Five things you should never buy as a Mother's Day gift

• by Charlene Prince Birkeland, Shine staff, on Tue May 6, 2008 7:13pm PDT
• source

While we're on the topic of the worst Mother's Day gifts you've ever received, let's talk Mother's Day gifts that should be strictly off limits.

A definite no.







Kitchen appliances. Not the gift of choice for Mother's Day. No bread makers. No Cuisinarts or blenders. Even for kitchenistas. Even in cool retro colors, don't do it. Especially when you're replacing something that's broken -- that doesn't even count as a gift.

Exception: A coffee maker. Mama needs her caffeine.

What, you think I smell?









Lotions. Yes, we know you think it's sweet to buy us lotions because women like to doll up and smell purdy with soft, luscious glowing skin. But what we think when we open this gift is, "I know I don't shower every day, but are you trying to tell me something?"

Exception: A slightly overpriced but exquisite lotion that a mom only purchases on special occasions.





Not. Hawt.










Little House on the Prairie-inspired pajamas. Caroline Ingalls is the only mom who ever will make them look sexy.

Exception: Grandma.







I will never. clean. again.









House-cleaning gear. Even moms will admit the Dyson DC07 vacuum is one hot little number. But for a $600 price tag, we'd rather have the cash. We're in a recession, people. Drop that money into a savings account.

Exception: Mom asks for it. And even then, we're not even sure it's cool.






The Man Cold. Oh I know. You can't buy a cold. But you know what I'm talking about. The only thing worse than a kid being sick on Mother's Day is a husband/partner being sick on Mother's Day. You and your man colds. Mom should high-tail it 'outta dodge. But she won't. Because she's Mom.

Exception: Never.