Alright slackers (of which I am one), Mother’s Day is Sunday, and it’s time to pay tribute to the woman who changed your diapers, and put up with that shitty emo phase you went through for most
Alright slackers (of which I am one), Mother’s Day is Sunday, and it’s time to pay tribute to the woman who changed your diapers, and put up with that shitty emo phase you went through for most of your high school years.
You might be tempted to be down on a day which has its roots deep in the commercial greeting card market (it actually started in the 1890’s as a way to support mothers in West Virginia in poor medical conditions,) but get over it. It’s never a bad idea to get your mom on your good side, so suck it up and consider one of these thrifty and last-minute options for Mother’s Day gifts.
Used books – Price Range: $
Broke? Why not some used books? Chop Suey, Black Swan, and Fountain Bookstore all offer a variety of books from as low as $5. Include a cute note, tie it up with a cute ribbon, and there you go!
Candles – Price Range: $-$$, depending on where you go
Give your mom the gift of scent. Mongrel has hand-poured, soy candles with different fragrances for different Richmond neighborhoods (Carytown, The Fan, The West End, Forest Hill, etc.) that are packaged for gifting, and Ellwood Thompson has an entire section of candles made locally. I haven’t really met anyone who hates candles, so I’d say they’re a safe bet.
Cook up a fresh, local dinner – Price Range: $$
Thank your mom by being the chef of the kitchen and cooking a local, healthy dinner for her; she probably deserves it after raising you. Local grocery stores such as Harvest and Ellwood Thompson’s sell a range of fresh, local food, and recipes can be found anywhere online.
Donuts – Price Range: $
Richmond is rapidly becoming the Donut Capital… Grab your mom a dozen from some of the best donut places in Richmond such as Sugar Shack, Dixie Donuts, and Country Style; maybe a cup of coffee to go with it, too. Sharpie on a little note on the box and there you go, short and sweet.
Go outside – Price Range: $-$$$$ (really depends)
Is your mom the type of person who is itching to dive into nature? Get your mom the gift of camping with admission tickets to Maymont’s “Night Under the Stars.” If that’s out of your price range or you don’t have a little sibling, then get her an annual pass to Shenandoah National Park, just in time for warm weather. Or, pack a picnic, take her to the river, and enjoy some wine coolers with her. Whatever you do, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.
Take her out for drinks – Price Range: ???
If your mom is anything like my mom, you should just take her out for beer at Legend’s. You can DD (or pay for the cab back home) and pay for the tab and she will be in heaven. Other places you can go drink with your mom include Hardywood, Strangeways Brewing, and Lickinghole Creek. Have fun!
Happy Mother’s Day!
