Still missing this one gift for mom (mum)? Here are some suggestions...

No or little cost

1. The best and most thoughtful gift I think still is a handwritten Christmas Card, Christmas Letter or Christmas Note. By “handwritten”, I mean “filled with your own words”. So, not a Hallmark card with just your signature! Be inspired, think about what she helped you with this year, what you appreciated her doing or why you admire her. It will take a bit of time, but no or little money. You can even just fold up a piece of paper, because your words on it will make it special. I tell you, this gift never gets old…

2. Another idea would be anything handmade by you. This could be a painting, a poem, knitted mittens, a Christmas ornament, or a beautiful, framed photo. All moms love those gifts!

Little cost

3. What about her favorite “treat” like chocolate, coffee or tea? What does she hide and doesn’t let you eat? Or what does she only buy for special occasions? That would be exactly what I would buy for her.

4. Does your mom hate getting her hair wet in the shower? Then get her a fun shower cap. The sillier, the better. Ah, and make her put it on after unpacking it and take a photo….

5. Is your mom complaining about needing more peace and quiet (does your dad snore, or does she wake up to the tiniest sound?)? Then buy her these ear plugs. I have used them myself for a few years and the noise of the TV in the living room, my noisy neighbor’s dog or the tourists in the next hotel room can do whatever they want. I don’t hear them anymore…

More costly

6. If you are a Third Culture Kid (living abroad with your family) and would like your mom to learn more about your challenges, then the Third Culture Kids book is helpful. It is “the” book that shows her what the specific challenges you have.

7. This unusual card game “We are not really strangers” family edition will make your whole family talk. There are interesting questions about funny topics, so no awkward silences around the dinner table anymore...

8. If your mom is really busy and doesn’t have time to keep a diary, then this “One sentence Journal” might be a good idea. For the next 5 years, she just needs to write just one sentence a day and in 2027 she will have a beautiful memory book!

9. Who loves funny socks? Oh, your mom? Me too! I found these socks really cute. They have lots of designs and it is so much fun to choose a pair for her (and maybe your dad as well…).

10. Another sleep tip for your mom could be this sleep mask, I have been using it during the summer months or when we travel, so early morning sunshine doesn’t affect me anymore…

P.P.S.: 4 Expensive gift ideas, so maybe better for dad to buy…

11. Heated Blankets are good for the months when your mom just wants to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate. We have this big soft pink one and me and my daughter love it! If mom always has cold feet when she travels, this smaller heating pad is great to carry along.

12. Has your mom been complaining about having a hard time getting out of bed, especially in the winter months? A wake-up lamp helps with opening your eyes up slowly. My daughter has been using this one for a few years and loves it.

13. Does your mom need new headphones to have more privacy, listen to music and catch up on audiobooks? I have been using Apple Air Pod Pro for a while now and love them. If your mom has these and always loses one of them, please know that you can buy just one replacement pod from the Apple Store. If she wants complete privacy and be “in her own world” then these new noise-cancelling Apple Air Pod Max headphones are a great idea. A much cheaper alternative are the Beats Flex wireless.

14. Your mom love to read, but doesn’t have time to read? Just get her a membership at Audible.com where she can find the newest books in audio format. That way, she can do the driving, cooking, and other chores while listening to something interesting. Ask me, I have had a membership since 2005, I actually think I am one of their earliest members…

15. Does your mom work from home and needs the rest of the family “to be quiet”? This white noise machine will give her some privacy when she is working or on a Zoom call. I have been using this the model whenever I am working and not alone at home for over 2 years now.

I hope these gift ideas help you (and the rest of your family) find the last-minute present for your mom. If you have some tips of your own, please send them my way and I will make another list inspired by all the daughters from my community.

Happy Holidays to you and your family, wherever you will be during these days.

Kindly, Andrea