Life gets busy and time slips by, which is why you may have only just realized that Mother's Day is right around the corner. Wait much longer and you might find yourself standing in front of a nearly empty greeting card display at the grocery store choosing between a foreign-language Mother's Day card and one that looks like it was trampled by a college football team. The good news is that there are still plenty of last-minute Mother's Day gifts for your wife that she will truly love.
If you are going to shop at the last minute, and especially if you haven't picked up on the many not-so-subtle hints your wife has been dropping these last few weeks, your gift better be a home run. Your wife does a lot for your family and she deserves way more than a trinket from the check out lane of the drug store. Put down that silk rose wrapped in cellophane that lights up at the touch of a button, and don't even think of buying that box set of perfume displayed next to the razors. This is not your sixth grade girlfriend — she is the mother of your children.
Now that you know what to avoid, here are some awesome last-minute gifts you can still get for your wife this Mother's Day.
1
Mani-Pedi
If it's the day before Mother's Day and you haven't gotten your wife a gift, stop into her favorite nail salon and get her a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure – and don't be cheap. Splurge on the gel manicure and spa pedicure, because she deserves it.
2
Designer Sandals
Designer sandals such as Tory Burch's Miller sandals ($195) are all the rage, but because of the steep price tag, many moms just admire them from afar. If you want to give your wife a lovely surprise this Mother's Day, stop by your local department store and pick her out a cute pair of Millers.
3
Massage
Wellness spas focusing on massage memberships have popped up all over the country. Massage Envy, for example has more that 1100 locations in the U.S. If you're still looking for that last-minute Mother's Day gift, stop by your local franchise and either pick up a gift card for a one-time massage, or buy your wife a monthly membership.
4
Photo Calendar
Moms love pictures of their kids and keeping organized. Walgreens offers do-it-yourself photo calendars (starts at $20) that can be designed online and picked up same-day at one of their locations. The best part is that you can start the calendar on any month, so your wife won't have wasted calendar pages.
5
Weekend Getaway
Moms, especially those with small kids, need a break. Go online and book a weekend getaway for just you and your wife. Whether your budget allows for a couple of nights at a local hotel or flying out to an island resort, your wife will surely love spending grown-up time together and relaxing. Most importantly, make sure to secure a babysitter that your wife trusts before booking the trip.
6
Maid Service
The one thing most moms wish they could spend less time doing is house cleaning. Contact a reputable cleaning service like Merry Maids, which has locations all over the U.S., and schedule a one-time cleaning. Or, you can make your wife's year by hiring someone to come in for monthly, bi-weekly, or even weekly housecleaning services.
7
Mini Shopping Spree
Every time I walk into Marshalls, TJMaxx, or Target I undoubtedly find a million things I would love to buy. I often secretly wish that my husband would send me on a little shopping spree on my birthday or Mother's Day so that I can finally get some of my "wants" instead of just spending money on my "needs." This Mother's Day, send you wife to her favorite store with a gift card so that she can fulfill her dream of having her own shopping spree.
8
Books, Books, & More Books
If your wife is a reader, consider getting her a basket of best sellers this Mother's Day. Or, if you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, sign her up for the Book Of The Month Club (12 months for $144). She will thank you each month as a new release arrives by mail.
9
Theater Tickets
What is more fun than getting dressed up for dinner and a show? Visit your local performing arts center and check out their line-up of upcoming shows. Whether she's into operas, musicals, plays, or concerts, you will surely find an event that she will love, and you will get a much-needed date night to boot.
10
Upgrade Her To Premium
11
Cut To Order Flowers
Every mom would love to receive flowers on Mother's Day, but the flowers from Bouq's ($40 and up) are special. You can order online, and your flowers will be cut on the day you order from a local farm or artisan and shipped right to your door.
