What to get a mother who says she doesn't want/need anything?

[cintinative]

Okay, I am going to break with the traditional here. What if you donate in her name something from the World Vision Gift Catalog or Heifer International? Your money would go to buy a goat, pig, chicken, or a donation toward livestock, clean water, etc. Not everyone would appreciate this, but for someone who has everything or literally wants for nothing, it is a great gesture.

[434Teresa]

a small scrapbook with the kids pictures so she can carry it with her.

[thecooperhouse]

Any thing with pictures will work for almost anyone! Walgreens has a bunch of photo gifts. I do necklaces with pictures as pendants and will be making these for a lot of the people on my list!

[oasisofchange]

Pay to have her house cleaned or a massage gift certificate....I dont know a mom who couldnt use a break....Angela

[momto8kiddos]

I love the idea of giving in her honor to Heiffer International. Another idea: send a floral arrangement.

[Lmnde]

You got some great suggestions above in gift cards/certs for hair dresser, spa day, massage etc if she does these kind of things. Oil change and car detailing are also great.

If you're all grown and long gone = perhaps a special quality time day on the town - just the two of you [no kids, sibs, spouses], especially if you do not see her all that often any more. Also if you are gone - a commitment [to yourself] to write bi weekly or monthly letters w. pics to stay in touch [especially if she is not online, like many of our older parents].

[XUfan]

I am one of those moms who says not to buy me anything. I am in my early 50's, and my kids are in their early 30's. My son is going to school, working, and raising his two kids. My daughter lives alone, but has lot of expenses, including student loans...besides living 900 miles away from us. I don't want them to stress over spending money that they need, on something for me. I tell them both, that I'm happy with a long, chatty phone call or a visit. Either one is perfect for me!

But, if you are going to buy something...I do agree with the posters who have said that you need to take into consideration what her interest are. For instance, if I was your mother, you'd already know that I don't wear jewelry, I go to the cheapest salon to get my hair cut, I never go out to dinner, and I don't need any nick nacks. A gift card would never be spent on anything for me...because I just don't buy myself anything unless I seriously need it. I'd just use it on something for someone in the family. Also, the massage or day spa thing would be wasted on me, as I have "touching" issues.

I'm not trying to sound picky...I'm just saying that you need to think about who she is...what she likes...AND what she doesn't like. I think if you really think about it, you can come up with a winner!

[beth119]

For people who have everything... and need nothing...

I make charitable donations in their names :)

This can even work with people you just don't know what to buy for them. ABout 2-3 years ago, my teenage brothers dog died. They were both 15 I think (raised together). I wasn't sure what to get him for x-mas, so I made a donation to the Humane Society in memory of Scout. He still says that was the best gift he ever got!

[Colinsgrandma]

I really don't want or need anything. My mil says the same thing and I don't buy her anything. When you get older all you really want is to spend a nice day together. My husband and I don't buy each other anything either. We spend the money we would have spent going on a trip.

[wookin]

I don't want or need anything either. But one year my DD and husband found a place (WalMart does this now) where she took my favorite picture of her when she was small and had it put on a tapestry. I cried like a baby. It's probably 4X8 or something like that. It's huge and I absolutely love it. We have it hanging in our living room and I really don't care what anyone else thinks of it. It is very special to me and that's all that counts. I think you can do other things now too like pillows, smaller throws. Just a thought.