Suggestions for a mother's gift!

[Merzbow]

I was originally going to buy my mom a new dishwasher for $300...yea that's right I was willing to sacrifice all I've worked for to get those S-Techs and the filler caps to buy her a new dishwasher. I forgot I had to hire a plumber to install it and also in order to make payments I had to use a credit card ( I have my own but would not be a good idea to go into debt this early in life lol)So far I'm thinking a new fangled Vacuum since ours is broken. I'd rather not get her jewelry, I got her a diamond saphire ring the year before last and diamond stud earrings last year so no jewelry, that's too boring...What do you all think? I have about $200 to spend (trying to stay around $150 or less but will spend $200 if it's good enough.

[PhillyVibeGT]

I know what you mean, my Mom is so hard to shop for and I never know what to get her. As for a vacuum, I think that would be fine as long as YOU plan on using it

[Merzbow]

(removed), that's the idea of buying a really good one. We've got an old green one frmo the 80's and it works like a dream still (minus all the tools, different carpet heights, and the bags) The one that's broken is from like 1999 and it was good but you all know how well stuff is made these days...the cheap plastic just kidna gave out now the whole frame's crooked and the belts slips and rubs and makes ear piercing noises.

[Sputnik]

My dad got my mom a vacuum for Christmas one year - that did not go over well.

[joatmon]

I suggest you get her something personal, something that doesn't necesarily have any use that us guys might think of as practical. Something sweet, something that lets her know you care about her as a person, doesn;t matter how much or little it costs.Now, trying to figure out what that might be for your mom, that's the hard part

[kostby]

Be sure to first give her something (inexpensive is OK, it really IS the THOUGHT that counts with mothers) that's really from you, especially FOR HER, and then also a vacuum, if you want. 8 Frugal Holiday Gifts for Friends and Family --> http://women.msn.com/909219.armx

[Merzbow]

Hmmm...why did the vacuum not go over well?

[cindi2]

As a Mother, I would have to say, save your money. But I would be OK with a vacume, if I needed one. But I would get a good one, and that could be hard with $150. I have been eyeing that one on TV, can't recall the name right now but it never gets cloged or looses power. I think it starts with a D. I think its bout $400-500. I would say ask her what she wants and go from there.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Merzbow »Hmmm...why did the vacuum not go over well?Gifts like vacuum cleaners are good if they are really needed, and can show that you are playing an active part in the family and the household, but it can also carry an unintended inferred message that housework is woman's work. It can be taken as a statement that you think that housework is your Mom's job, Don't ask me why, because I'm a guy, but I do know this from personal experrience, practical gifts, no matter how well intended, can often bring along some completely negative reactions. If your family does need a new vacuum cleaner, then maybe get it as a gift for the family. or label it "To Paul, from Santa". That way you are not directing the vacuuming and general tedious housework at your mom, but are making a statement that you are going to help with it. You also would need to get something personal/special for your mom, but it doesn't need to cost a lot, Guys think differently. If a woman gave me a power tool, (I could use a reciprocating saw ) I would read into it as a statement that she's giving me the ok to go off and play with power tools instead of hanging around doing housework and being all sensitive and stuff - two gifts in one!However, only you know the dynamics of the relationship, asking for advice here does not mean you must take it.

[scherry2]

Give her a card that says you will do the dishes x amount of times each month, and you will do the vacumning x amount of times over the next year. mothers love when their childeren help out around the house.

[Sputnik]

Quote, originally posted by Merzbow »Hmmm...why did the vacuum not go over well?Exactly as joatmon said. I only want appliances if I've asked for them. Such as for my graduation from university I asked for a set of pots and pans. Now if they had just been foisted upon me I would have been peeved. For my birthday I got a new stove - but I asked for it (well actually I got gift cards to go out and by whichever one I wanted).

[Merzbow]

Well thanks alot everyone ") especially to the women for giving an insider's opinion. My grandma told me that my mom mentioned to her about a new vacuum. My grandparents bought her the last one. The one we have now is broken.It is only me and my mom living in the house, no siblings and my parents are divorced...my dad's easy to buy for I can buy him new video games and he'll be happy for the whole year lol. I dunno though...I don't want to save my money becasue she works hard and goes to school full time as well so she deserves something really nice I just can't think of what...

[rebbierae]

It's a Dyson--doesn't that look cool???!!