Thanks, Mom.

Thoughtful ways to say it -- (mostly) without buying stuff.

John Currin, Daughter and Mother, 1997, oil on canvas

Hi! Sorry, I’m not going to give you a list of cutie pie Mother’s Day things to buy (for the most part). Instead, here are some ideas that, while perhaps more effort than a credit card swipe, are just as lovely as a new bathrobe.

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1. Buy back her time. What chore can you take off her plate? Is grocery shopping a full-time job in her household? Buy her a year of Instacart Premium, set up a delivery for her first round, and put the groceries away for her. Has she been complaining of crappy sleep? Run her a hot bath with Epsom salt before bed, make her a cup of tea, and then give her a new bathrobe… with a gift certificate for a massage this weekend. Is she always in charge of dinner? Order in something really fancy and special, like her favorite sushi. Can you pull up some weeds and mow the lawn without being asked, without complaining, and without her needing to throw you a congratulatory party for doing the bare minimum? Is the house a mess? Call in reinforcements: an extra day for the housekeeper, a great yard guy, or roll up your sleeves yourself. Do all the laundry and do it correctly, fold it and put it away — then surprise her with a new handbag or pair of shoes for her neat and tidy closet.