Posted by Reyna Estrada in M/I Homes Culture

Our mothers are part of our legacy. From day one of our lives, they teach us, help us, comfort us, encourage us.

Maybe your mom has spent hours at the dining table with the kids, schoolbooks and homework sprawled out everywhere while she provides encouragement to not give up on that algebra problem. Maybe she’s provided a soft shoulder to cry on at times. Maybe she works long, rigorous hours at her job to take care of her family.

Maybe, just maybe, Mom could use an extra special Mother’s Day this year.

Mom and Daughters in Kitchen

Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Mother’s Day Gifts

Sure: flowers, cards, chocolate, and other treats can be nice gifts for mom, but here are some unconventional ideas that could really light her smile up this year:

Let Mom Sleep In.

That sounds simple, but you might not realize how much of a gift that can really be, especially if there are little ones in your home! Keep everyone occupied and quiet, turn off the alarm, and let her catch some extra Zs.

Create Your Own Gift.

We’re not talking about just scribbling on a piece of paper this year. There are plenty of easy projects you can work on as a family without making a huge mess, and you can find practical gifts that Mom actually can use. Keep your project hidden until it’s time to surprise her!

Design a Clean, Decorated Space to Hang Out.

Maybe Mom’s not the obsessive cleaner in your family, but everyone appreciates a space to kick back and relax without any distractions!

What’s her favorite place to cuddle up with a book or to watch her favorite shows at home? Go all out and stock up with all her favorite things:

  • Queue up her favorite shows or movies;
  • Help her relax with her favorite candles, essential oils, or incense;
  • Get a few of her favorite snacks (don’t forget salty and sweet options!);
  • Have plenty of blankets and pillows available for maximum comfort;
  • And, most importantly, join her as a family!
Cozy Family Room Setup

Print Out Family Photos from this Year.

You don’t even have to run out to your local grocery or pharmacy to print photos anymore—plenty of websites make it really easy to order photo prints online, and they usually have free bundles, too! Bonus points if they’re the right size for her photo album that’s not quite complete!

Write Her a Full Letter, Not Just a Card.

Highlighting your favorite memories with Mom or telling her specific things you appreciate that she does or is should take up lots more space than just signing “Love you, Mom” on the bottom of a Hallmark card. Carve out some time and speak from the heart.

Take Advantage of Nice Weather!

From taking the dog and whole family out to enjoy a nice, long walk around the neighborhood to putting together a simple picnic, there are lots of ways to celebrate Mom in the gorgeous sunshine (if the weather cooperates, that is!).

If she'd rather stay around home for the day, first bring her cup of coffee just the way she likes it on the porch and give her a quiet and peaceful start to the day. Younger kids can create a special message and picture for Mom in sidewalk chalk can really make her smile. Taking a fun and silly family photoshoot outside is a great way to commemorate the day!

Check out what some M/I Moms are looking forward to this year.

Memory-Making Inspiration from Our Very Own M/I Moms

One of Nichole's favorite things to do with the kids is going for hikes or nature walks. They hit the trails and look for dinosaur bones and fossils (rocks and sticks). The kids love searching and seeing how many different animals or flowers they can find on each trail. Nichole can't wait for more nature and sunshine together!

Kari and her family of 6 (husband, son, daughter, and 2 dogs) have been enjoying settling into their new M/I Home. With 2 puppies, a few saltwater aquariums, and no shortage of neighborhood friends in and out of the house, it is certainly a zoo but one with lots of love. Daily activities include lots of football in the backyard, cooking family meals together in the kitchen, trips to the beach to watch the sunset, and simply enjoying all that sunny Sarasota has to offer. This Mother’s Day, Kari hopes for lots of kisses from her babies, though some breakfast in bed and sunflowers would be a nice touch.

Get you a girl that can do both: from shopping to playing “excavator,” Jessica and her daughter “work” hard and play hard! Whatever shenanigans they get into next, Jessica can’t wait to make memories with Chapel and her adventurous spirit.

Courtney and her children regularly stroll the neighborhood ponds searching for the oh-so-perfect rock to skip or throw to make a BIG splash! Vacations are her family’s favorite way to spend time together and make memories. They love to travel and explore new places together.

Getting creative with her kids is Kim’s jam. One of her favorite memories this year was a family outing to a local painting spot for step-by-step paint-along. Between sips of apple juice and adding some creative elements to their koalas, this day was full of fun. These paintings are now hanging in their home as a reminder of fun times and the kids have a blast asking all of their visitors if they can guess who painted which koala. For Mother’s Day Kim is hoping for brunch in bed—hold the apple juice—and more homemade artwork from her favorite artists.

Julie finds that her kids can keep themselves busy for a bit playing in the sand or the waves while she sneaks another glass of wine and has a charcuterie board ALL to herself. The beach makes everything better, and she’ll be looking forward to burying her nose in a good book while catching some rays with her crew.

Rachel and her husband, Eric moved into their M/I Home in November, and it’s been the perfect place to welcome their new baby girl, Charlotte. You can find them cozy in bed on lazy mornings, hanging out on the couch watching Netflix, or enjoying family walks around the neighborhood. Rachel is excited for her first Mother’s Day and is hoping for lots of newborn cuddles and long naps for all.

And my family loves to dance, volunteer, and TRAVEL! It’s our favorite time to bond and create memories while exploring new countries and cultures!

We can’t wait to hear about your favorite Mother’s Day memories! From homemade gifts to extravagant spa days, share the best gifts and experiences you’ve enjoyed with your families this year.



Author

Reyna Estrada
Reyna Estrada

Author

Reyna Estrada has been with M/I Homes since 2008. As a National Manager of Internet Sales, the team mission is to serve our customers on their online home buying journey with speed, efficiency, and world-class service. Reyna and her family have lived in North Carolina for over 20 years, and they enjoy world traveling and volunteering in the community.

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