Mother's Day, Recession Style

by Phil Stott

So in case you hadn't noticed the barrage of commercials, it's Mother's Day this Sunday. And, despite Fed Chairman Bernanke's encouraging words about the state of the economy this week , there's still a recession on. Given that, it seems unlikely that Mom will be on the receiving end of a new luxury SUV or flashy piece of jewelry come Sunday, but there's no reason that frugality has to cancel out fun all together. Here, then, are five ways to ensure Mom feels special this weekend, without breaking the bank (or resorting to flowers or chocolates). And remember, as dads, for many of us that means two sets of gifts-the ones for our own moms, and the mothers of our children.

Get the kids involved

OK, so it's not going to save a ton of cash, but having your kids make something for Mom makes the day that much more special-especially if there's evidence that you've spent time and effort helping them to do it.  There are some great ideas for do it at home presents on the internet (like these, or these), but even if you're not that handy, anyone can supervise a child making a card. And a couple of glue sticks, some card and some glitter will probably only set you back what you would've paid for Hallmark anyway.

Do it yourself

Staying on the homemade front, making a nice meal is a great alternative to splurging in a restaurant. No use in the kitchen? No worries. If you can't find something among this bunch that you can cope with, there's always, uh, salad. To make it even more relaxing for Mom, send her to the bathroom for an hour while you get busy with the pots and knives.

Enjoy the great outdoors

So you might need the weather to cooperate, but there's no reason to sit home all day on Mother's Day. Plan a family trip to a nearby park or nature reserve. Maybe even pack a picnic and make a day of it. Just try not to put the stress of getting ready on her-get the kids and the food ready yourself, and make sure you've got a rainout plan in reserve.

The next best thing to being there

This one's for the grandmas that don't live right down the block (or for parents who might be away from home on the big day). For those that haven't tapped into the wonders of modern communication yet, give the gift of a webcam. Decent ones can be had for less than $40, but that's your only outlay thanks to Skype (assuming the person you're giving it to already has a computer). Even if you have to spend an hour on the phone talking a technophobic relative through the set-up, there's nothing like being able to see your loved ones on a special occasion, even if it's only on screen. And it's a gift that keeps on giving all year long.

If you must get a gift...

...get something she needs. I know, special days are supposed to be about spoiling people, but here's a newsflash: 2009 is not the year of the luxury purchase. If there's some kind of home project you've been putting off, consider making that her "gift". A piece of furniture you desperately need or an essential item of clothing she's been talking about needing? All of those are decent alternatives to dropping a bundle of cash on something that you'll either consume, set on a shelf, or haul out once or twice a year at most. And bear in mind: if you do have something you desperately need as a family, splurging on something else won't make it go away. Not that you shouldn't spend your money exactly as you please; it's just that the pressure of gift-giving can sometimes be overwhelming, and it helps to remember that paying for a much-needed tune-up for the car can be every bit as much a gift as a diamond-even if you can't wear it.

Whatever else you do on Mother's Day-if indeed you acknowledge it at all-bear in mind that it's a day about families, and doesn't have to be about gifts. One final word of advice, though: if you're not planning on doing anything, it might be an idea to tell her first!