Snarky Brides

Offbeat Mother-of-the-Bride

Hi!

So, I've never been the greatest at getting gifts for my parents. They've always been so unhelpful when it comes to giving hints at what they would want or like, even when you flat out ask, and this is leading me to trouble when it comes to picking out a gift for my mom on my wedding day.

Christmas and Mom is easy because if all else fails, a nutcracker will work. But otherwise? She's in her mid-40s. She likes some jewelry and I know her taste but she doesn't like to wear it. She's losing weight and so buying her clothes is doubly difficult because on top of her changing size, (which I'm super happy for her about; she's been struggling for years to stick to a routine that works), she's fantastically fussy about what she wears, it's where I get it from. She's a tomboy who likes jeans, hoodies, and a splash of pink. She doesn't like to hang up pictures of people and she hates getting picture frames as gifts. She won't want a handkerchief or anything like the traditional gifts that are given. And a lot of the less traditional gift ideas I've seen seem tacky and impersonal and cheap-looking.

Any ideas? I really need some sort of starting point. My FMIL is 16 years older than my mom and very traditional so she's going to be easy. The traditional gifts are right up her alley but I've been trying to find an idea for my mom for months now and nothing has clicked! Help please!

Re: Offbeat Mother-of-the-Bride

  • esstee33esstee33 member
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Love Its First Answer
    edited July 2015
    Hi!

    So, I've never been the greatest at getting gifts for my parents. They've always been so unhelpful when it comes to giving hints at what they would want or like, even when you flat out ask, and this is leading me to trouble when it comes to picking out a gift for my mom on my wedding day.

    Christmas and Mom is easy because if all else fails, a nutcracker will work. But otherwise? She's in her mid-40s. She likes some jewelry and I know her taste but she doesn't like to wear it. She's losing weight and so buying her clothes is doubly difficult because on top of her changing size, (which I'm super happy for her about; she's been struggling for years to stick to a routine that works), she's fantastically fussy about what she wears, it's where I get it from. She's a tomboy who likes jeans, hoodies, and a splash of pink. She doesn't like to hang up pictures of people and she hates getting picture frames as gifts. She won't want a handkerchief or anything like the traditional gifts that are given. And a lot of the less traditional gift ideas I've seen seem tacky and impersonal and cheap-looking.

    Any ideas? I really need some sort of starting point. My FMIL is 16 years older than my mom and very traditional so she's going to be easy. The traditional gifts are right up her alley but I've been trying to find an idea for my mom for months now and nothing has clicked! Help please!

    Why won't she wear jewelry if she likes it? What if it was something pretty simple, like a nice bracelet? There's a ton of cool ones here: CLICK

    Otherwise, what are her interests and hobbies? Does she knit? Paint? Ride horses? Is she a fan of any sports teams? 

    What kind of things do you get for her birthday? 
  • What does she like to do? Read? Go to museums? Drink wine? Is she outdoorsy? Does she garden? Have a favorite band? 

    I don't think people can really help you come up with a unique gift without knowing anything about this person other than that she's "offbeat".
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  • You do realize that gifts for your parents aren't necessary right?  Have you considered just a really lovely thank you note?  From what my Mom has told me the most precious gifts that she has received from me are the ones involving a huge hug, a nice thank you card and an "I love you."

  • Hey, everybody!

    My mom doesn't wear jewelry, even the pieces she likes and gets for herself, because she isn't very fond of dressing up and being girly! She told me she is looking for a nice, silver dress to wear to my wedding but it will be the first time she's dressed up in the past 10 years and the last time for the next 10.

    I haven't gotten her anything for her birthday the past couple of years because of the reasons mentioned in the post above.

    I do know that a gift isn't necessary but I'm very close with my mom and I've hit a couple of really rough patches the past three years and she was right there next to me looking to kick some ass. We're very close which is why I'm struggling with the fact that I don't know what to get her.

    Her hobbies include dogs. And her fish tank. She isn't very social and is happiest when she's hanging out with "the boys"; the three hooligan pups that I call my little brothers.

    She loves David Bowie, the Beatles, the Who, KISS, Keb' Mo, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Paolo Nutini, Maroon 5, 3 Doors Down... we share many similar tastes in music and I'm dedicating "Heroes" by David Bowie to her at the reception because he is both of our favorite artists.

    She pins crafts and things on Pinterest but she's said she's not likely to actually do any of them, they just peak her interest.

    She likes collecting old little odds and ends like glass marbles and keys and she puts them into old jars and bottles.
  • How about concert tickets? I think Maroon 5 is on tour right now.
  • kat1114 said:
    How about concert tickets? I think Maroon 5 is on tour right now.
    That's not a bad idea at all! I'll have to see if she'd be comfortable in that setting first; like I said, she's not very social. People are not her favorite thing! If she is, though, this could be great! Thanks!
  • You do realize that gifts for your parents aren't necessary right?  Have you considered just a really lovely thank you note?  From what my Mom has told me the most precious gifts that she has received from me are the ones involving a huge hug, a nice thank you card and an "I love you."
    THIS!  Absolutely! 
    httpiimgurcomTCCjW0wjpg
  • CMGragain said:
    You do realize that gifts for your parents aren't necessary right?  Have you considered just a really lovely thank you note?  From what my Mom has told me the most precious gifts that she has received from me are the ones involving a huge hug, a nice thank you card and an "I love you."
    THIS!  Absolutely! 
    And, quoted for truth, mom seal of approval. 
    (Of course, I'm also a present loving mom, so if you really really feel the need, I second the concert tickets or a gift certificate to my favorite restaurant.)
  • What about a nice handwritten note? Have you asked her what she would like to remember on this special day? 

    <a href="http://www.theknot.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Wedding"><img src="http://global.theknot.com/tickers/tt1a2b24.aspx" alt="Wedding Countdown Ticker" border="0"  /></a>

  • If she's really into her dogs and her fish tank, what about a gift card to local pet store? 
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