Stepmom’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Navigating Complex Emotions with Budget-Friendly Ideas
Stepmom, we get it, Mother’s Day can be a mixed bag of emotions! And on top of navigating our own feelings, there is often the challenge of thinking up the perfect gift for our own mother’s, sisters, aunts and yes, even the ex.
This year we want to take some of the think-work out of it, so we’re coming at you with the Mother’s Day Gift Guide - bringing you all kinds of ideas for every budget and situation.
We fully understand there can be very complex dynamics between stepmoms, their partner and the ex, sometimes making the idea of doing something nice a bit of a challenge to say the least.
For us, in our situations, which are not extremely high conflict (meaning: no violence, stalking, court ordered third party communication, etc.) we have always made it a priority in one way or another to help our kids and stepkids either create, or buy a gift for their mom/stepmom on Mother’s Day.
While not always easy, and not always our first choice given the ebbs and flows of the relationship (with bio/step mom,) we have always kept what truly matters at the forefront - the kids and the values we hope to be instilling in them. Not only that, but by showing our support (by way of facilitating opportunities for either creating or buying a gift,) we believe we are showing our kids and stepkids that we’re there for them no matter what, even when the relationship with the parents in the other home are challenging for us.
Personally, we love the gifts our kids and stepkids have made for us over the years, especially now that our kids are getting older, these are the ones we are finding are even more cherished. Below you’ll find a list of ideas for every situation and budget!
Gifts Kids Can Make:
Punny painted pot with succulent - pot, paints and paint brushes from the Dollar Store, potting soil and a succulent from any big box store, such as Walmart
All About My Mom/StepmomQuestionnaire - print this off and have the child color to their liking, then fill in their answers in the places provided. (This is hands down Amelia’s favorite Mother’s Day she received when her kids were younger!)
Bake moms favorite cookies or dessert - Nothing says I love you more than heart-shaped cookies!
Photograph in a hand painted frame - wooden frame from the Dollar Store, paints, paint brushes, and of course, a picture of the child!
Shrinky Dinks keychain (Canadian Link)
Shrinky Dinks keychain (American Link)
Jar/painted box filled with child's favorite memories - jar or box of child’s choosing, decorated to their liking. Next, either have them write, or help them write their favorite memories they have of their parent and place them inside.
Next, if you’re on the hunt for done-for-you gifts, here are some of our fav’s! These are things you can either purchase from Amazon or from an artisan in your area.
Gifts To Buy:
Essential oil blend + diffuser (these can also be purchased locally at any Health Food Store)
Gift certificate for mother-daughter mani/pedi date
Summer planter/hanging basket
Mommy and Me Journal
Mother-Daughter (Canadian link)
Mother-Daughter (American link)
Mother-Son (Canadian link)
Mother-Son (American link)
AshCo. The Mama Label
Book + gift card to favorite coffee shop
Stepmom Specific Gifts:
For Plant Moms, Bonus Mom Planter Set
For Coffee/Tea Moms, Bonus Mom Mug or Stepmom Mug or Funny Stepparent Mug
For the Stepmom who accessorizes, Jewelry Dish
For the Stepmom who loves to cook, Cutting Board & Utensil Set
As we wrap up our Mother's Day Gift Guide, we want to emphasize that this season can evoke a wide range of emotions for stepmoms, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you're feeling joyful, conflicted, or somewhere in between, know that your feelings are valid and deserving of acknowledgment.
If the idea of participating in gift-making or buying with your stepchild feels overwhelming, remember that it's okay to delegate this task to your partner. Setting boundaries and prioritizing your emotional well-being is essential, especially during times that may leave you feeling emotionally charged.
If you're seeking support or guidance as you navigate the complexities of stepfamily life, we're here for you. Our team is dedicated to helping stepmoms feel confident, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Schedule your free, no-obligation Discovery Call now – it could be the first step toward finding the peace and clarity you deserve.
