Mothers Day presents for the woman who hates everything?

[SaucyJack]

What do those of you with difficult/negative mums do on Mothers Day?

My mum doesn't drink alcohol or eat refined sugars or hydrogenated fats (at least not when anyone's looking) and likes to put on a bit of performance about it given eighth of a chance so chocolate/wine is out. If I buy flowers I'll get a big lecture on how she could've paid the phone bill with that money. She's not into pampering/her appearance so bath products are out. Anything like a book will be greeted with a massive whinge on how she's far too busy working for a living to waste time reading.

I could take her out, but I won't because she's even ruder in front of an audience.

Fiver in a blank envelope? Cards are no-no. (She would've had to work half an hour wiping pooey bottoms to pay for it yadda yadda)

What do the rest of you do? Do you give into the FOG or just leave it?

I wouldnt bother, and when she complains point out exactly what you have posted here.

Fucking hell. Buy some flowers for yourself .

I would not buy her anything at all; do not give in to the fear, obligation and guilt.

Are you crafty? Embroidery or cross stitch or similar? Or would she throw your effort back in your face?

If so I would leave it. At least one of you is supposed to get pleasure from the giftgiving thing and it doesn't seem as if either of you will. (Unless you want to count her spite as a pleasure.)

I wouldn't buy anything if shes like that...

but if u must how about a cheap thermos so she can take tea/coffee to work?

Just do a card

Cards are a no, OPs initial post explains more.

Home made card costs nothing I suppose.

Send her nothing. If she complains about everything anyway then what difference does it make? And if she asks why, tell her "Because you're a horrible drainer of a person."

I'm not getting my mum owt for the first time this year so you're not on your own. Stand firm!

I probably wouldn't bother either but if I did, an e-card and a voucher for somewhere she usually shops as that couldn't be seen as wasteful.

Home made card and an Asda voucher.

I wouldn't bother either.

I'd get her a supermarket voucher. I can't think of anything negative she could say about that!

Saucyjack Are, are you my sister..?

I have the exact same dilemma. I live quite a distance away now so am protected to an extent! I DO send a card but finding one that's not a gushing love declaration! Urrggh. I've found love2shop vouchers seem to go down alright as she can use them to treat herself if she wants or she can use them for her food shopping if she wants.

She has been moaning for YEARS about how she can't retire as early as she wants, had a meeting with a specialist who looked at her finances and said she's been 'oversaving' (if possible) and could retire tomorrow if she liked. She's not happy with that as "it's a massive life change".

This is a woman who also "can imagine nothing worse" than winning the lottery (?!) and works out on average how many times a year she sees us (due to distance) and how long she will probably live for and likes to tell me how many times she'll likely see me before she dies -every phone call we have.

It's so draining, you have my sympathies!

My mum is getting nothing this year also, last years present she gave to someone else for their Birthday!!!

I would treat yourself to a bottle of wine instead

Buy her a bunch of daffs, if she grumbles about how much they must have cost tell her you nicked them from the park .

I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't have that gushy relationship with their Mums, get sick of seeing all the "my mums my best friend" crap everywhere

SaucyJack, I thought you were a bloke! You are, aren't you?

PMSL Blether! Not that I know of- and none of the midwives who attended me in my three labours have informed me of any different.

Offer her a tenner towards the phone bill?

Supermarket voucher sounds like a good idea. I'll get the DD's to make her a card- she's genuinely a devoted GM.

And she does the promising threatening to die thing too. Glad I'm not the only one.

I'd get her a couple of bunches of £1 daffs and a £1 card from M&S. If she complains, take the daffs home with you.

Fruit in a shoebox instead of basket.