Mother's Day used to sneak up on me every single year. Nestled in the busiest time of the year for our girls, the holiday always seemed to appear out of nowhere and I'd be scrambling to come up with a gift.

A few years ago, I finally decided to lump Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts in with Christmas. The gifts became bigger and the stress became less. But old habits die hard. I still have a hard time letting go of getting my mom at least a little something throughout the year - a souvenir from a short trip or a book I know she's been eyeing on my bookshelf.

With Mother's Day just around the corner, May 14, I thought I'd list a few ideas with those still trying to figure out what to give the person who gave you the ultimate gift - life. 

1. Time to herself. 
Grab the kids, Dad, and leave the house for a couple hours. The kids are wild this time of year. Sometimes, Mom just needs a couple hours of quiet.

2. Time out.
Call the babysitter and schedule a spontaneous date with your spouse. She picks the activity.

3. Family time.
Schedule a true family outing. Check out a local museum. Go to the park. Get outside and do something together.

4. Kitchen duty.
Kids and another adult cook dinner for mom and clean up the mess. Cleanup is the biggest gift here!

5. Movie time.
Rent a family movie, put on the popcorn, and enjoy a quiet afternoon.

6. Pick some wildflowers (from home) for mom.
Display them in a nice vase or a pretty teacup.

7. Day off.
Admittedly, I have the hardest time with this one. Mom is NOT allowed to lift a finger on Mother's Day. It will be harder for her than you.

8. Photo time.
How often is Mom actually IN a photo? Make it a priority today to get a snapshot with Mom and the kids in it.

If you feel like giving a tangible gift, here are a few more ideas.

1. Books.
Find a great book your mom will enjoy and then give her a little space for reading time.

2. Pampering
What mom doesn't want to escape for a quick local massage, pedicure or a bit of pampering? Schedule it or present a nicely wrapped gift card for services.

3. Hand-written notes.
Find some pretty stationery for mom to use for note-sending. Even better, write a few sentences about how grateful you are for all she does.

4. Wine.
If you have children, there is no explanation for this gift;)

5. Coffee fix.
We are so lucky to have an assortment of coffee shops in the Robinson area offering frothy caffeinated beverages. A gift card to one of these places offers Mom a quick guilt-free jolt to get her week going.

6. Cleaning service.
If Mom is falling a little behind in the housecleaning department, offer a little extra assistance (that can be you, another individual, or even a service).

7. Food service.
So many people I know are absolutely in love with online boxed food services offering recipes with all the ingredients straight to your doorstep. Fast, fresh food at its finest.

8. Professional family photos.
I'm listing this specifically for my mom who really wants a family photo. (I promise we'll get everyone together and get it scheduled.) Moms are proud of their families. I can't think of a better way to show them off.

There are so many things moms can use, but what they really want is your time and attention. Indulge them on May 14:) 

Happy Mother's Day!