This post today is going to be a bit different than my usual posts. That is because I'm mostly writing to homeschool dads. Moms, you might want to accidentally keep this page up for your husband to see ;)
Do you have a special homeschool mom that you are still shopping for? Now I know that it's not because you put it off...or forgot...it's because you are searching for just the right thing!
It's December 19th as I write this. Time is ticking if you want to get a present by Christmas Eve! That means that you will either have to brave the roads and the stores, or maybe you have amazon Prime, otherwise you are cutting it close!
Don't sweat it, because I have 5 ideas that are sure to please any homeschool mom! Everyone is different, but I think every homeschool mom wants similar things: encouragement, affirmation, a clean house, and a few more hours in the day! Here are a few ideas with those things in mind...
1 - I.O.U. a Date Book
I'm thinking mostly of a husband and wife here, but really this could work for friends too. I know that I always feel so special when I know my husband has put time into thinking of something for me. Take a few minutes and plan a month's (or year's!) worth of dates for your wife. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant. Just knowing that she can count on undivided time with YOU on a certain day will make her so loved. Of course you are going to want to take care of finding childcare too, or you're just making more work for your wife =)
This could be fun for friends too! I always have good intentions of getting together with my girlfriends, but it's so hard to actually make it happen. How fun would it be to pre-plan some get-together times that you can both look forward throughout the year?
2 - A One-Time Deep-Clean for the House
Homeschool moms have a lot on their plate. There is only so much time in each day, and there always seems to be more things to do than time to do them. Something has always got to give, and unfortunately that is often the housework. I know that I would be blessed to have someone come over and deep-clean the house to give me a fresh slate to work with!
Now, I'm going to suggest hiring a professional for this one. Yes, you could save a buck if you have your mother come and do it, but your wife might not appreciate her mother-in-law getting up-close and personal with the dirty corners in your bathroom =)
3 - Personalized Coupon Book
This may be an old idea, but it is a good one! My husband did this once for me and I felt to treasured that he took the time to think of all the things that would make me feel special. Here's the thing, you can't say no when she presents you one of these coupons! You know your wife, so pick out some things that would mean a lot to her. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
- Daddy makes (or brings in) dinner. (Your wife gets the night off from cooking.)
- Foot rub pass!
- Mom picks the TV show (game/music/activity/etc.)
- Night out with the girls (Daddy takes care of the kids)
- Daddy does the dishes (laundry/cleaning/etc.)
- Date Night
- Shopping Spree (send your wife out to buy a new outfit or something like that)
Obviously these types of things can and should happen normally in a home, but being able to say "I need to NOT do the dishes right now" is fun and freeing from time to time =)
4 - Pampering Gift Certificate
When a homeschool mom has a few extra dollars, what does she usually buy? More books? Clothes for the kids? A treat for the family? Usually the answer is not something special for herself. Get your wife a gift certificate to a nearby salon and send her to get a massage, her nails done, her eyebrows waxed, or whatever it is she would enjoy! My sister-in-law did this for me on my last birthday and I really appreciated it because getting a pedicure just isn't something that I would spend my money on right now when there are so many other important things that need to be bought or saved for.
5 - Tickets to a Homeschool Convention
Convention season is right around the corner and what homeschool mom couldn't use a little encouragement? I know I am super excited to go (my sponsor) the Great Homeschool Convention this spring, and I bet your wife would love to go too! Whether you are newer to homeschooling and need information or a homeschool vet and need encouragement, the Great Homeschool Convention will have just what you need.
The price is right (just $50 for a family pass) and you can make it a date weekend for the two of you, or you can bring the whole family (even grandparents are included!)
Click the picture below to learn all about what you'll experience at the Great Homeschool Conventions, read about the amazing link-up of speakers, and find answers to any questions you might have.
What do you think? Were any of those ideas helpful? Do you have any ideas to add?
I know every mom is different, so I'm sure you can think of other great gift ideas! You may have noticed that I would rather know that my husband thinks of me than that he went out and bought me something, but perhaps you're different =) Maybe you like diamonds and furs....and that's ok too! I'd love to hear any ideas you have.
Those are some good ideas -- I enjoy a happy mug -- one that makes me smile when I look at it so I am happy as I drink my coffee and attempt to educate my children. Some new markers so we have fun colors to grade our papers.
ReplyDeleteFun ideas! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteBetter yet, attend a state homeschool convention. At least that way you will be helping promote and protect homeschooling in your state. Their proceeds go toward that purpose. They could use your support.
ReplyDeleteI've heard someone mention that once (about how the state convention directly helps defend homeschooling in its state). I did not know that. Thanks for sharing more about it!
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