5 Mother's Day Gifts That Don't Cost a Penny

There's the urge to spend when Mother's Day comes around in May. Flowers, perfume, a great meal out are often at the top of the list. Local stores boast great gift ideas and the choices are nearly endless.

But for many those items may still be a bit of a stretch this year given the economic forces at play, with many families trying to rebound financially from last Fall's super storm Sandy and others fearing that maybe last week's big stock market surges was just a fluke.

So to help out local residents who want to express their love to Mom come Sunday Patch went to the experts--its readers--to get ideas on gifts Mom likely isn't expecting and which could very likely become the treasured gifts we all hope to give our Moms.

As Sayville-Patch reader Krystina Levine relates most of us take pride in finding good gifts, whether it's for a mom who cooks, or gardens or has some unique passion or interest.

Levine suggests giving those stay-at-home-moms a 'real day off'.

"These rarely happen for a stay at home Mom. A real treat. Forbid her from doing anything around the house. And plan a nice day around her favorite activity," she suggests in her Facebook response.

For those Moms who aren't local, Levine suggests arranging a Skype session as a surprise with a missed long distance relative or friend.

Here are five more free and low-cost ways to make Mom feel good on Sunday.

1. A Beach Walk: The one thing West Sayville, Sayville, Bayport and Blue Point residents all share are open beach areas for enjoying the Great South Bay and pretty easy access to the Atlantic Ocean thanks to local ferry services. So make a date with mom to visit a beach and do some beachcombing, or relax in a few comfortable chairs and enjoy a fun picnic event that you packed at home. Grapes, cheese, crackers and a little champagne or Bloody Mary. Best part: time alone with Mom and enjoying what many of us take for granted living on the south shore.

2. A Poem/Letter: The one thing Moms want to know is that they're doing a good job and appreciated. What better way than to put it on paper or in a card and tucking it somewhere she'll find on her own during the Mother's Day weekend. One of, if not the, best gifts Patch ever got on Mother's Day were three different poems written by siblings using different poetry genres. All original. All heartfelt. And all prized as the best gifts ever.

3. A Homemade Meal: A woman who likely cooks at least five nights a week relishes the idea of coming home from work, or visiting a child's home and finding a special meal made in her honor and made exactly how she likes it, complete with preferred beverage and a dessert she would never willingly buy or make for own indulgence. Nothing says love better than great food and company. The meal can even include a game of 'best memories of growing up,' or 'times Mom scared me to death.' It's just all about nourishing the soul.

4. A Memory Album: Everyone has way too many photos sitting around never being enjoyed, whether in bound albums or USB devices. Take 12 photos and make a special album of memories relating to times shared with Mom. Not only will she love it, as it's likely something she's always wanted to do but never had the time, she'll keep it within quick reach to share with others. The hard part will be choosing just 12 photos and if that's the case then make a few different albums. You get to relive good and fun times and give Mom something no one else could ever give her.

5. Task Relief: This may seem very trivial, but the idea of not having to vacuum or food shop or fold laundry for one week can be a Mother's idea of heaven. Think of the one task Mom has always hated, whether it's balancing the checkbook, cleaning the bathroom, or doing the windows every spring and just do it. Give Mom a coupon to relieve her of that task for a certain time period, or simply just dive in and do the task as a surprise. It's a small gesture that can go a long way.

What free and inexpensive Mother's Day gifts have you given in the past? Share below in the comments.