BLOG

By Brian O'Connell

Mother's Day 2018 spending is expected to remain near record highs, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation.
Mother's Day spending "is expected to total a near-record $23.1 billion this year", according to the NRF. "Additionally, the average American will spend an estimated $180 for Mom's big day, no doubt on pricey niceties like brunches, flowers, and maybe even a shopping spree for the family matron."
"This year's Mother's Day forecast is one of the strongest we've ever seen," notes Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF. "With spring in full bloom, Americans are looking forward to splurging on their mothers and retailers are prepared to offer a variety of options that will allow consumers to find the perfect gift for the occasion."
Yet the fact is that many mothers don't want family members to spend all that cash. Instead, they'd appreciate their loved ones getting creative and getting busy with Mother's Day gifts that are heavy on memorable experiences and lighter on the wallet.
"Some of my favorite Mother's Day memories with my kids were the inexpensive ones," says Allison Radkay, founder of the lifestyle blog, LooksLikeHappy.com. "Come to think of it, most of my Mother's Days were inexpensive when my kids were little. My favorite ways to celebrate were either working in our gardens as a family or taking a day trip to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois."
"Spending those special moments"—for the cost of a tank of gas, a picnic lunch and an ice cream treat—"with my daughters is something I will always cherish, especially now that they are young adults," she adds.

For a frugal and fulfilling Mother's Day this year just like the one Radkay remembers, here are 5 creative ways to give Mom what she really wants—a great holiday experience she'll cherish.

1. Just Show Your Thanks
Instead of heavy doses of cash, say "thank you," says Sarah McVanel, chief recognition officer at Greatness Magnified, a speaking and coaching services firm. "Make it your own, make it surprising, make it unique and make it fun," she says. "Write the 20 reasons you are grateful to your mom, the 15 lessons she taught you—that you're finally ready to admit, your fondest memories of her, or anything else that recognizes in specific, meaningful ways what she means to you."
Simply write a note, post it on Facebook and print it, and film yourself on a video. "You can even ask for submissions from others in your family about why she's an amazing mom and compile it in written, video or picture form," McVanel says.

2. Write a Pure Love Letter
"As a mom who lost her only child four years ago, I can tell you the most precious gifts are memories and love letters from my son," says Roni Lambrecht, an author and speaker based in Castle Rock, Col. "Planning a day full of games at home, such as board games, card games, or outside games, along with cooking together and everyone helping to clean up together are awesome. But the most prized possessions I have now are the words that my son wrote to me."

3. Make Mom a Visual
For less than $10 you can print 50 photos at retail outlets like Walgreens or Walmart, says Alex Cook, co-founder of NanaGram, a photo services company. "Going through photos with your Mom or Grandma is a wonderful activity," Cook notes. "Like vinyl records, the printed photos are amazing conversation pieces. Unlike looking at photos or videos on your phone, printed photos stay with your Mom or Grandma after you go home, on the fridge, in frames, and in albums, and serve as a constant 'I love you' message."

4. Cooking and Cleaning
A lot of moms will appreciate a little help around the house, says Kelan Kline, co-founder of the Savvy Couple blog. "Give her a coupon that she can redeem to clean the bathrooms, kitchen floors, or even her car," Kline says. "Another great Mother's Day idea is planning out a meal and cooking for her."

5. Give to Charity Together
Working together to support a favorite charity is yet another creative way to enjoy Mother's Day. "We offer Mother's Day gift bag that tie to the National Breast Cancer Foundation," says Kelly Anne Parker, founder of Send Ribbon, an online gift shop that gives back to charities via specialized gift bags. "It's two gifts in one and you can start from a budget of $10 to $100 dollars; 50% of the proceeds go to charity."

The takeaway? Mom's want you on Mother's Day—more than they do flowers or plush brunches.

The message is clear, says Denis Devigne, founder of Vidday Media, Inc., a video services company. "They're saying 'please don't buy me anything—I don't need any more stuff," he says. "The truth is, mothers value relationships and experiences over possessions."

This post originally appeared on the Experian blog.