Husband Seeks Mother's Day Suggestions...

well, the best thing my hubby ever did for me was....come home early from work with wrapped gifts in hand. He bought me a portable dvd player & 5 movies. Once I unwrapped the gift, he disappeared & when he came back, he told me to take my things & go to my room. He had the kids for the night & that dinner would be served in bed later. He had started a bubble bath. I set up the dvd player, put in a movie, & escaped. He cleaned house & cooked supper & kept kids busy. Later, he brought in a nice salad & promise more to come. I then moved from bubble bath to bed & ate. a bit later, he brought in a steak, baked potatoe, & brocoli & cheese and a tea refill. once done, he brought in dessert. I was so relaxed & content. He put the kids to bed & joined me & then treated me to a all over body massage. I drifted off to dreamland & was so very thankful for that unexpected display & I cherish its memory! He was completely selfless & he thought of me. Best of luck.

I didn't have a chance to read them all, but I think Mother's Day is about being a mother, not by myself, so I think a great gift would be for my husband to plan a family day for me and the kids... simple as a park day, or movie day or whatever, but everything taken care of so I can just go and enjoy. That would be my perfect mother's day.

My husband always buys me cards that make me melt and usually flowers but we are older.

How about a trip to the spa... to get her away from things for a day. Or take her to a nice brunch or dinner out and have someone watch the daughter.

For me, it was just being remembered for all that I did.

Okay... I just have to chime in since Soooooo many ladies said "spa day". Ummm.. make sure that is something SHE would enjoy. I don't care for that kind of thing, personally. Just isn't my thing. I would, honestly, rather go dig in the yard planting flowers and mulching, then taking the dog for a nice long walk ALONE, coming home and taking a nice loooong shower and having dinner already handled by someone else. Then... after someone else has completely cleaned up (not just put the stuff in the sink... but actually washed them or run the dishwasher AND CLEANED UP THE COUNTERS) I can sit and just read whatever I'm reading or watch a movie with someone else to worry about putting the kids to bed.....
If somewhere in the middle of that I can work in a trip (alone) to my favorite store to shop for a new outfit (or even a shirt or pants that I haven't updated in eons) then so much the better.
All moms enjoy having some time to themselves... but like anything else... not all women/moms relax/unwind/enjoy the same things.
For me... having a deadline to finishing my yard work is a drag... to stop before I get that last bit of mulching done b/c I have to get cleaned up so I can start dinner to get the kids fed and in bed on time, and check on homework... just sort of makes it all a big hassle instead of relaxing fun.

Now... aside from that... last year my husband gave me a heart necklace with the kids' birthstones attached. LOVE it.

For my 40th b.day he took the kids (without my knowledge) to a professional photographer (not an Olan Mills... an independent professional) and had their portraits done. He even consulted with the photographer in advance about what kind of clothes she recommended for the photographs....

Just think about your wife and what she is like as a person... not as a mommy. And cater to THAT part of her for a day.... A nice card from your daughter (with crayoned marks for her signature) will be a nice final touch.

One more vote for your taking care of the kids for the day while she does whatever it is she enjoys. Most moms are constantly putting their own needs last, and with only 24 hours in a day, our needs often never get attended to.

I liked it when my husband took the kids out for the day. I could take a nap, I could read a book, do gardening, whatever. I even enjoyed uninterrupted time to organize a closet, as weird as that sounds. Your wife may like that, or may prefer to get out of the house. You know what makes her happy :-)

Good luck!

Uninterrupted time off...24 hours min!! SERIOUSLY!!

No responsibilities, no cellphone leash (unless she wants one) and the opportunity to do as much or as little as she wants.

What every mother really wants is a super clean house.

The one thing I always wish for and don't get on Mother's day is to not have to do normal duties. Someone makes breakfast for me, AND cleans up. Take me out to lunch, plan something special for dinner. Since you have a one year old, YOU change all diapers, put her down for a nap, give the baby her bath. Whatever your wife normally does around the house, you do it. Rent her favorite movie and let her veg on the couch, or read her favorite book. I know it is a lot to think about, and you'll have to be vigilant and maybe watch and make notes as to what to do, but just once, I'd love to hear "this is mother's day, let me do that for you!"

My favorite mother's day gift is a ring my husband got me the first mother's day after our son was born, it is a large heart intwined with a tiny heart. I wear it every day, and it is a memory of my first mother's day.

I've been a mom for seven years now and your note just makes me tear up. Mother's Day has been a non-event for me. My husband isn't a jerk, but just isn't into celebrating holidays, so it comes and goes pretty much like any day. Thank you for striving to make her day special.

What would make my day? Prepare a short little photo book of some of the best photos of your wife and child (and some with you, of course!) ... there are sites like Snapfish.com where you can prepare these very easily. Name it something like, "Why My Mom Is The Greatest." Something that shows you recognize the hard work she does as a mom and think she's doing it well.

Buy some flowers at a real flower shop (not the market ... we know when they're a last-minute pickup) or have them sent to her the Friday before Mother's Day. Select a nice card and make her breakfast on the actual day.

Another idea is to include a coupon/itinerary for a date night the following weekend that tells of the plans. YOU book the babysitter (and make sure you have the necessary cash to pay the babysitter, so she doesn't have to do the bank machine run), make the dinner reservation, select a few movie or theater possibilities to run by her. Plan the night out, so she just has to get ready and go.

First of all buy TWO card and date one of them for last year and as belated and with your ever so sincere appology. And whatever you decide to give as a gift this year, double it.... that should get you out of debt ;) and will be a good thing for her to brag about to her friends and family.
Basically, it's all about "what she can brag about" we all like to say "great" things about our husbands. There's nothing more irritating to other women than to listen to a woman talk about how "happy" she is with her husband. It sets all the miserable ones aback and makes them very envious. You want to be the husband that gets bragged about not bitched about. Remember this always and for every thing!

ANYTHING you do that shows you how much you appreciate her will be great. I know, you want something specific, but I've only had two mother's days. The first one my husband gave me flowers and a card. I wished that he'd actually written something from HIS HEART on the card instead of just signing his name. The next year, on the drive to church, he said "Oh yea, happy mother's day." and that was very upsetting. So that's why I say just do something simple, from the HEART. She should love it if you show some sort of effort on your part. A poem, a heartfelt letter naming the things she does for your family that you just love (yes, mention every little thing, like packing and unpacking the dishwasher, changing the dirty diapers).

Good luck. Sounds like you're already making a great effort to post on here. Good for you!

All of these suggestions are great! You are great to ask. Your wife is very lucky to have you.

Here is my suggestion, what does she like to do.......what has she not been able to do since being pregnant, having a baby. Is it just as simple as a day our with her best friend? I would suggest maybe providing this gift once a month for 6 months. Than it is not one big event and things back to the usual routine the next day.

I would also suggest a gift from your daughter, she will be about one this year so maybe a handprint or a picture frame with her picture. Maybe a nive picture frame with a picture of you and your daughter.

And finally maybe through out the year a hidden card with a note about how much you care........

Hope this helps let us know what you decide to do!

I am not big on Spa days, even though I know most women love them. So make sure she will like it, maybe ask her best friend, sister or mom if she is into that. If she is also ask if they know the actual spa she likes. If she is a fan, do a spa day and then take her on an amazing evening out to dinner.

Tell her how you feel about her as a woman and how now you even feel stronger about her being a mother. If you can write it down that would be the ultimate.

Make sure your child also gives mommy a token.. A small piece of fashion jewelry or a tiny frame for next to mommies side of the bed (I like one that I was given the size for a small school photo once our child attended school). A small crystal vase with little baby flowers that as your child grows and continues to give mom flowers that will remind her of this special mothers day.

You are a good dad.and husband I am sure she will love whatever you decide to give her. . .

The best mothers days I've had where when my husband and boys took me to do something I loved, like hiking. If your wife doesn't enjoy hiking, what is great is to make a nice picnic lunch and go to a nearby park with your family (grandparents too, if they are close by), and enjoy the day with your wife and little one. A lot of people go to restaurants but I can't see how going to a crowded restaurant, and trying to have a meal with a one-year old, could be any fun! Go to the park, bring a nice lunch and a video camera, and let the good times roll!

A day off! Maybe an itinerary for her.....like starting with breakfast with a girlfriend, some shopping time, a massage at a great spa like burke williams, free time, etc.

Am sure the fact that you are making the effort this year will be just enough to make her happy.

I often make photo travel coffee mugs for people and they LOVE them! I made one for my husband for Father's Day 7 yrs ago and he still uses it. (I do to!) It's fun to look back at our kids and see how much they've grown over the years! You can get the mugs from Starbucks for ~$12. It come with instruction, but basically you cut pictures out, glue them on the paper included, and write captions if you want. That's it! Then she had a bragging cup to show all of her friends. Starbucks employees love to see them too. If you do it every year, she have a wonderful collection of memories of your daughter growing up. Your daughter will love to see them when she gets older too.

Second idea....print out the words to In My Daughters Eyes by Martina McBride on see through paper (you can get at arts & crafts or scrapbooking stores like Michael's). The get an 8X10 picture of your wife and daughter. Place the words sheet over the photo and frame it. She'll love it! You will see the image softly behind the words to this beautiful song about mothers and daughters. (Or you can use any song that touches you, obvioisly).

Good luck! You get an A+ for effort!

Updated

I often make photo travel coffee mugs for people and they LOVE them! I made one for my husband for Father's Day 7 yrs ago and he still uses it. (I do to!) It's fun to look back at our kids and see how much they've grown over the years! You can get the mugs from Starbucks for ~$12. It come with instructions, but basically you cut pictures out, glue them on the paper included, and write captions if you want. That's it! Then she has a bragging cup to show all of her friends. Starbucks employees love to see them too. If you do it every year, she'll have a wonderful collection of memories of your daughter growing up. Your daughter will love to see them when she gets older too.

Second idea....print out the words to In My Daughters Eyes by Martina McBride on see-through paper (you can get it at arts & crafts or scrapbooking stores like Michael's). Then get an 8X10 picture of your wife and daughter (looking @ each other would be cute!). Place the words sheet over the photo and frame it. She'll love it! You will see the image softly behind the words to this beautiful song about mothers and daughters. (Or you can use any song that touches you, obviously).

Good luck! You get an A+ for effort!

The best Mother's Day present my husband gave me was a whole day off! He surprised me with a one night stay at a hotel with a day at the spa. He scheduled it for the Saturday before Mother's Day. So Saturday morning, he and the kids drove me to the hotel, kissed me goodbye and then picked me up on Sunday morning. So I was able to spend actual Mother's Day with my children and my husband's mother but the day before was all mine. I checked into my hotel, walked around the town, then went for my massage and facial, I went back to the room, called room service, then read in absolute quiet. It was wonderful! To actually have a full 24hrs by myself being pampered at a spa and then reading the rest of the evening-Wonderful!!! I would give up all birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines and Christmas gifts to have that every year.

Aww! Well, at least you recognize your mistake and are on the ball this year!!! It's very clever of you to come to mamapedia. =0)
My favorite thing that my husband did was with our firstborn. He got one of those faster plaster handprint kits and made me a handprint plaque of our daughter's hand. You can find them at craft stores (like Michael's or Joann's) or you could probably easily order one online since you have plenty of time. You can put your baby's name and the year on it. It's just precious to me now! But, I'm a sucker for stuff like that. Things that capture their size forever. Also, we have little places here where you can go and paint pottery. They have cups, plates, figurines...just everything you could imagine! I'm not sure if there is anything like this where you live, but if so....it's very cute! I've taken my kids there to make lots of things. You can put fingerprints or handprints on a special coffee cup, or a plate that can be hung on the wall. Tons of ideas there!!! Good luck!! =0)

Someone has probably beat me to this idea but that only means moms agree that it is a good idea. Take your daughter to a pottery studio (Alpha Fire in Sac is awesome (cheaper, friendlier and better selection),Color Me Mine is a chain that's an Ok runner up). Paint a serving platter or bowl. Your daughter can help paint if she's old enough. She can smear paint all over and then place handrpints over the design. Your wife can use this as a decoration piece or as a serving dish when company comes. It will last forever. Your daughter will probably have a lot of fun, as well.

A mother's piece of jewelry - ring, charm or bracelet that has the babies, hers, and your birthstone in it

I love to get "coupons" form my husband. Homemade coupons from you offering things such as: one night out with the girls, 1 breakfast in bed, you cook dinner one night, 1 load of laundry, 1 massage, etc. She can redeem the coupons with you. If she's really tired one day, she can tear out her "dinner" coupon and give it to you and relax while you cook dinner.

Good luck!

First of all don't be so hard on yourself. =) That you are willing to think ahead is awesome, your wife is a lucky lady.
Best suggestion? Do things with both mom and baby for half the day. Go do a family portrait, take a walk in a park (holding her hand!), tidy up the house, do the breakfast dishes, take care of the baby, tell her she is an awesome mom. Believe me, doing that will make you KING! In the evening hire a baby-sitter (you arrange it) and take her out to dinner. Go somewhere romantic, look into her eyes and tell her she is THE most beautiful woman (not mom) in the world. Don't rush the evening, make it just about the two of you. I am telling you, do that and she will brag about it for years. =)

Just like men like to be the center of attention some times, so do we women. She doesn't want to just be a mom, she wants to be a desirable wife too.
Good luck, have fun.

What a sweet husband you are!

My favorite Mother's Day gift was a finger painted picture from my kids. It was simple, but they did it so I loved it. I also got a card signed from the kids...I thought it was so sweet. It said something like, "You are a great mommy - we love you so much-thanks for everything you do....etc." My kids were only 3, 2, and a newborn, but it was the thought that counted and obviously my husband signed and wrote everything. It was so nice to see that he appreciated what I did as a mom and that he was thoughtful enough to have the kids "do" something.

I would rather get something like that than a spa day, a gift, or alone time. I want to spend the day with my kids and family....going to lunch, the park, etc....that is the perfect Mother's Day for me!

Good Luck and she'll love and appreciate whatever you decide to do. :)

diamonds are a good start. did you give your wife a "push present?" when the baby was born? If not, perhaps something delicate and sparkly that says "thank you for pushing my giant headed baby out - you're wonderful!" Make it a necklace or bracelet just in case she hasn't lost all the baby weight yet - a ring might be too tight.
Also, a heavy-duty professional house cleaning service while Mamma gets a nice massage or pedicure would go over really well with every mom I know. ;)

I am sitting next to my husband, and he is drawing a blank. But I love when he has the whole day planned, with him taking charge. For example, he brings me coffee in bed. We might go to the park (he packs the diaper bag, including snacks). He makes or arranges for lunch to happen. He changes diapers all day. He puts our boys down for nap, then we watch a movie with a special "adult" snack (fancier food with wine). Then we might spend the afternoon reading books and playing, coloring, etc, and he arranges for supper, too. He bathes the boys, and he puts them to bed.

He also says that if you make a craft with your little one and give it to mom, she will love that. So true! I also agree that a spa day is great. Or even just springing for a night for your wife and her friends as they go out for a night. That would be great!

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Have a great time planning for Mother's Day!

Congratulations on your fatherhood! Mother's Day is not such a big deal to me, as far as my husband is concerned anyway. Maybe I'll feel differently when my daughter is old enough to know about it, but that being said-- what would make me so happy as a Mother's Day gift is a DAY OFF with no obligations except to do whatever I want to do. A day to take care of myself, get a mani/pedi, have a fancy lunch by myself without having to take care of someone else, buy some lipstick and maybe a new book or a pair of shoes without having to rush off to pick someone else up or make someone else's lunch or dinner. A gift of a day sounds heavenly to me, I have all the material stuff I need.

Good luck!

Dear E.,

You are great in my book just for asking and admitting you went wrong last year. Breakfast in bed, bubble bath with candles and champaign, special dinner out (or cooking a meal for your wife)...Your a good husband.

Blessings.....

Awwww... It already brought tears to my eyes, just the humility you brought in your note! You're so sweet! I just know she will be elated with your eagerness to make her happy!
Yep, SPA DAY that's what I say, too. ...I mean the WORKS!!! with a sister or girlfriend (if you can)...and when she comes home from that have EVERYTHING done! (house picked up, dishwasher emptied, blah, blah)Dinner...but a word to the wise...maybe mess a little something up...you don't want her thinking you're perfectly capable with HER!!!

Congratulations on figuring it out early!! My hubby said mothers day was for his mom for about 5-6 years. Can you imagine how hurt I was by that time?
Flowers are always a good choice. If you have a yard get a plant that will bloom every year. Also, get her something personal from you, like a sweater, or nightgown etc. For sizes, look thru her clothes if you don't already know them. That way she will really be surprized.

Well, this Mother's Day will be great then. Good job thinking ahead. It really depends on what SHE likes to do. Would she appreciate some time away to go get a pedicure or massage? For myself, I just appreciate help with the baby. You could buy her some flowers at the grocery store (even the night before), buy her a Starbucks that morning if she drinks those, make breakfast and TAKE CARE OF THE KID(S) all day! You could even get her an inexpensive gold or silver charm on a chain (you can purchase a cheap one at Wal-Mart or online at Amazon.com and get it delivered.). You could send her off for a massage that day if she enjoys those. So it depends on what she likes. So give it a thought/brainstorm and cater to her all day giving her what she likes and do what she enjoys doing.

Heck, if she's able to spend time away from the baby, a SPA day will REALLY kick butt if she likes that kind of stuff. Moms are in tune 24/7 to their kids - we can't turn off the radar when we're around them.

If she's not into the spa thing, whatever she likes to do where she has the day out of the house, free to do whatever, will be great.

So many great answers, and you're a wonderful husband just for asking! I vote for the spa day too, but here are some tips: schedule it. A gift certificate will sit around gathering dust while she worries about when will be a good time. You set the date (if she stays at home with your daughter most of the time, a week day would be most appreciated--schedule a vacation day for yourself that day so you can take care of your daughter and things at home). Make breakfast that morning, get your daughter up and ready yourself, and send Mom off on a relaxing day to herself knowing your child is in the best hands other than her own. Suggest she catch a movie or meet up with a friend for lunch or a drink after the spa session, or maybe do some clothes shopping for herself.

While she's gone, clean the house, do some laundry, and get groceries for dinner. My husband did this for me once, and it meant so much to me that he made the effort to do EVERYTHING I do at home, not just the easy stuff (taking care of a kid is relatively easy when you're not trying to do all those other things at the same time). When he did all of those things for me one day, it made me feel like he really appreciated all I do because he actually experienced it all, at least for one day. He also made dinner for me and our daughter that night. It was over a year ago and it still brings a big smile to my face!

Announce your gift to her, with details, and the date of her special day in a Mother's Day card with a heartfelt note expressing how much you appreciate her.

Another piece of advice: someone mentioned getting a cleaning service for a day or a month or something...while I don't know any mom who wouldn't love a cleaning service, I wouldn't get it for your wife for Mother's Day. Kind of like getting a vacuum for your birthday: it's nice, but it just says "your job is cleaning the place, here's a way to help you do it better." Not exactly the message you want to send. It's a great gift, but not for Mother's Day.

Good luck!
J.

A day off for her and you book an appointment at a nice spa. Spa day would include a one hour massage, and facial. You can also include a manicure and pedicure if you are not worried about spending a little more. You can start her day off by making her breakfast, then driving her to her appointment immediately after. She will love it!!

P.S. You are a very thoughtful husband!
L.

I agree that cleaning or paying someone to clean the house is a great Mother's Day Gift. My husband and I have a tradition of making each other cards for every holiday (sometime for x-mas we sit down together at the table with the card making crafts and do it)-- a homemade card from the heart is so much better than some pre-composed thing from the grocery store. Fill it with everything you are thankful for and love about her. Restaurants are a frustrating waste of time unless you have a sitter and can go without the children-- I second going for a picnic instead with lots of special treat-foods.

Mother's day is Sunday, May 9th. Book a nice hotel room for Saturday May 8th maybe Napa, Sonoma or Calestoga. Tell her Friday night to pack a bag and she is getting SaturDAY and Saturday ALL NIGHT to herself at a nice hotel and than you and the baby (2 yr old?) will meet her Sunday for mothers day at the hotel. This way the whole family can hang out at the pool, picknic, etc. but she gets all day and night Saturday to TOTALLY RELAX.

This was the best gift i have ever been given! I got the best of both worlds...time off then time with the family, not in the house where I constantly feel the need to clean, pick up, cook,etc! It was the BEST!!

Lots of good responses!! My favorite is something made and written by my kids. However, my favorite Mother's Day (in short) was when my hubby brought me breakfast in bed that the kids made, catered to my needs all day and took care of the kids needs, he and the kids cleaned up any messes, he put the kids to bed doing my normal routine with them and after they were aaaallll tucked away and asleep... He brought me a glass of wine and a card with a note written by him telling me what an incredible Mom I am, spoiled me with chocolate covered strawberries, then gave me a loooooong massage with lavender scented oils which, of course led to fun "stuff" *wink* and I drifted away to sleep relaxed with a big smile on my face. Why couldn’t every night end like that??? LOL
Obviously my suggestion is that you spoil your wife AFTER the kids go to bed too =-)

SPA DAY!!!!!!!! Can you tell that this is a really good idea!!! Even better is that if you can afford it , make so she can bring a girl friend!!!

Spend the morning with the 3 of you, breakfast etc, then give her a giftcard (or cash) for shopping....alone! When she comes home, the house is *clean*, and dinner is ready, or will be. Then mom gets to play with the baby while you clean the kitchen, and next put your daughter to bed while your wife relaxes however she wants. After your daughter is in bed, let your wife keep relaxing, reading, tv, or picking a show or movie for the 2 of you to watch. This sounds like a fantastic treat for a mom...and not too difficult! And, oh yeah- if you still want to go "above and beyond"and do something extra to make up for last year, add in some jewelery, family portrait (gift cert for another day) or even just an extra big shopping budget, go for it!! Tell her how much you appreciate her and what a great mother and wife she is...you get it! Good luck! And I hope MY husband reads this, lol!!!

I am always a sucker for jewelry ~ that's just me and if your wife is not the same then I would not suggest that of course - but you would know her best. One of the other things that was a favorite of mine was when my husband bought me the all day pampering package at one of the nice spas in town. It included lunch and I got to choose from a wide variety of services that they offered like full body massage, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials etc....and depending on the package depends on how many services you get etc. They did a couple of services and then had lunch - then did another one or maybe 2 I really can't remember, but by the end of the day I was so relaxed and peaceful. It was a wonderful experience. Good Luck, I hope that you find the perfect gift. P.S. - don't be too hard on yourself about last year, we all make mistakes!! It is nice of you to try and make up for it this year.....

Oh you came to the right group! So, here is my advice. Do not give her anything related to the storing of things, food containers, boxes (unless they are cute and she collects them). Do not give her coupons for diapers. In otherwords, do not give her anything related to work or being a mom, like something that will make her work more. i.e.no hoover vacuums unless she has been begging for one. Give her something that makes her special. Do it well in advance, do not say a half hour before - ooh, it's time to run out to Walgreens I need to get something for someone...cough, cough. Way ahead of time go and buy her a fuzzy soft blanket, a bottle of wine or her favorite alcoholic beverage, a box or bottle of soap bubbles and something that says I love you for the sexy, wonderful woman you are-not-not- so nice to have you as the hag in the curlers in the morning and spit up all over your body.-thanks. Remember you were and probably still are crazy about her (you made a baby with her didn't you?) so let her know that. You both know that you have a child, now let her know that the making of that child was so special and appreciated every day. Get her a card, or several, a soft robe, things that say, love, love, love-not clean for me/ woman. She will be so happy and surprised and I believe you about the no sleep, my baby is nineteen and we still do not get any. Sounds like you are a wonderfully kind person and she is lucky to have you.

offer to take care of your daughter for the day and give your wife a gift certificate to a spa, nothing better than a mani/pedi, facial, massage and a new hairstyle/or just a blow dry. While you are sitting with your daughter, you can prepare a nice romantic dinner, don't forget 1 red rose and candles, J.

SPA DAY!!!!!!!!! Let her sleep in then send her on her way. Nothing beats a massage and a pedicure. Try to book it a relaxing spa that makes sure she's comfortable. A lot of spas offer little extras like drinks and comfy robes so look for one of those.

I don't have time to read everything right now, but I can't wait to come back in a while. We tend to drop the ball on gifts in my family. Yes, I wanted a special mother's day gift for my first one, but didn't get it. I don't hold it against him. I do the same. Kids bdays and holidays we always do up right, but the adults get overlooked sometimes.

SO anyway, what I want is one of these mommy necklaces that has charms and birthstones and stuff. If you act quickly, they actually have some nice ones on a discount website, just for today. http://www.babyhalfoff.com/
There are a TON of sellers on etsy.com who make these though, with different styles and looks to them. So that is what I want this year. I will probably be ordering it for myself. :)

*Edit:*
Ok, after reading everyone else's and thinking about it I wanted to add a couple things. I personally do like spa days but know a lot of women who don't. It's a great idea if she's into that. I do NOT like to go to the Olive Garden or other similar restaurant on Mother's Day. What a nightmare! If you do a restaurant, it should only be a really upscale place that is reservation only and you won't be crammed in at banquet tables with cranky strangers and their crankier children after waiting in a tiny lobby for 2 hours. I do not like to be alone. I would hate to be sent off to a hotel by myself. With a girlfriend, maybe. (I don't really have a girlfriend I want to spend that kind of time with though.) I would REALLY love to not have to do mommy duties unless I want to. I agree totally that I would love to have a picnic or some other family thing, with no requirements on me to get the diaper bag packed and kid dressed and all that stuff. But I would also not enjoy winging it without all that stuff, so that takes some pretty good preparation. Pretty much everyone agrees that not having to do dishes and dinner and bath and all that other yucky stuff is ideal.

And my last idea, which I probably would want even more than the jewelry I mentioned, is a maid service. For however many times you can afford. Even if it is just once. To get a coupon for maid service already set up to come in and scrub my bathroom and wash my windows is my idea of total heaven.

Etsy.com has lots of cool stamped jewelry. You can have your child's name put on a bracelet or necklace then take the family out to brunch.

Breakfast in bed, delivered on a tray with flowers. Clean the house and really attend to the kids all day. I can't imagine a mom wanting anything better than that.

How cute of you to ask on Mamapedia.

ohhhhhhhhhh
back to reality: make an appt for her on that day for mani/pedi at an upscale spa, pick her up when her appt is done (keep track on this) and take her to her favorite restaurant, with kid(s) in tow. then back home. take care of kids while she takes a bubble bath.

since she got neglected so to speak last year(by the way don't beat your self up over it you are only human) I would say pamper her this year. find a grandparent or someone to babysit. find a hotel room with a spa or honeymoon suite would be even more cool. tell her since she didn't get her mothers day the way she should have last year you are making it up to her. do the dinner thing maybe movie a long date with a honeymoon suite for the weekend. if this doesnt appeal your fancy what does she like? jewlery if she likes plants get a perinial plant she can plant out side make the house pretty and spend time alone.

Personally my ideal mothers day would be going to the pbr. or mma out of town and get a hotel room for the weekend. I actually have thought about setting up a business geared to this making suggestions to men like you but I need a trial and error to see how well I do. so if you could send me a personal email telling me if you like my idea or not and why.

Spa days are sooo not for me. Sure, if your wife likes them, otherwise, here are some of my favorites:

When each of my babies (2) were born, my husband got me a necklace with their birthstone accented with little diamonds (emerald for May and amethyst for February--you have an expensive one with April!).

One Mother's Day last year, it also happened to be my son (#2) first birthday--we went to Fairy Tail Town in Sacramento and he did all the work such as planning and changing diapers. Great to watch the kids run around and have fun. And SF has so much to do--lucky you!

My top pick BY FAR is a family portrait. I mean a really great one. And, again, SF has so may talented photographers. Plan it for China Beach at sunset (almost always empty) or Palace of Fine Arts. You do, of course, need lots of heads up for her to select outfits, get hair done, etc. so maybe presenting a beautiful gift certificate on Mother's Day is the best. I am a professional photographer (hence have photographed in SF at those places a lot) and I tell you, nothing makes a mama cry with tears of joy more than creating an heirloom. Think about it--it's the most personal gift you can give. It cannot be gotten on your lunch hour at Macy's. And if your home were burning down, God forbid, it would be one of the things you would grab on your way out. Also--there is no going back in time to capture this very precious time when your baby is just that, a baby. Soon she'll be running down the hall and her hair will be long and she'll have a mouth full of teeth. Now is the time! Hire a great photographer who is creative and will do not just portraits, but cool things like all 3 sets of bare feet in the sand with your names in the sand (or your last name in a heart...you get me). Get some sub-groups, too, such as Mom & baby, Dad & baby, baby alone, etc. I could go on and on...I'm passionate as you can see! Let me know if you need help finding someone--I have some connections in the area.

Good luck! And don't worry--my husband messed up my first one too, and I love him all the same. You're a sweetie for asking and your wife must be wonderful for you to be so concerned.

Two Suggestions...

I did a photo book for my husband one year and he loved it!!! A number of websites have photo book creators. Try Shutterfly, Snapfish, Costco, Walgreens, Sam' Club, etc. Just upload your photos, arrange them on the pages as you want them, embellish the pages, order and it's delivered to your door.

The other idea is getting her birthstone jewelry to symbolize the month your daughter was born, which in your daughters case is April...Diamonds!!

I also like the day off idea suggested by a lot of others. Most important, just let her know how much you love and appreciate her for the mother and wife that she is.

I enjoy the spa days.....my hubby gives them to me a lot. I've also had a weekend to myself in FL which was great.

We always go to a very special brunch at our country club on Mother's Day.

He has always had my daughter give me something for Mother's Day as well. Something simple...handmade card is great.

Ok. I read a few of the responses. I personally would not want a spa day, my husband casually mentioned it, and I told him please don't waste your money, it's just not for me.

I loved the idea of a photo book on snapfish. You can make a mommy's first year book. (Note: I made a photobook for the inlaws for Christmas and they loved it, but it's very time consuming to upload the photo's and put the book together, so plan ahead)

If your wife really likes jewerly and you know her taste, that's a great plan.

Also, I do enjoy a dinner out, but not on Mother's day. The food usually isn't as good and the service isn't much better.

What mommy doesn't like a clean house?

My favorite thing to do on Mother's day is to have a nice relaxing day with my hubby and kids. They take care of the meals and clean up afterward. If were going out for the day, they make sure everything is packed.

I'm sure you'll come up with something great!

I would suggest some bath and body works spa items, followed with a spa gift certificate. Mom's love to be pampered!

Or, send her away for a weekend with her Best friend or sister...

Mother's Day is a Hallmark Economic Holiday. It's a crowded, crazy scene at all restaurants and the like... do something really special on your daughter's Actual Birth Day... the day your wife became a Mother. That's the day you take her out to a really nice dinner (without your daughter in tow) after she's had a day at the spa while the house is being cleaned and she's finished up the afternoon getting her hair and nails done. If she's still nursing arrange to bring your daughter to her as needed of course. Some or all these things would be wonderful depending on budget but regardless she should feel like a Princess. Remember LABOR? I imagine she didn't go through it getting massages and manicures, right. If you then want to give her a pleasant surprise on the day society has taught us to expect *something* you can give her a shiny bauble on said Holiday in addition to not having her lift a finger caring for the house. You make or arrange for InHome food all day. No fair leaving her with a sinkful of dishes to do either. Soon enough your wife will be spending the weeks and days before your daughter's birthday parties running around planning/prepping and executing all the details... make sure you fit in something sparkly or a PamperHer event before the party so she feels celebrated as well.

A Shutterfly.com album! I do one each year (the first from the day our son was born to his first birthday, then first birthday up to second birthday, etc.) and they are awesome albums! You can do a small album with some of your favorite pictures. Or go all out with a big album with all of your favorite pictures. The site is very user friendly and the quality of the pictures/album is wonderful. With that, I also vote for a complete day off for you BOTH. (Maybe the day before Mother's Day) But you still do things to spoil her. Schedule a mani/pedi for her. Spend the day together. Have a nice dinner. Good luck. I am sure that she will love anything that you do for her!

I am sorry i don't have time to read all the responses....

My advice is to start the day with a brunch as a family... then to a nice park where she can open her gift. That is my favorite kind of mother's day :)

P.S. My husband has messed up too... the fact that you are on here and want to make it up is great :)

I LOVE Leah's idea. That would be an amazing gift!

PS You are very thoughtful and sweet for wanting to make up for it this year.

Soooo many responses! I couldn't read through all of them and so I apologize if this is a repeat:

Clean the house!

And I don't mean hire a service...Because as any respectable woman will do, she'll pick up the house before the cleaning crew comes so that they don't think she has a messy house.

So I mean YOU should clean it. Is your house already picked up most of the time? Then skip right to the deep cleaning like baseboards, upholstery, taking down the blinds and really cleaning them, windows, etc. And do this the day before Mother's Day so she can enjoy an entire Sunday in her sparkling clean castle.

Aww <3
Well, at least you're making up for it. If it helps, I forget my own anniversary every. single. year since my 1st daughter was born. I've lost track of my own age &, at one point early in my 2nd daughter's life, I couldn't remember how to spell her first name. Sometimes being sleep-deprived really messes you up.
I know that I LOVE pampering--time along w/o the kids. Pedicures and massages are tops on my list (no manicure because it'll only get messed up in my daily work around the house/with the kids. I do need the appointment to be scheduled and my day cleared (including care arranged for the kids) otherwise I'll put it off till the certificate expires.
Does your wife drink coffee or tea? I've always thought it'd be nice to have a mug w/ my kids' hand or footprints on it (for me, being able to drink even a half a cup of tea while still hot is a successful day) or one of those microwavable coffee mugs from Starbucks which you put pictures into.
Finally, there are some inexpensive stamped silver necklaces onto which you can put the baby's birth info--it was the first thing I asked for after the birth of my girls & now I carry a work-at-home-mom's line on my website because A: I really like them, B: appreciate their affordabilty and C: like supporting a fellow Mom. You can find them all over Etsy.com or mine here: http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id=61951&amp;vid=537
Good for you for thinking so far in advance. Even the thought DOES count.
OH! And don't forget a heartfelt card saying what a great Mom she is. Mother's Day is the only time I'm told, in words, about much I'm appreciated.

Scentsy wickless candles. Mom's love these because they are kid safe. www.danacarey.scentsy.us

SCENTSY wickless candles make GREAT gifts for EVERY occasion! Fragrant wax is warmed by a 25-watt light bulb in beautiful ceramic warmers (variety of over 60 warmers). With over 80 scents to select from, everyday her warmer is GENTLY and SAFELY scenting your home, she will think of (and thank) you!!! For more information: www.janenebrunson.scentsy.us