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5 Mother’s Day Gifts for the Purposeful, Practical Mom

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We all know one of them. You know, the mom who is almost impossibly hard to shop for because she’s so… damned… PRACTICAL.

“I don’t need anything!”
“Honestly, don’t spend your money on me. Save it for yourself. That’s what makes me happy.”
“I have everything I want!”

Ugh.

I know this woman well – heck, I AM this woman – which is why, if you’re stressed about what to buy mom this upcoming Mother’s Day, I’m here to solve your shopping dilemma. You’re welcome.

And so, I present to you: 5 Mother’s Day Gifts for the Purposeful, Practical Mom.

1. Upgrade her mobile phone. Practical moms are conservative when it comes to their cell phone needs, and we all know an upgrade is a luxury that most moms won’t prioritize. But who wouldn’t LOVE a newer model? Chances are, based on how long mom has had her current phone, she may already be eligible for a sizable chunk of savings if she chooses to extend her plan along with her mobile upgrade. Do a little digging and surprise mom with a gift she’ll love (to text you with!).
motog5-featgrid-1x2-camera-d-ca_en2. Purchase a monthly subscription box. Why give her one gift when you can give her twelve? There is simply no shortage of monthly subscription boxes that are based in Canada (or ship to Canada). Choose from beauty, food, crafts, wellness and more! You can select the subscription which most closely matches your practical mom’s interests, and watch her delight in goodies that she’d normally never spoil herself with. I found a neat blog based out of Vancouver – Canadian Subscription Box Addict – where you can easily find a list of all available boxes to Canadians. 

3. Kick her mornings up a notch. Moms will say they love their kids first and their morning coffee second. (Depending on the day and how the kids have behaved, the order may switch temporarily.) Keep mom fueled with a quality cup of java – splurge on the best ground coffee you can find, or even better, purchase quality Arabica beans and a small coffee grinder. Finish the gift with a “World’s Best Mom” mug and you’re well on your way to becoming her favourite child.

4. Get her road trip ready. Grab an old (or new) iPod and upload a playlist that includes favourite songs from her youth and a mix of modern classics. Then, bundle it with a gas card, an insulated travel mug and healthy grains bars. If she can’t take a road trip, at least it will make her daily commute more cheerful!

5. Give the ultimate gift – the gift of choice. Prepaid cards make the perfect gift for a practical mom! In fact, the 2016 Annual “What Canadians Really Want: Holiday Gift Trends” survey revealed that Mastercard, American Express and Visa prepaid cards were a top gift for the second year in a row. Specifically:

– 37% of Canadians feel that an American Express, Mastercard and Visa prepaid card is a TOP gift
– 63% of Canadians want to receive prepaid cards so they can get exactly what they want
– 67% of Canadians prefer giving prepaid cards to cash
– 68% of Canadians prefer to receive a prepaid card over a retail store gift card
Amex-MC-Image-2-2How can you go wrong? Instead of flowers and chocolate, let mom grab what she really wants. But why else should you love gifting prepaid cards?

a. Prepaid cards are universally accepted. Mom can make purchases anywhere in the world where Mastercard, American Express and Visa are accepted, including online, over the phone and in person.

b. Mom is protected. Prepaid cards issued by card networks can protect consumers by the zero-liability protections offered by the card brand. Make sure she reads the terms and registers her card!

Do you have a practical mom to shop for? One lucky reader will WIN a $250 prepaid card courtesy of the Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Anita D.

    My mom is definitely a practical mom. I usually give her flowers or bake her an elaborate cake. I love the idea of gifting a subscription box. I think this year that is what I will do! Thanks.

  3. Katie Mitchell

    I usually go for a spa gift card for my mom. She gets sore feet, and a pedicure does wonders. It’s something she wouldn’t do for herself, but with a gift card, she’s there. :)

  4. Melanie W

    Coffee, coffee and more coffee is always appreciated but I’m a sucker for a homemade gift!

  5. Mary Boudreau

    I’m a practical mom. Don’t really want gifts but some flowers are nice once in awhile

  7. Lynda Cook

    My mother and myself are both pratical, I would rather see someone else happy, and I don’t need anything. This year I bought my mother an oyster kit where she can shuck her own oyster to get her pearl to put into the pendent that came with it

  8. Nicole Bonomo

    My favorite practical gift is a gift card. It is so nice to get this gift, as you can spoil yourself without feeling guilty.

  9. Ashley Pomery

    Honestly, I just listen to what people mention they like/need/want throughout the year and pick it up then. I hide it and wrap it as a gift when the next occasion rolls around. Usually people are happy that you remembered/paid attention.

  10. Rosa Cross

    I am a practical mom. Great practical gifts include beer and wine, and restaurant gift cards.

  12. Lillian Omalley

    I usually ask for scratch tickets or lottery tickets because they are inexpensive and fun. It takes the pressure off too for people because they want to give you something and I do like receiving them.

  13. Amanda Masters

    I am the most practical mom! I love calendars, and journals, agendas. List papers. Organization is key to running my family. Thanks :)

  15. Kelly Nash

    As a mom, I like gifts that I wouldn’t normally buy for myself, so I guess that makes me impractical !

    For my mom, I like to give gifts that I know she will use, instead of things that might end up in a closet !

  18. Rosanne Robinson

    I’m a practical Mom and I also have a practical Mom. I like to give & receive thoughtful gifts that I know will be used and enjoyed like clothes and personal care items.

  22. Marissa

    Instead of flowers, I love receiving gift cards so that I can spoil myself with whatever I want.

  24. cheryl mclellan

    Both my mother and myself are practical moms. Best gift is gift cards, we love them!

  26. Susan Hanley

    I am that practical mom. I love gift cards so I can get whatever I want or need at the time.

  27. Julie Hartiwg

    I am a practical Mom, most of the time but I definitely have a dreamer side to me! Love gifts that are useful though!

  29. Becky Best

    I absolutely am a practical Mom! I got that from MY Mother! LOL For me, a pre-paid card and a personal note, would be the perfect gift! :)

  30. Jill MacAulay

    I am practical – I love to give gift cards or gift certificates so my Mom can go buy what she wants/needs.

  32. OpheliaC

    I’m not the most practical…I like home décor and just fun things to have around the house, but my mom definitely is, and she’s very difficult to shop for because of it. Gift cards are a good way to go, as are red pockets ($).

  33. Leeanne c

    I buy for a practical mom and I usually buy her her hanging plants for the spring. It’s what she loves each year. I’m a practical mom I like the pre-paid cards

  35. Florence Cochrane

    Practical is a think that I was taught by my mom. I am practical just like her. Gift cards are away nice to give and receive.

  37. laurel r jones

    I could use all of those but unfortunately would not work for my mother who suffers from dementia

  38. christine w

    My mom is quite practical so she loves practical gifts. We are constantly upgrading her phone and she behaves in typical mom behaviour – saying she doesn’t need it but always loves the phone in the end.

  39. Jeannie Lam

    I think a great practical gift would be a coffee maker for a coffee loving mom. It’s also the gift that keeps on giving, especially when you have guests coming over too.

  40. Alayne Langford

    I would say I am very practical like my Mom! Thank you for the list of Monthly Subscription Boxes, as they make the most wonderful gifts, other than prepaid cards that is! ????

  42. Alana Starkie

    I am a practical mom like my mom is as well. I don’t want anything elaborate, I prefer something useful. I like to pick up on hints throughout the year of items that might be wanted. Or I like to make a homemade favourite meal or dessert for my mom.

  43. Brandon Forsyth

    My mom is pretty practical she usually wants a Starbucks gift card or to be taken to the movies

  45. Rick G

    My Wife is the most practical Mom and person I have ever met although it does pose challenges when shopping for her, fortunately my Teen daughter is right on top of it…but until she gets a new car her list is pretty short and she LOVES prepaid cards!

  46. Stephanie

    I have a practical mom to shop for! She loves anything but you can’t go wrong with a gift card! She could buy whatever she wants with it.

  48. Donna Maroulis

    I am definitely a practical Mom ! No manicure or jewelry for me – I want anything that will make my work easier – that’s much more useful !

  50. Marlene J

    My mom is pretty practical & is always happy no matter what.
    Giftcards, flowers & anything for around the house – like a figurine. I’m pretty easy going also.

  51. Ruby BB

    My Mom is super practical! Not only is it hard to get her a gift but it’s impossible to keep her out of the kitchen. Even if we tell her we are taking her out she will surprise us by making brunch at home ????????‍♀️

  53. Linda Svarovsky

    I’ve learned to be practical with my Mom. She loves getting Swiss Chalet gift cards!!

  55. lori novak

    I am a practical mum for sure. My mum was too, we both like to get dining gift cards because we don’t treat ourselves very often and it’s a nice way to get out of the house. a Spa gift card would be awesome too because i never treat myself but I always do enjoy it when I finally do it! We have some terrific spas in my city to enjoy too.

  56. Amie Elliott

    I try to be most of the time , I love the idea of the monthly subscription box !! That is the best idea and I am going to use it ! :D My mom would love that ! Usually I go with flowers and a gift , but this is way better !

  57. Monica Powell

    My mom is the practical mom!! All she wants is framed pictures of all the grandchildren!

  63. Rose Hately

    These are all great suggestions, but I really like the prepaid card. A very practical gift!

  64. Jennifer P.

    I am a practical mom, and have a practical mom to shop for. We like to give each other clothes that we need (for example, when I got a hole in the knee of my yoga pants playing volleyball in December, my mom bought me a new pair for Christmas). Or our favourite moisturizer when we run out. Basically things we need.

  65. Casey Miller

    I am a very practical mom, so I like it when I can wishlist items online for people to choose from :)

  66. Shannon van Voorst

    I am a practical Mom, so are both of my parents! I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Thanks for the contest Lena! Good luck everyone!

  67. Heather Howard

    My kids and husband would definitely tell you I am a practical gift giver! Underwear and socks for almost every Christmas and birthday . LOL

  68. Elaine G

    My mom is practical. Subscriptions boxes are a good idea. I like to give gift cards so she can get whatever she wants.

  69. kristen visser

    I would say I am a practical mom! I love cards, chocolate but instead of flowers….WINE lol

  70. l p

    a gift certificate to Molly Maids is now the expected gift and we’re happy to provide it. thanks

  71. Jonnie

    When it comes to gifts, I am definitely a practical mom. I love receiving gifts that are useful.

  74. Carole D.

    I’m a practical mom, but on mothers day, I like to dine out! So a gift card would be perfect. I would get my mom flowers on Mothers Day!

  75. Piroska

    I am definitely a practical mom. Give me something I can use, no matter how small, and I’m happy. I like to give gifts like that, too.

  76. nicky

    I have a practical mom, and her gifts are often household items or an experience (concert or dinner out).

  78. Vivian D

    I always take my Mom out on Mother’s day, so she can pick something out for herself that she wants.

  79. Jenn Erin

    I think I am a practical mom. My mom is to so I think I got that from her. My favourite practical gift to give – if I know the recipient is a coffee drinker – is a bag or two of really nice coffee beans, and sometimes a mug to go along with it.

  83. toni v

    I’m a practical Mom, I love being asked what I want for presents. Because I dislike it when someone I love spends their hard earned money on something too tight/small/wrong colour etc etc etc.

  84. Jenny B

    My mom is a practical mom for sure. I used to get her kitchen gadgets and clothes, but now I like to get her some nicer skincare items. Practical but still somewhat luxurious.

  85. Caryn salageanu

    I am a practical mom who loves the gifts the kids make at school! Although i love gift cards to places i don’t usually get to spend time at for myself like the spa.

  86. Lushka Smith

    Yesy Mom was practical. I usually try to give a service like snow clearing of lawn mowing.

  90. Susan T.

    My mom is definitely practical. I usually take my mom out for a fancy brunch on Mother’s Day and include my aunt and grandma too!

  91. Glogirl

    I would say my mom is a practical mom. She likes things that are useful and can be used everyday. I like the subscription box idea. It would be a great ongoing gift every month!

  92. Gillian Morgan

    My mom is a practical mom. I usually get my mom a gift certificate to get her hair done. Its about the only thing she won’t return.

  93. Alison G

    I have a practical mom. I try and give fun, functional clothes I know she’ll wear because she doesn’t often shop for herself.

  94. Erika Letson

    I think I am a practical mom for sure and I love to receive practical gifts! My favourite is kitchen linens and towels.

  96. Liza Daniel

    I’m totally a practical mom! The phone upgrade one is genius! Never woulda thought of it, but it makes so much sense!!

  97. Debbie White Beattie

    My mother is always saying she doesn’t need anything but if we are to buy her something she wants something for her not the house. She told us when we were kids that if she wants a vacuum or blender she’ll buy it herself and that something for the house wasn’t for her, it was for everyone in the house which makes total sense.

  98. tammy ta

    I am practical-my mom is not. I prefer to give a gift card so they can pick out something for themselves that they really want.

  102. Jackie M

    I’m a practical mom. I don’t need fancy jewels or anything rather have something I can use towards something. A gift card would be nice :)

  108. Amber Y

    My mom is deffinitely a practical mom and tend to give her practical gifts most years, but that is more for lack of creativity on my part. It ca just be tough to pick out gifts.

  109. Dianne Gardner

    I am a practical mom and so is my mom. I usually end up getting my mom flowers or else a gift card for her favourite restaurant.

  110. Lisa Lee

    Both my mom and I are practical but don’t get me wrong, I love and appreciate a fun gift here and there! Besides a grocery or Amazon gift card, my next favourite practical gift is self-help books.

  113. Kristy R

    I’m a practical mom. I like gifts I can use. I asked for a vacuum for Christmas. I rarely splurge on myself.

  117. SweetPanda

    I have a practical mom so I usually will bring her out for dinner and give her a gift card

  118. Karry Knisley

    I am definitely a practical mom. My favourite practical gift was a 4 slice toaster.

  119. Tara Betterley

    I am a practical mom – I love receiving gift cards as I never treat myself for anything.

  120. CL Chin

    I’m usually a practical Mom so I don’t mind if I’m treated to spa gift cards or a nice brunch outing!

  122. Brenda Kennedy

    I’m a practical mom and I love to give GC’s that I know will be used and appreciated!

  124. Judy Cowan

    Definitely practical here, I love getting things we need for the house – small appliance, dishes, towels etc. Gift Cards are always a great practical gift :)

  126. Jocelyn Paprocki

    I’m definitely the practical mom, buy only what I need. My ideal mother’s day present is a home cooked meal where I don’t have to help prep or clean up after!

  127. Lindsay Threlkeld

    I’m definitely a practical mom! I want a few small things for the kitchen & some hanging flower baskets for Mother’s Day!

  128. Paula Goodman

    Both! I like to receive something practical (that coffee idea is a good one), and to give practical. I love giftcards and coffee :)

  129. Jenness M

    I definitely have a practical mom. I’ve bought her gift cards and a monthly flower bouquet subscription which she loved!

  131. LILLIAN BROWN

    definitely a practical mom, I like to receive plants for my garden or planters for my deck

  133. Kristi F

    My mom is a practical mom and I like to get her something useful that she can use, like a new piece of clothing, or something for her kitchen.

  135. Erinn Lishman

    I am a practical mom and have a practical mom, too! I always appreciate a nice dinner as a gift, pretty much anything to avoid cooking… My mom would appreciate that too!

  137. Catherine Robichaud

    I’m a practical mom and so is my mom. I would love someone to cook dinner for me or take me out for dinner that would be great.

  140. Krista M

    My mom is practical. We like to give her a prepaid gift card to buy new comfortable shoes or for her to get her hair cut/colored!

  142. mongupp

    i love practical gifts like gift cards. However, a bunch of fresh flowers is also lovely!

  144. Linda DeMunck

    Yes, I am a practical Mom. I usually give my Mom or Mom-in-law assistance with spring cleaning or gardening. Help is what they need this stage of their life.

  145. nicolthepickle

    I’m not a practical mom. My favourite gifts are the special ones that you don’t buy for yourself. That bunch of flowers or sparkly thing is the perfect gift.

  147. Jenna

    I’m a practical mom- but if I have more money I would buy special things. I love to give gifts!

  148. Rhonda W G.

    My mom and I are practical women on the most part however, my mom always told me to indulge once in awhile and that it was a good thing. Feeds the soul!

  149. Shelley Nelson

    I sometimes am practical since I usually ask for clothes or a gc to buy clothes since I need to replace them. I do however enjoy getting a spa gc too so that I can go for a massage.

  150. Joan Brown

    I’m a practical mom, I love getting spa gift cards or gift cards for products I actually use.

  152. My Villa

    that’s totally my mom, if i give her anything she’d turn it around and tell me to keep it to use for my kid lol so I bring her out to concerts. she can’t refuse that

  153. Pearl Saban

    I am a practical mom and I come from a practical mom.
    The most practical gift to buy for her are the basics…cozy socks, a silky-soft camisole, and little houseplants that are easy for her to tend. (she has the best green thumb!)

  154. Andrea C Amy

    Both my mom and myself are practical moms. the best gift for my mom is books and tea or a gift card so she can buy books and tea.

  155. Vicki Hill

    I am a practical person; however there’s nothing better than a handmade gift from a child. Melts my heart every time.

  158. Pam

    I am a practical mom.
    however, I love receiving chapters gift cards so I can choose something just for me
    I also like to gift cool tea towels.

  161. Christy E

    My grandma is a pratical mom. Wants for nothing! For her, making some sort of photo collage, album or hand made gift is most loved.

  163. ivy pluchinsky

    My mom is a practical mom, and I am too! My favorite practical gift would be something for the kitchen, like a small appliance or gadget that people actually use.

  166. wendy hutton

    I am a practical mom and always appreciate gifts of items that I can use like bodywashes, lotions or gift cards to my favorite stores

  167. Sylvia Gold

    I am a practical Mom and find prepaid cards to be the best gifts to give and receive.

  168. Ron Friesen

    My wife is a practical mom so it can be hard finding the right gifts for her, but we like to choose something she would love to have and use.

  169. Julie-Lynne McCann

    I would say I love giving gifts that someone loves but doesn’t take the time to spend on themselves…so for my mum she love beautiful perfumes or candles ..so I buy it for her as she SOOOO deserves it!!!

  172. Marijo watt

    I’m fairly practical just like my own mom. I like gifts that make things easier. So anything really.

  174. Sarah Jackson

    Im a practical mom , I actually prefer my family to skip the gift and maybe just make me a coffee and hug me lol

  175. Kevin B

    My practical gift to my Mom are gift certificates to restaurants that she frequently visits. That way, I make sure that she will use them since she goes there anyway

  177. Mandy

    I have a practical mom and I’ve picked up her practical habits. However, she doesn’t want cash, rather she tells us what she wants and we go get it for her. It’s usually dark chocolate. She doesn’t want us spending too much.

  179. 409cope

    I am fairly practical and think that gift cards are a great idea, espexially for the hard to buy for. My mother-in-law is also pretty practical.

  181. Viv Sluys

    I can’t imagine giving a prepaid card (or any gift card) to my mom or mother-in-law for Mother’s Day! One of the great things about getting a gift is feeling known by receiving something that is so you.
    I have given prepaid cards as gifts before but more as thank-you gifts or as gifts for people who are always a little short on money for bills and don’t get to do fun shopping.
    I consider both my mom and mother in law fairly practical women. I normally get them something they wouldn’t normally splurge on but really enjoy, like photo gifts.

  183. Laurie Burns

    my mom is a practical mom because she can’t afford anything extra on her own, she only has enough to get by. So you always know she needs new things like sneakers or a water bottle and I get it for it her when I can.

  184. Brenda

    I’m a practical mom and my mom’s a practical mom. We don’t want any fancy gifts and just want things that we really need and can use day to day.

  185. Janet M

    Beautifully packaged tea and a new tea cup is always a practical gift and I guess I do tend to give practical gifts.

  188. Nicole S

    My mom is a practical mom. For Mother’s Day I usually get her bedding plants – it’s the perfect time of year for it.

  191. Baiely Dexter

    I am not a practical mom. I love to shop for gifts for people that they would never spend the money on for them self. I think a gift should be something that a person would only window shop for! I love to see my friends and family get excited when they get a wish gift be it an inexpensive one or a chip in for them.

  192. tracy k

    my mom is very practical, and one of my favourite practical gifts to give is something for the kitchen.

  193. Joan G.

    I’m definitely a practical mom – I only buy what I know I will use. As for gift, gift cards are practical, let the person buy what they need no what you think they need.

  194. Laura Terrett

    I’m BOTH!! If someone asks me what I NEED I say something like a power tool or kitchen appliance. If they ask what I WANT nice smelly stuff, clothes, shoes….

  196. Maritess S

    I am a practical mom. I love gifts that I can use for sure but sometimes I also want to receive surprise treats.

  198. Donnas

    A gift card is a very useful gift. I could use it to buy something for my family.

  199. Joyce Sonneveld

    A practical gift would be something I can use daily. Or an activity we can all enjoy together.

  202. shane smith

    my wife is totally a practical mom and that’s cool with me lol … less drama haha
    She would love something useful for the family like board games or a great chair to cozy up on

  203. Robyn Bellefleur

    I am a practical mom, just like my mom was. I like gifts that I can really use and not just dust.

  204. julia g

    With the exception of a few hobbies and a tendency to overindulge her children, my mother is really practical.

  205. Gord

    Both mom and I are very practical people. We buy gifts that are useful and meaningful.

  206. Suzanne G

    I am a practical mom who likes a well thought out gift that I will enjoy and use often.

  207. Hana M

    What a lovely way to show mom I care. A practical gift for a practical mom. Cheers!!!

  208. Barb W

    I’m fairly practical! I like gift cards and wine because I know those will get used!

  209. Julie D

    My favourite practical gift was the KitchenAid mixer my hubby gave me for Mother’s Day a few years ago. I use it all. the. time!

  210. Michelle james

    Definately practicsl gifts that I give, wedont have the luxury of the giving random gifts that aren’t needed.

    • Michelle james

      And my practical gifts to my kids are usually sports equipment or things will use on a daily basis

  211. Gina A

    I never know what to get my mom – this is a good thing as she doesn’t “need or want” anything – this way she can just go do her own thing and enjoy the shopping!

  212. Lynnie

    I’m very practical so I love to get and give gift cards. When I get one, I can be practical and choose what I need!

  213. Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard

    I am a practical mom – but I still like flowers and homemade gifts too

  215. Debbie White Beattie

    You’ve got awesome ideas here but my favorite is “Purchase a monthly subscription box” because this way she has surprises coming every month for a year.