SAVING ON MOTHER'S DAY

The last thing you want to do is to seem cheap while saving on Mother's Day

Yet in this recessionary economy saving on Mother's Day is a necessity, but making sure you do it right is even more important. In the past, too many of us thought it was the amount of money spent which made for a good present. On Mother's Day, above all other holidays, it is the thought that counts. Moms appreciate gifts from the heart. It lets them know you are saving a special place for them in your heart. The best way to accomplish that, and save on a Mother's Day gift, is to make something unique and make it yourself.

On this special day, what better gift than a coupon from you saying you'll do something really nice for that special girl. If you're not yet on your own, it could be as simple as cleaning your room, or detailing her car, weeding the garden, or making a playlist for her MP3 player. Just step back and think. What does your mother like to do? Is there something you can do for her? Will it save her time, energy or money? Once you've got it, spend a few moments with you computer's graphics program and make a nice printable coupon up. Slip it into a store bought card. Then watch the smile as Mother's Day gets very personal. She'll love it.

Sometimes, the Mother's Day gift is the traditional flowers and candy. Even here a little forethought will make things easier and save money. For example, if the mother in question is on a diet, do you really want to give her a box of expensive, mouth watering chocolates? If flowers are the answer, you can save by being savvy. Check with your local florist over a national brand. The costs should be lower and the personal service will get you more value. Supermarket flowers are a decent value, but don't rely on their arrangement. Buy the flowers and then arrange them yourself in a pretty vase. Another alternative to flowers is a potted plant. Boston ferns are good at cleaning the air. You'll not only save with a gift that keeps on giving, but you may even save a sneeze or two.

If there is a practical mom on your Mother's Day list, there are all sort of practical gifts you can give. If she likes movies, buy a subscription to NetFlix. If her car needs a little spring cleaning, check the oil, tire pressure and maybe even wax it for her. However, if the decision is to splurge on a restaurant, look around on the web at sites like restaurant.com for coupons. You can save as much as 60%. Be careful if you are considering new appliances, clothes or jewelry. All of these come with unique questions that can only be answered on a personal level.

The key to saving on Mothers Day is to try and make it as personal as possible. The more it comes form the heart, the more your special lady will enjoy it. The more time you spend thinking about how to do that, the more you will save. To help you out, The Frugal Yankee has put together a list on GIFTS UNDER $50 on our web site.

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From traditional tips to savvy perspectives, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com. While you're there, sign up for the Frugal Yankee Newsletter, tips, factoids, jokes and more.  Garen is now on Twitter with posts several times a day. Be sure to check out Hollywood Breakdown in Gather's Movie Essential for some smart takes on the film business.