Mother’s Day in Jamaica – Gift Ideas for Mom

Mother's Day in Jamaica is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May. The day hasn't changed but the COVID 19 pandemic will certainly make our celebrations a lot different this year.

You may be tempted to cancel Mother’s Day in Jamaica this year because of all the restrictions. DON’T! Now more than ever, mommies need to be shown some love and appreciation for all they do.

Moms have never been more tired. We are spending our days cooking meals, taking care of the home, homeschooling and working from home. I think I speak on behalf of all mothers when I say, we are exhausted!

Daddies, school is out so you cannot rely on those creative cards that our teachers would help our kids to make. If you haven’t already ordered mom a gift, it is too late to have anything shipped and with COVID delays, you certainly won’t be getting it on time, so think local.

Here are some ideas!

Unconventional Gifts

Since she can’t go to the spa, take the spa to her

 Daddies, get the kids to help you tidy up your bathroom and transform into a home spa for mom. Grab some great smelling candles (lavender is said to reduce stress) and draw her a relaxing bath, prepare the ingredients for a simple DIY facial, and maybe a body scrub and lay them out. Get the kids in on the fun and offer a pedicure or a manicure or even just have her soak those tired feet in Epsom salt. Buy a great smelling body oil and add your personal touch by ending the day with a sensual massage.

Upgrade her gadgets or get her new ones

For wifey

If mom loves gadgets, now may be a great time to get her an upgrade. Notice that she is now sharing laptop and phone with the kids who are homeschooling. If this isn’t going to put you too much out of pocket, especially in these times, surprise her with an upgrade. 

If she already has all the gadgets, get her a smartwatch. I didn’t think I needed a smartwatch until my husband bought me one. It’s a game-changer to have my calendar, notifications, emails, health tips all at my fingertips. When I discovered I could answer the phone and have a conversation from my watch…life-changing! The features are so many and so practical, any mom will fall in love. 

Garfield got mine at the Samsung Experience store in Tropical Plaza.

For mom

An upgrade may also be a perfect gift for grandma who may be feeling lonely with all this social distancing. Keep her connected with a smartphone or a tablet so you can video call, send her pics and have her feel a part of the family even as we social distance.

Support her hustle or hobby

Most of us are thinking of creative ways to stay afloat during this time. Is mom one of those people? If you notice that she has started a new business, is dusting off an old business idea or maybe just a new hobby, show your love by getting her an item that will help to support this new venture. This will require some research so you must demonstrate a genuine interest in what she is doing. Ask and pay attention to what she needs to make it successful. If you can, get her a gift which helps to get her there.

Traditional Gifts

Flowers

This is very old school, but flowers never fail and will always cheer up mom. In fact, you'll be doing two good deeds since a lot of our local flower shops have been suffering because of the restrictions on events. So, show your support and give some love, by purchasing a lovely bouquet for mom. Hubby's go-to flower store is New Green House.

Perfume

Experts agree that our sense of smell triggers our memory, probably more so than any of our other senses. Surprise her with the perfume she used to wear when you first met. For extra brownie points, also enclose a handwritten note of a favourite memory you have of her wearing that perfume.

Or is she running low on her favourite scent or perhaps you may want to introduce her to something new? She may not be going anywhere for a while, but she will love a great perfume. Garfield always gets my favourites at Royale Jewellers located in both Tropical and Pavilion Mall.

Jewellery 

I'll be honest, I do think buying pricey jewellery may not be a good idea, especially if your finances are shaky. But if you are one of the lucky ones untouched or booming because of this pandemic, then go ahead and buy her a personalized item (Necklace, bracelets, earring, rings) she will love. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Her favourite bottle of wine

This needs no explanation. If mommy loves wine, give her wine. Plus you can pair it with just about all the other gifts mentioned here.

Priceless Gifts

A personalized note

A personalised note to say just how much you love her (handwritten for extra brownie points) will go a far way. If you are strapped for cash this is an especially thoughtful gift. Remember, school is out, so children won’t be coming home with those great personalized cards they usually make at school. Have your kids each write mom a handwritten letter telling her why they love and appreciate her. You can either buy a card to stick them in or get creative and make one.

A home video

If you are more tech-savvy, make a home video. Record the kids saying thank you and their favourite thing about mommy. Ask close family and friends to send their videos too. Edit them together and throw in some footage or photos of beautiful memories. Create a movie date with the family and surprise her with your homemade video. She will love this!

A day off

I ran a poll and hands down the best Mother’s Day gift you can give this year will cost you nothing. It’s giving mom the day off!

Start with breakfast in bed and hand her the remote or a great book and tell her today she will do nothing. Keep the kids out of her way. Take them for a walk or a drive around the block. Make sure they know its do-not-disturb mommy day. This idea can be combined with the spa day above.

Give mom full butler service. Let the children help you take her lunch and make her dinner. If you do not know your way around the kitchen, then order out. Most restaurants are still doing take out and are happy for the revenue.  But call and find out if they will be open on Sunday (call today, right now).  Get all her favourite meals or at least one meal from her favourite restaurant. End the night with a sensual massage in spa day above.  

I promise you she will be the most grateful mom ever!

Worst Mother's Day gift ideas

Masks – I know its Coronavirus time but do not give us any damn masks, not as a Mother’s Day gift anyway. Designer or not, we do not wish to be reminded of this dreadful pandemic.

Cooking utensils – Unless mommy is a chef or she is starting a new cooking-related hustle, do not, I repeat do not, buy her any cooking utensils or apparatus. We are tired of the kitchen.

Lingerie – Let us just clarify that sexy lingerie is for you, not us. So, do not buy it as gifts for us and especially not on Mother’s Day.

Nothing – We know these are difficult times so we won't be too hard on you if there is no budget to buy a gift. But for the love of God, this is the mother of your child just saying Happy Mother’s Day is NOT enough. Not having money is no excuse. The best gifts in life are free and I have given you three priceless ideas. With this very dreadful situation, you simply must do something to show your appreciation to mom.

Come on fellas, get your act together and let's make this year's Mother's Day in Jamaica extra special. Fellow mommies, you can thank me later.