Mother's Day ideas for the new mom

"Honor her for all that her hands have done."

- Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)

There's a first time for everything, including Mother's Day.

This year, I have three new mothers in my life that I love and appreciate. Each of my granddaughters all gave birth this past year and will be receiving the blessing of enjoying their first Mother's Day.

Pondering this led me to start thinking, "What do you give a new mother celebrating for her first time?"

I thought many of you may have some new mothers in your life and wonder the same thing.

My first thought is: breakfast in bed would delight any new mom who has been spending countless hours changing diapers and feeding her wee one night and day, not to mention walking the floors, rocking and trying to console a screaming baby. An opportunity to sleep in or have someone bring her breakfast might just meet her needs for a rest.

Another thought was an afternoon at the movies, if she's OK with leaving the baby with someone she trusts. Some moms need a break from the house, as well as child care.

A traditional gift of her favorite colorful flowers may suit her just fine. And don't forget the card. If you do nothing else, at least give a card so she has a keepsake of her first special day. Make sure you put some thought into the sentiments written in it, and pen a few precious words of your own. They are worth their weight in gold to a new mother.

When cost isn't an issue, you might consider a ring with the birthstone of the month her child was born. One year, my mother-in-law gave me a birthstone ring with blue and red stones set in sterling silver for the births of my first and second child. It was my first exposure to a mother's birthstone ring. I was so delighted with it; I still have it to this day.

And you can add more stones as the family grows. I've seen mothers with five or more colorful stones displayed in their rings.

And don't forget the coupons. My children used to gift me with homemade coupons of chores they were willing to do. Don't wait too long to cash in on them. I'm still waiting on one after 30-some years. I've kept the coupon as a special keepsake.

Whether you're gifting a new mom or an experienced one, put some thought into it and make sure you know what she might like as a gift to honor her special day.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.