With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, Consumer Reports experts are offering advice on how to find thoughtful gifts without overspending.Consumer Reports says shoppers should focus less on the price tag and more on what mom actually wants. That could mean a practical gift, a relaxing present, or simply quality time together.For those looking to spend a little more, Consumer Reports recommends relaxing gifts such as noise-canceling headphones or a sleep mask. Experts also say it can help to ask before buying bigger household items or appliances, especially if the gift is meant to be useful.For families shopping on a budget, experts suggest lower-cost but meaningful options like making breakfast at home, writing a heartfelt card, taking over chores for the day, or planning time together around mom’s favorite activities.Mary Beth Quirk, managing editor of shopping for Consumer Reports, stressed the importance of tailoring the day to mom’s preferences. “Instead of planning an entire day based on things that you might like, maybe things that are your favorite things to do, find out all the things that she likes to do. Maybe that’s just sitting in a room with the door shut and not talking to anybody for six hours. Definitely don’t ask mom to do things for you on Mother’s Day,” Quirk said. She added that sometimes the best gifts are not expensive at all, but simply give moms a chance to relax or spend meaningful time with loved ones.Consumer Reports also recommends comparing prices and looking for sales before buying, especially on popular Mother’s Day gifts. Experts say a thoughtful gift does not have to be expensive to feel special.
With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, Consumer Reports experts are offering advice on how to find thoughtful gifts without overspending.
Consumer Reports says shoppers should focus less on the price tag and more on what mom actually wants. That could mean a practical gift, a relaxing present, or simply quality time together.
For those looking to spend a little more, Consumer Reports recommends relaxing gifts such as noise-canceling headphones or a sleep mask. Experts also say it can help to ask before buying bigger household items or appliances, especially if the gift is meant to be useful.
For families shopping on a budget, experts suggest lower-cost but meaningful options like making breakfast at home, writing a heartfelt card, taking over chores for the day, or planning time together around mom’s favorite activities.
Mary Beth Quirk, managing editor of shopping for Consumer Reports, stressed the importance of tailoring the day to mom’s preferences.
“Instead of planning an entire day based on things that you might like, maybe things that are your favorite things to do, find out all the things that she likes to do. Maybe that’s just sitting in a room with the door shut and not talking to anybody for six hours. Definitely don’t ask mom to do things for you on Mother’s Day,” Quirk said.
She added that sometimes the best gifts are not expensive at all, but simply give moms a chance to relax or spend meaningful time with loved ones.
Consumer Reports also recommends comparing prices and looking for sales before buying, especially on popular Mother’s Day gifts. Experts say a thoughtful gift does not have to be expensive to feel special.
