I went to Target, picked up cards for Mom and Grandma for Mother’s Day. Originally I had in my hands $3.99 cards, but after a moment I replaced them with $2.99 cards.
Then I proceeded to feel guilty for the REST OF THE WAY HOME.
I hope I’m not too terrible a daughter (or granddaughter) for wanting to save $2 on cards. For Mother’s Day. To the woman who gave me LIFE and paid $100,000+ for my private college education and makes my favorite meal everytime I come home.
Wow. Looking at what I just typed, I DO feel pretty bad.
Maybe I should just go back and get the $3.99 cards.
Or maybe I can make it up by buying some seriously good gifts. (Which is difficult, to say the least, since Mom never tells me what she wants.)
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LOL. I know what you mean.
I console myself with the reminder that it’s what’s in the card that matters. They’ll no doubt love whatever you write inside.
I’ve felt the exact same way before. It’s the thought that counts and the message inside that counts, not price.
After buying cards for years I gave up and simply call my mom, tell her how much I love her and thank her for all the support she’s given. As a kid I used to make breakfast pancakes for her or pick flowers from the neighbor’s garden and put in a pretty vase at home. My mom doesn’t want anything anymore except for her kids to be happy. And that’s easy enough.
I usually just write on postcards that I think will appeal to the recipient…and I don’t feel guilty!
Ah! Daughter guilt! I know it well.
Women are trained to think that way. It doesn’t matter how much the card cost — but what it says, how it looks and how you think your mom will like it. Resist the temptation to overcompensate on the gifts! Personally, I think cards are a waste of time if we buy a gift anyhow. I’ve tried buying packs of blank cards and then writing personal notes inside.
I used to slip a $100 check inside the card. Now I just skip the card and give the cash. Mom’s much happier that way.
I promise you, your mom (or grandma) doesn’t care how much the card is. those hand-made ones you made her when you were 6 are probably her favorites ever. you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to show someone you care about them. most moms just like knowing you spent time thinking about them.
Also, your mom would probably be proud that you saved $$, to put toward your future. a buck here and there adds up!
I bought a set of 50 blank cards (about $9) and for each occasion I draw/write something the front and then just fill out the inside. Not an ounce of guilt because it comes from the heart.
I have to say, I never pay attention to the price of cards. I pick one that gives me the warm fuzzies, and I buy it.
With that being said, these things can really be expensive!
Its the intent behind the card. Not the card itself. Who actually looks at card prices when they get cards from someone? A nice note from you telling you how much you appreciate her, is worth far more. Don’t guilt yourself. There’s many more far important things in life on which to spend your thought time.
Don’t feel bad. You are actually better than me since if I see any one of the 99 cent cards, that’s what i get >.
I feel you…I once bought my mom a 5 dollar card…I would only do that for my mom everyone else gets cheap cards
During a year of service, and living on a meager stipend, I got in the habit of making my own cards. And, people absolutely ate them up! Some of the best ones were pictures I took and put on the cover of a folded piece of cardstock. Not only is it cheap ($.20 digital print + cost of a blank sheet of cardstock), it’s heartfelt.
I actually refuse to buy birthday cards anymore after spending about $18 in April for four birthday cards (I bought them all at once so I wouldn’t forget).
The only person who gets cards is my mom – Mother’s Day and her birthday. Ooo… I suppose I should get birthday cards for the grandmothers, too….