. Yard work can be considered tasks that take up a majority of time and are not pleasant to do, such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves or trimming trees and shrubbery. Your mother might appreciate the getting something such as a pond kit, wind chimes or other garden decorations and plants to add to her garden. But you should never present her with a lawn mower or riding mower with ribbons. She might just run you over with it.
Fitness Equipment
Although your mom might want to get in shape, it probably wouldn't be with the BodyCraft K1. There's a risk you might come home to find her twisted up in this machine or any other home gym for that matter. Even if she wants to get into shape, it's doubtful that she wants the means to do so give to her as a gift on her big day. A stair stepper might seem simple enough, but chances are she won't see things your way, take it as an insult and tell you that the two of you will be getting exercise together walking the item back to the store whence it came.
As an alternative to heavy exercise equipment, we suggest a Yoga starter kit or some additional equipment if your mother is already a Yoga practitioner. Yoga is a popular exercise for many people these days. Your mom will get exercise, some time to herself and much needed rest and relaxation.
iRobot Scooba 5800
Cleaning
Washers and dryers are harsh gifts to your mom. She has spent a lot of time taking care of you as is and does not need to spend her special day doing your laundry. You're a big kid so do it yourself. Besides she might feel some rebellion and start the women's lib movement up again. And no one could blame her for doing that as a response to receiving two large metal, square appliances.
A vacuum cleaner is a pretty bad gift too considering it is yet another cleaning tool. Cleaning takes up time that she could be using for more enjoyable things. However, there is a loophole here. The iRobot Scooba 5800 can wash hard floors and the iRobot Roomba 560 can vacuum rooms. They key is that they can do it on their own. Just press a button and their off scrubbing and vacuuming. These two robots work well in clutter-free rooms and aren't meant for really big messes; however, for daily chore purposes, your mother can literally rest assured that things are getting done around the house.
Mother's Day can really mean something to a mom. No matter what your mother is like, there's something out there for her other than a lawn mower. Take her interests into consideration when shopping for a unique gift and make sure what you give her is not going to be a burden. Above all, remember she's taken care of you for a long time and deserves something good -- despite any weird presents she's gotten you over the years.
