Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
IT’S that time of year again! Mothers around the world are celebrated for their tireless love and dedication. But the question remains — what’s the ideal Mother’s Day gift?
A generic cake or the now-routine brunch reservation feels impersonal. It’s time to ditch the uninspired routine and truly spoil your mama.
The Saturday Chronicle hit the streets of Bulawayo to ask mothers themselves what they crave most this year.
Sithokozile Dube from Magwegwe suburb shared a heartfelt sentiment.
Her greatest gift would be lasting love from her children, not just on Mother’s Day. It saddens her that some children use this day as a performative display of affection, neglecting their mothers throughout the year.
“Once children are able to do that, it’s easy to get the perfect gift for your mother because you will know what it is that she wants and expects.
“Most of our children just send us to these expensive lunches that we do not even like because it will be crowded and that’s not a great sight for most of us,” said Dube.
Buhle Gumbo stressed the importance of thoughtful gifts. She suggested presents that are both useful and hold sentimental value — things a mother can see and use every day.
Here are some ideas to inspire you, even after Mother’s Day has passed:
Upgrade your mother’s space
Has your mother been eyeing a new appliance or piece of furniture? Surprise her with a delivery. Imagine her delight relaxing on a new sofa or admiring a mounted TV after a long month.
Renew and revive
Is the kitchen paint peeling? Revamp it overnight for a fresh look! Replace those worn floor tiles she has been complaining about. For bigger dreams, consider building her a new home that’s if you can afford to! Even smaller fixes like repairing a leaky faucet can make a big difference.
The gift of family
There’s nothing more precious than quality time with loved ones. Plan a gathering where your mother can be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Embrace the laughter, the playful chaos, and the inevitable (but memorable) family discussions.
A taste of adventure
Break the cake routine! Does your mum have food she’s always wanted to try? Take her to a new restaurant or introduce her to a unique cuisine.
Plan an exciting outing like zip-lining or a boat cruise — create new memories together!
Remember, these are just starting points. The most important thing is to make your mother feel truly special and loved, whether it’s through a thoughtful gift, a helping hand around the house, or simply spending quality time together.



