Not to Be too repetitive:

1. Wash Mom’s Car- a few times and make sure you actually do it. Make a big coupon or an impressive card declaring your intention to get Mom’s car spotless!

2. Print and organize all those photos of family sitting on your phone

   1. Ink is not cheap nor is photo paper — Free at work?

   2. You can send them as an album electronically but physical photos are probably better for sharing.

   3. Organize old family photos into chronological order. You could put them in an album but that will cost at least a little money depending on where you shop.

3. Make a private Youtube channel with photos and videos of you and your family. This can be quite time consuming but has no “out of pocket” cost. You can easily make your channel private to be password protected shared only with family if you like. I believe you need to have a google account to manage your channel.

4. Make a special meal - Obviously food is not free but a well planned meal can be pretty thrifty and you need to eat anyway so you probably have to spend the money anyway. If you can read a Recipe you can cook and she will appreciate the effort.

5. Offer to wrap your Mom’s gifts for the rest of the family. My sister did that for me last year when being a single dad was crushing me. Best gift in years. Thanks Sis!

6. Volunteer with your Mom! If your mother has an interest: Habitat for Humanity, A soup kitchen or even at Church giver her an afternoon or two at her Charity of choice that will make for a pretty meaningful connection and memory.

7. Handwritten Letter - Express your feelings and gratitude in a heartfelt letter.

8. Homemade Coupons - Create coupons for chores, a movie night of her choice, or other special treat.

9. Photo Collage - Assemble a collection of cherished family photos into a digital or physical collage. With scanners and color printers these days it can be done without risking your originals.

10. Memory Jar - Fill a jar with notes of fond memories, quotes, and reasons why you love her. Or even organize trinkets from your life together and put them in a bottle/jar as a mini “memory chest”.

11. Customized Playlist - Curate a playlist of her favorite songs or tracks that remind you of her.

12. Recipe Book - Compile family recipes or your favorite recipes into a personalized booklet.

13. Home Spa Day - Create a relaxing environment with homemade facials, bath salts, and soothing music.

14. DIY Art - Paint or draw a picture, or create a piece of art that reflects your feelings for her.

15. Home Movie Night - Organize a movie marathon with her favorite films and homemade popcorn.

16. Personalized Calendar - Design a calendar with family photos and important dates highlighted.

17. Handmade Jewelry - Craft a simple bracelet or necklace using materials you have at home.

18. Garden Plants - Repot some plants or herbs from your garden and give them as a gift.

19. Crafted Bookmarks - Create personalized bookmarks for her reading pleasure.

20. Storytelling Session - Share or record a story about a memorable moment or family history.

21. Cook or Bake Together - Spend time together cooking or baking something special.

22. Home Decor - Make decorations like garlands or photo frames using craft supplies you already have.

23. Poetry - Write a poem that captures your appreciation and love for her.

24. Family Recipe Video - Record yourself cooking a family recipe, explaining the significance behind it for you.

25. Memory Lane Tour - Create a virtual tour of meaningful places with photos and stories. Perhaps a lake cabin you went to together or beach vacation from childhood.

The toughest thing about many of these gifts is that we all have so little time to make them, but time and creativity usually mean the most. Here are some ideas that are a little different but only take a minute to buy and send.