Sunday, May 13th is coming—what are you planning for your mom on Mother's day this year? Let her really know you care with a unique gift that she'll never forget! Finding the perfect flowers and making restaurant reservations weeks in advance can be stressful, so switch it up by adding a creative twist to your celebration. Whether you want to create something for her yourself or you're seeking out the perfect fair trade gift, here are ten ideas for inexpensive, green, and unique ways to celebrate Mother's Day.
• Don't let long waits or difficult reservations cut in to your time with mom. Pick out a recipe together, and get the whole family involved in making dinner and mom's favorite dessert for half the price of going to a crowded restaurant.
• Give recycled this year with a card made from handmade paper. Twisted Limb Paperworks offers a variety of 100% recycled greeting cards that mom is sure to love! You can also use their bits & pieces bags of handmade paper remnants to make her one. Browse their colorful and unique papers at their website
www.twistedlimbpaper.com • Check with your local community organizations and spend an afternoon volunteering with mom! Offer your services to the local soup kitchen or a community garden and give back while spending quality time with your mother.
• Give the gift of effortless baked goods and make her a jar of pre-made brownie or cookie mix, with a handwritten recipe tag for the addition of the non-dry ingredients and the baking time. Mix all of the dry ingredients of her favorite recipe into a mason jar and add a short, heartfelt note for extra sweetness.
• Feeling crafty? Make some inexpensive flowers that will last all year long! Cut flower shapes out of coffee filters, colored tissue paper or cupcake holders and pierce pipe cleaners through the middle to make a bouquet, or fasten white paper flowers on to a small branch from the yard for a cherry-blossom look.
• Arrange a decorative basket full of her favorite tea. Choice Organic Tea offers a wide selection of fair trade teas for tea-lovers. Include some memorable family photos or a favorite poem for her to enjoy alongside her tea.
http://www.choiceorganicteas.com • Handmade, organic and fair trade spa products are always in style, and always in season. Shop locally for natural soaps, lotions and candles to pamper your mom on her special day and for weeks to come!
• Make sure mom is always reminded that you care with a memory or inspiration jar. Cut up pieces of paper in her favorite colors and encourage the whole family to write fond memories that will bring a smile to her face when she needs it the most. Gather them in a glass jar and tie a colorful bow around the top for an extra special touch. Remember Twisted Limb's
Handmade Paper Remnant Bags!
• If she loves chocolate, check out the organic chocolates that Equal Exchange has to offer. Pair the decadent treat with some fair trade coffee and really spoil her this year! Equal Exchange can be found in stores and online at
www.equalexchange.coop • Put together a photo album of you and your family's favorite moments together. Include a note, a poem or a story that she will love to truly personalize the album. Many stores offer services that let you send your photos online and pick the prints up within 24 hours or less.