Mother’s Day is right around the corner. I’ve been getting junk mail about it and seen the commercials, wherein I’m being strongly encouraged to do my share of giving and gifting for yet another celebratory opportunity that involves nice, sweet and sometimes fancy gifts. But see here… I’m actually the target of this special day as I am also a mom, but the truth is, this advertising ploy is not going to work on me. I’m simply not going to buy into sentiment.
I’m not very big on receiving gifts on quasi-special occasions; I guess it was just never in my nature to be that outwardly or effusively sentimental. Perhaps I’m just the practical sort. But simple sentiment that isn’t bought are found in presents of my choice — stuff much like the hand-written letters from my grandmother who has passed away, the cards my preschool child has drawn out for me, or the volcanic rocks I picked up from a trip to Hawaii with my soon to be husband 15 years ago. You get the picture.
If there are heirlooms to be had, I do hold them dear (which I thank my own mother and grandmother for). But I am not ready to start my own traditions by wishing I had any of this stuff:
Don’t Buy Me This, Please
#1 A Lifelike Baby
Yes, this item was actually placed under the category “Gifts For Mom”. I fail to see how anyone older than 8 years old would want a baby doll, but this is probably because I just don’t “get” the collectibles market.
She’s a sweet little miracle you must see to believe! This lifelike baby doll is the very FIRST So Truly Real collectible vinyl doll that “breathes”! Just wait until you cradle her in your arms! Created by master doll artist Andrea Arcello, tiny Baby “Ashley’s” gentle breathing - so peaceful to watch, so wondrous to feel - tells you that she’s truly content to be loved by you!
For The Astounding Price Of: $129.99 US
#2 Lovely Heart-Shaped Jewelry
This just doesn’t excite me as I don’t wear jewelry at all. And that is because I’m somewhat rebelling against the provisions of my culture, where women are steeped in jewelry from head to toe. And I have never worn anything that had a heart on it, even as a kid.
Looking for that perfect gift for Mom on Mother’s Day? Give Mom this Thomas Kinkade heart-shaped jewelry pendant, inspired by Thomas Kinkade’s beloved painting, “A Perfect Red Rose”! A symbol of perfect love, this beautiful Mother’s Day diamond pendant makes a great Mother’s Day gift idea; it’s elegant heart-shaped design is expertly crafted of sterling silver roses with gleaming 24K gold-plated ribbon accents. A second 24K gold-plated sterling silver heart is suspended within, showcasing a single shimmering diamond - what a way to thrill Mom on Mother’s Day!
For The Special Price Of: $99.00 US
#3 A Garden Bench With Inscriptions
I love my garden quite a bit, but I’m not quite sure about benches with words on them.
“With love in your heart you always have time, to share your feelings while mending mine. These memories we have will endure forever. I thank God for you, and the times we treasure.”
Mom will know just how special she is every time she reads this heartfelt poem!
For the Handsome Price Of: $145.95 US
On yet another day of wanton appreciation, we’re out there in full force buying up these charms. Are those warm and fuzzy feelings really worth the hundred or so bucks you spend on it? For many, the answer is: Yes, appreciation knows no bounds. And this is what the merchandisers want to hear: for instance, if you have a mother in your life who insists on a token reminder of your love and care, here’s one place where you can shop for gifts for any mommy type you can think of: from “gardening mom” to “pet-loving mom”, “stylish mom” and even “gadget mom”. The marketing tsunami out there refuses to leave any mother’s gift unturned.
If you ask me though, I’ll say: save your money. There are more basic, simpler options I’d consider. Time spent, special moments instead of special stuff, a present carved out of resourcefulness and a shot of creativity (that everyone can muster somehow, if they tried). Or if you insist…I’ll take a free e-card.
So here’s my message to my loved ones on these days of tribute now and every year forward: I’ll take good behavior, time and affection over anything material.
Did I say I wasn’t terribly sentimental?
What the heck is wrong with a $3 hallmark sentiment? The only problem is that the USPS doesn’t deliver on Sundays.
I’m surprised you only used one example of chintzy jewelry. What about all the mother birthstone bracelets?
Dimes — nothing is wrong with a $3 hallmark sentiment; I was saying that I’m not the type who goes for that sort of stuff, but perhaps many others do. Also, I’m just impressed with the 3 figure sentiments available for purchase right now for special days that honor each type of person in our lives.
I agree 100% with you! I am so glad my family has developed a much more sensible tradition - they buy my annuals for the garden on Saturday and then give me the whole day Sunday to putter in the garden - offering up any help I may need.
http://casualkeystrokes.com/what-are-your-mothers-day-traditions/
[...] O, That Special Gift: How Much Do You Pay for Sentiment? [The Digerati Life] [...]
[...] O, That Special Gift: How Much Do You Pay For Sentiment? by SVB @ The Digerati Life. This is a must read for those who are in the habit of remembering their mothers only on Mother’s Day. It’s my theory that people who go overboard on such *days* are the ones who tend to ignore the person for the rest of the year - argue against it if you want. [...]
Char — that’s the best idea I can think of for ourselves as well. I love plants and I am thrilled every time we receive them as gifts from anyone!
[...] Valley Blogger presents O, That Special Gift: How Much Do You Pay For Sentiment? posted at The Digerati [...]
[...] choice: “How Much Do You Pay for Sentiment?” at The Digerati Life. Keywords:Carnivals Email This | function fbs_click() [...]
Finally, someone who’s willing to SAY what I’ve been feeling for a long time. First, we simply don’t have the money to spend on our loved ones for every Mother’s, Father’s, Grandparent’s, birthday, you name it. Second, I feel every day is Mother’s Day, and folks ought to treat their loved ones with kindness all the time, rather than save up all their emotion for just one day! Third, I think it’s disgusting how gobs of retailers take advantage of these pseudo-holidays to pressure people into buying useless crap - and most of it IS crap - for their loved ones. Argh.
For the cost of a stamp I think we can all give our mother’s the best gift ever - a simple letter by our own hand acknowledging all the things and times they touched our hearts and lives that they may not have known or remember.
Hugs,
Holly
Here via the Carnvial of Family Life
[...] Day I encouraged participants to talk about frugality and moms! » SVB @ The Digerati Life [… How Much Do You Pay For Sentiment?] » ispf @ Grad Money Matters [5 Gifts for Mom That Won’t Ever Go Out of Fashion] » Golbguru [...]
[...] Valley Blogger presents O, That Special Gift: How Much Do You Pay For Sentiment? posted at The Digerati Life. The Silicon Valley Blogger says, "Mother?s Day is right around [...]
[...] Mint’s Carnival of Family Life choice: “How Much Do You Pay for Sentiment?” at The Digerati Life. [...]
[...] Mint’s Carnival of Family Life choice: “How Much Do You Pay for Sentiment?” at The Digerati Life. [...]