I asked Denver moms on Mile High Mamas’ Facebook page about what they really want for Mother’s Day. The responses were varied but the majority was surprisingly low-key. The lesson learned? You don’t always need to overthink or overspend; just focus on what Mom really loves.
Girls’ night out
“What I wouldn’t do for an entire day hanging out with girlfriends — doing whatever, shopping, bowling, dining, hiking, going to a show,” says Kristy Mouti. “Being a mom is hard work anyway, but when your husband is gone for months on end like mine, it’s really a trial.”
Tip: The nationwide phenomenon “Listen to Your Mother” features live readings by local writers who will have you laughing and crying as you celebrate Mother’s Day. Performances are May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Elaine Wolf Theatre (350 S. Dahlia St.) and on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Dairy Center (2590 Walnut Street, Boulder). Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. listentoyourmothershow.com/Denver
Homemade gifts
Moms love anything handmade by their children — from cards to flower pots, to breakfast and treats. For a keepsake she’ll treasure, make a framed silhouette by printing out a picture of your child’s profile and tracing it onto black cardstock. Cut it out and glue their silhouette onto the center of a mat and frame it.
Documenting memories
Wendy Phillips and her sister are creating a Memory Jar for their mom where they will write down their favorite memories on little cards and place them in a jar. You could also make Mom a video tribute or have a company like DVD Your Memories transfer those old home movies onto a high-quality DVD.
A picnic
Michelle Foote always loves a picnic planned by her kids. Undeterred by May’s fickle weather, she says, “If it is cold outside, we find a unique place to have it indoors.”
Tip: To jazz up your picnic, grab some novelties from Swoozie’s in Cherry Creek, including the Tarpestry ($83.95) a Colorado-made outdoor blanket on one side, tarp on the other. A Scout tote (prices start at $37.95) is perfect for transporting your goodies or pool toys. Make any gift special by getting it monogrammed with Mom’s name for $10 or $5 for vinyl personalization. swoozies.com
A simple day
Lori Cooney is a single mom battling cancer and cherishes when her three kids made her a delicious hot breakfast with fresh flowers, took her for a pedicure and then prepared a barbecue feast. “We all sat outside as we talked and laughed while they cooked and cleaned up. It was low-key, but those small things in life made for my most memorable Mother’s Day yet.”
Family jewels
Jewelry with your children’s names is popular but what about commemorating their artwork? The Vintage Pearl’s Love Notes takes those precious handwritten notes or pictures from your children and hand-stamps them onto charms you can wear as a necklace or bracelet. Charms start at $78. thevintagepearl.com
Flowers that keep on giving
For many years, Nancy Bruners’ children and grandchildren have helped plant all her bedding plants the Saturday before Mother’s Day. “We enjoy a few hours together, clean up the yard and then go to lunch. We all enjoy it (especially me!) and I remember those moments all summer long when I look at my flowers.”
Watch Amber on 9News My20 in the 8:30 a.m. block as she showcases her favorite picks for Mother’s Day.
