Gift Ideas for the Mother of a Toddler

We’ve all heard of the terrible twos and we’ve all seen a toddler flail themselves on the ground in the midst of a temper tantrum. What we usually don’t notice is the look of embarrassment and frustration that flashes across the face of the mother of that toddler. If we do manage to lock eyes with the mother of the toddler committing the tantrum, we quickly look away, lest she see the pity in our eyes. Some might look at that mother and feel quick to judge, wondering how she is raising a child who would flail as such…those people are not parents. For the mother of a toddler, a simple trip to the grocery store might exhaust more energy than a marathon. It’s about time we thought of some unique gifts for the mother of the toddler.

Mothers of toddlers deserve to be pampered, no question. If you can afford a spa gift certificate, the toddler’s mom would surely appreciate the opportunity to have a few hours wrapped in a plush robe and surrounded by soft lighting. The only problem is she’ll need a few hours of babysitting service to be included with this gift. Don’t give the spa certificate if you’re not willing to watch the toddler. There is nothing worse than looking longingly towards that mani/pedi or massage gift certificate and knowing you can’t steal away a few hours to enjoy it.

Mothers of toddlers are often so busy throughout the day that by the time dinner rolls around, they feel just unmotivated and just uncreative enough to throw some mac n cheese on the stove. Again. That parent would love a gift certificate to a family friendly restaurant where her family can be served quality food while her toddler colors and is entertained by the sights around him. If you’re willing to watch your friend’s toddler for an evening, purchase a gift certificate to a restaurant that is anything but family friendly. Chances are your friend would love a night out with the father of her toddler. Chances are she’d love a glass of wine with dinner.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the mother of the toddler but you want her to know you appreciate her and admire her, there are many services you can provide for her. Have you ever seen a toddler inside the four doors of a car? It can be a mess! Offer to wash your friend’s car for her and top off the job by putting some lovely smelling scents in the car. Another great service that the mother of a toddler could use is a housecleaning service. Again, if you can’t afford to pay for a housecleaning service, send your friend to the park to enjoy the afternoon with her toddler while you put the rubber gloves on and set to work cleaning her house. Same goes for laundry; toddlers might be small but they create a lot of laundry. Spend a few hours at your friends house and help her sort through all of those piles of laundry.

The final gift ideas for your friend are ideas that might make her life as a toddler’s mom a bit easier. Purchase some toys for the road, as the car can be a battleground for toddlers and moms. A travel size Aqua Doodle makes an entertaining gift, as does a travel size DVD player. A clever idea for traveling is to create a “Road Bag” that has all of the essentials in it. The toddler’s mom could use an already assembled canvas bag filled with toys, books, snacks, etc. This bag can be left in the car and can be conveniently retrieved whenever mom needs it!