Gift Ideas for Single Moms

I composed this list after thinking about what I would like and polling my friends. We all agree that if we see one more bath salt, we're disowning you.

1: Flowers. This is simple, easy, kind like an Xmas gift card. But some people have allergies, would rather have something that lasts more than 3 days, and we all know how little thought they require.

2: Chocolates. These can be a great choice, if done well. First find out what kind of chocolates the mom in question likes. Moms would rather suggest something they would enjoy rather than be "surprised" by those nasty milk chocolate peanut butter bears.

3: Offers to Babysit: Who doesn't love a free night out? It can be hard for a single mom to get a girls night out. Dropping $40 on a babysitter isn't very much fun. You just need to FOLLOW THROUGH. Don't promise what you have no intention of delivering.

4: Electronics: If you have the cash to spend, an e-reader, tablet, ipod, etc all make wonderful Mother's Day presents. Just be mindful that some people my not be able to afford the monthly plans that come with some devices.

5: Gift Cards: Many women love shopping. The economic stress of being the sole family supporter can make fun trips to the mall (or Target!) a rare occurrence. Find out where they like to shop and pick them up a card! Extra points if they like Starbucks and you get them a GC for there.

6: Trip Packages: This goes with the electronics; something to give if you can afford to. Who wouldn't like a little get a way to a local destination. A night's stay at a beach hotel, trip to a spa, etc. Doesn't have to be just for mom. A trip to take with the kids is just as enjoyable for many moms!

7: Bath Stuff: This is with extreme caution. No one likes those bath packages you get at CVS. Seriously. We just throw it in a closet to give to people we don't like so much at Christmas time. Same goes for candles. Unless you know what brand & scent your mom likes, and if they even want bath stuff at all, go for the flowers.

8: Books, Movies, CDs: Always renting the same DVDs? Borrowing the same genre of books? Pick them up something they'll enjoy for the bestsellers list. Along with some popcorn or a nifty bookmark, you'll be in business.

9: Magazine Subscription: A whole year's worth of a magazine they love will be a great gift. Whether it's Real Simple, Marie Claire, etc. I'd stay away from Shape (what are you trying to say?) and Cosmo (that's just awkward!) This might not always work, since subscriptions can take up to 8 weeks to arrive.

10: Mimosas or Wine. Mommy juice at it's best. Of course, make sure you favorite mother drinks. A good middle of the road Chardonnay never made anyone angry. Or, try a Realising or Pinot Noir for something more trendy and bold. If you can, manage to snag one of those Mommy's Time Out or Mommy Juice wines. More bonus points for those wine juice boxes from Target. Best. Mommy. Picnic. Idea. Ever.

Things NOT to get a single mother for Mother's Day
1: Speed dating pass
2: Cosmetic anything (makeup, botox, surgery)
3: Cheap gifts from the drug store
4: Those silly little "coupons" for a back-rub, taking out the trash. It will just remind us how much you DON'T do any of those things.
5: Dinner at some over crowded, crappy, chain restaurant
6: Informational pamphlets.
7: Appliances & Tools
8: Anything else chore related
9: Little bears hugging tiny balloons; or any other stuffed animal/balloon combo
10: Books on how to get, keep, please a man. Dude, really? Who DOES that?!

The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, and The Mommy

Right now, the only thing I have left is Santa Claus. In just one month, my daughter has found out about both the Tooth Fairy & the Easter Bunny. Darn, I thought this would all be later!

Some of our best conversations happen in the car on the way home from her preschool. One day, a classmate had lost a tooth and shared her story about the Tooth Fairy. The Girl asked me to explain the Tooth Fairy to her. I was about to when I made a snap judgement and told her the truth about the Tooth Fairy. I couldn't stand to perpetuate the tale of a magical little fairy that flies into children's bedrooms while they sleep, sneak the tooth from beneath their pillow, and give them a dollar. I didn't want to lie and try to make up the Tooth Fairy's motives for wanting to collect teeth (ew?) She took it surprisingly well, asked if the Tooth Fairy was just the mommy, and then asked if she could still get a dollar for each tooth. Mommy: 1. Tooth Fairy: 0.

On Easter, my sister brought over eggs to hide for our kids. Doing what any mom would do, I stashed them in my room until after dinner. At some point, The Girl went snooping and found the eggs. Very seriously she tapped me and said "Mommy, can I talk to you for a second" Once away from the crowd she asks me, "Mother (ooo, it's serious!), are you the Easter Bunny?" I stood there blankly and she followed up, "I found the eggs" (Wow, asking questions to which she already knows the answer. I'm impressed....and a little shocked.) I sigh and tell her, "Yes, the mommy is the Easter Bunny, too."

"Mommy, you lied, can you hide the eggs so I can find them now?"

It's going to be a long December.