“Only our mother would give us a gift on a day we’re supposed to honor her!” That’s what my kids exclaimed when they saw the Mother’s Day Gift Tag on their presents from me!
I know you might be wondering about my reasons. While I’d love to claim originality, the idea wasn’t mine.
I was inspired by a friend who shared her tradition of gifting her children on Mother’s Day. When I asked her why, she simply said, “because, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have the privilege to be called mom.”
Why I Give Gifts On Mother’s Day
Her words truly resonated with me. After reflecting on it, I realized that this gesture of honoring my children on Mother’s Day could beautifully mirror a mother’s love for them.
Instead of focusing on my own recognition that day, it became an opportunity to express my gratitude for the incredible privilege of being their mother. It was about acknowledging that God chose me to guide them, and for that blessing alone, I wanted to honor them.
Let’s be honest, one day a year barely scratches the surface of what we mothers do tirelessly! So, celebrating my children on Mother’s Day certainly wasn’t diminishing my own special day.
However, I had no idea the profound effect this decision would have on my kids.
The Effect On My Kids
I must admit, my children were completely taken aback. Our usual Mother’s Day involved church in the morning, followed by brunch at home, where my husband and children would shower me with cards and gifts.
The first year I implemented this, as they were about to give me their gifts, I paused and said, “Wait a moment. Before we start, I have something for you both.”
Their expressions were priceless. After all their playful complaints like, “Mom, we’re supposed to be giving you gifts,” I finally quieted them down to explain.
I shared how incredibly blessed I felt that God had chosen me to be their mother and that without them, I wouldn’t be a mom. Then, I handed them their gifts.
For them, the significance of my actions seemed to end there. But for me, God began to reveal a deeper spiritual meaning. And as regular readers know, we are always seeking teachable moments.
Mother’s Day: The Teachable Moment
Observing my children’s reaction, I understood the impact was far greater than I initially imagined.
They pointed out that Mother’s Day is for me to receive gifts, not to give them. This reaction confirmed that they recognized a selfless act of kindness.
By emphasizing the gesture itself, rather than the gift, it taught my children that the true value wasn’t in the present, but in the intention behind it.
As a mother, my hope is that when my children become spouses and parents themselves, they too will demonstrate such selflessness towards their partners and children.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Children
If you’re considering honoring your children with a gift this year, I encourage you to keep it simple. Remember, this gesture is to celebrate them as your children—the very reason you hold the cherished title of “mom.” Your gift doesn’t need to be extravagant.
The first year I gave them gifts, I chose $5 Starbucks gift cards attached to a Mother’s Day Gift Tag that read: “You give me the privilege to be mom!” Believe me, they were thrilled, mainly because it was so unexpected.
Mother’s Day Gift Tags are available in our COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Whether your children are toddlers, teens, or young adults, here are a few gift ideas categorized by age group:
Gift Ideas for Toddlers
- Coloring Book with Crayons
- Bubbles
- Favorite Candy or Special Treat
- Pajamas or Slippers
- Mother And Son Prayer Journal – A fun and creative way to encourage young boys to journal their feelings or prayers with your help!
- Bible Belles – While most young girls know Disney princesses, few know about women of the Bible. Bible Belles are excellent gifts to introduce young girls to Esther, Ruth, and Hannah, among others.
Gift Ideas for Teens & Young Adults
- A Board Game for the Family (Don’t Forget The Game Ledger!)
- Gift Cards (Movies, Gas, Starbucks, Amazon or Fast Food Gift Cards)
- Picture Frame with a Photo of You and Them
- Favorite Candy or Treat
- Traveling Utensils – We gifted these for Christmas, and our teens loved them for eating out while staying hygienic.
- Adulting Budget Binder – A FREE bonus with the Family Budget Binder, perfect for helping young adults manage their finances.
Gift Ideas for Adult Children
- Family Budget Binder – Includes the Adulting Budget Binder as a FREE bonus.
- The Game Ledger – A scorebook for family game nights!
- Board Games
- Bible Color Code Worksheets (free from our library) with a set of Highlighters!
- Coffee Date (Breakfast or Lunch)
For adult children who are parents themselves, here are some book gift ideas!
In The End
My greatest achievement is raising the children God entrusted to me. This Mother’s Day, I eagerly anticipate honoring them as much as they look forward to honoring me.
How will you honor your children this Mother’s Day? Share your ideas in the comments below – I’m always seeking new ways to bless my kids, especially on Mother’s Day!
Free Mother’s Day Gift Tag
P.S. Don’t forget to visit our FREE COMMUNITY LIBRARY to download your Mother’s Day Gift Tags For Kids today!
~ Timberley Gray
