Featured photo by Thiago Cerqueira
Our moms are our first caregivers. From the moment she finds out we’re growing in her womb, she is looking after our best interests. Mother’s Day is a time to thank her for everything she did in those first nine months and beyond.
One of the most important things our moms do for us is look after our health when we’re too young to understand what we need to do (or when we’re too stubborn to do it). As we become adults ourselves, we tend to turn our attention toward Mom’s health.
Making that combination of acknowledging Mom’s devotion and caring about her health creates the need for thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts. It’s a great way to express your gratitude for how she watched after your health–and a great way to return the favor.
Tips On Finding Healthy Gifts For Mother’s Day
Better Food Ideas
Valentine’s Day has programmed us all to think that candy makes a great gift. We also love to give baked goods and desserts. It’s all in line with the idea of comfort food and of expressing affection with calories.
Of course, not everyone should eat that kind of food. Many women find themselves paying more attention to their health as they get older, so they may pursue a gluten-free diet. Other moms may have health issues that suggest problems with gluten.
Gluten Free Gifts
If that sounds like your mom, you can check on gluten free gift baskets as a healthy, loving gift for her this May. They can provide just the spark she needs to start down a permanent path of eating foods that will help her feel better over the long term, instead of just enjoying a little decadence after dinner.
Fruit is a great choice too. Particularly in southern climates, certain fruits will be in season by Mother’s Day and you may be able to get a basket of fresh local produce that will make a beautiful decoration for the home as it is gradually enjoyed by Mom (and maybe Dad).
Exercise Options
Not every healthy gift you can get for mom has to be healthy food! Physical activity is one of the most important things to health at any age, so a gift that helps your mom get some exercise is a great idea.
There are as many different levels of exercise need, ability, and opportunity as there are moms. Some mothers want to lose some weight. Others need to build cardiovascular health. The older moms may be trying to improve bone strength to ward off osteoporosis. And every mom has a busy schedule that will have to be able to accommodate exercise.
In the last few years, a number of companies have emerged that really emphasize that they are catering to the non-athlete. They provide lots of instruction and market their welcoming atmosphere as a way to attract the people who need the gym the most. And many chains are open 24 hours a day, making it easier to fit exercise into a busy schedule.
If you aren’t up for a membership for mom, exercise trackers and their related apps can also be a great tool. They provide lots of feedback with the ultimate in time flexibility.
Care On The Outside
Health is much more than skin deep, but Mom’s appearance should always get some attention too. The cumulative years of sun exposure, hard work, and stress may have taken a real toll on her skin.
In addition, your mom may have other unique circumstances that dictate some other considerations. Diabetics, in particular, need special attention to their skin. Any mom with a history of skin cancer should use high-SPF sunscreens when outside, and if your mom loves the outdoors, some hydrating lotions to reduce chafing, chapping, and sun damage could be just what she needs.
The opportunity to look after Mom’s health as we all grow older is a special thing. After many years of caring for you, it’s only fitting that you help her out with her needs as you become more and more able to do so. Mother’s Day is a great time to do that, and the gifts you provide can make a big difference in her life, just as she has in yours.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That we have to all appreciate the little things and to not take anything for granted.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate within yourself and/or life?
I’m blessed to have loving family and friends in my life.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? And what makes YOU most proud? Any goals and dreams that you still have?
Graduating from Arizona State University in 2013
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Nobody’s perfect and it’s been hard to accept it. I’ve learned to embrace my curly hair, my curves and my quirky personality.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my unwavering intensity. Everything I do is 100 percent.
