To not get mum a birthday present

[damngirl]

It's my mum's birthday in a few days and as a surprise my dad's got them flights back to the UK so we can all be together. They'll get here late tomorrow night so the plan is to go for a meal with parents, sister, her OH and me and my OH. Then on Monday I've booked the day off work so we can spend time together mooching around: my aunt's paid for my mum to get her hair done, so I'm going to get mine done too - thought it could be a mum/daughter type thing to do together. Then I planned on taking her for lunch with sister and dad, then in the evening us four are going for a meal at a nice restaurant which me and my sister are going to go halves on.

Obviously I've got her card and written her a nice message!

Do you think this is enough? I have a really good relationship with her so I'm feeling stressed in case she's upset that I haven't gotten her anything physical to open IYSWIM.

[NataliaOsipova]

I'm sure it is. If you want to get her something to open, then why not a picture of the family in a frame? Or just get a small box of chocs/hand cream as a token to go with the card. I think, as you get older, you value experiences and time with people far more than material gifts, so I'm sure she won't be focusing on the "present" or lack thereof.

[Planty18]

It sounds lovely! If you wanted to get something small could you buy a small photo album or something so she can put photos of the time over here with you in it once she gets home? You could say then because her birthday treats are all experiences you thought she might like a record of them or something, have a lovely time together

[Planty18]

Haha X post Natalia - agreed!

[Dowser]

Yes, I think that's enough.
What a lovely family thing to do.

[Babymamamama]

I would get a small token gift to open as well.

[Oysterbabe]

I would buy something small.

[gamerwidow]

If you're paying for lunch and half of dinner then probably you've spent enough and don't need to get another present. The hair bit doesn't really count because it's your hair that's getting done and your not paying for your mums.
What would you normally do for your mums birthday? If what you are doing adds to to the equivalent and more then it will be fine. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your mum so she'll be happy either way.
Enjoy your time together.

[damngirl]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the replies.

Gamer it depends really. Last year sis, me and our OHs got flights to go and see her and completely surprised her by knocking on their door. (My dad was in on it) If we can't be together we usually just send cards and flowers etc.

She's quite a tough cookie to buy for - she doesn't eat chocolate, doesn't really wear jewellery, never uses candles and has LOADS of clothes and bags as it is (she loves going to car boot sales and bargain hunting!)

Last year I bought her a small piece of artwork and a cardi from Oasis and gave it to her while I was out there.

I know she'll be over the moon just for us all to be together but I think it's me who feels like I should give something more!

[MrsJayy]

I think you shoulc say im taking you for lunch for your birthday mum and leave it at that sounds like a lovely get together

[justilou]

How about take some photos of all the things she's doing on this birthday trip and then make them into a photo book for her and send it over to her later?