Pablo Rodriguez, Head of Global Consumer Initiatives, PayPal
Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Soon, unsuspecting sons and daughters may find themselves in the familiar dilemma of wanting to wow mom with only a few days to prepare. Hoping to find the perfect gift, siblings may stress over what to buy, how much it costs, or if mom will even like it.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), three of ten shoppers go online to buy some or all of their gifts for mom[1]. The convenience is undeniable—personalized picks, free shipping and seamless transactions take the frustration out of gift shopping, especially when the pressure’s on. From mom’s favorite cooking equipment to a massage at a five-star spa can call be easily planned online with sites such as Sur La Table or Spafinder.
If you want 2015 to be the year you really wow her, we’ve lined up some handy tips to help you plan the perfect day so that it’s only a touch, tap or click away.
For adventurous moms, shop internationally
Wish you could treat her to a tropical holiday or European vacation but don’t have the time or budget? Pick out a gift from her favorite destination so she can feel like a jetsetter without even leaving the house. With PayPal, it’s easier than ever to snag a scarf from Spain or a bag from Brazil, all while knowing your eligible purchases are protected and your payment info is secure.
Hot tip: Check out our Mother’s Day shopping guide for a global array of gift ideas.
Read your email junk
You might feel the urge to hit “delete” on the slew of Mother’s Day marketing emails filling up your inbox, but think twice before filing them away as spam. Many retailers send tastefully curated gift guides and seasonal picks that will appeal to moms of all shapes and sizes. By signing up for and scanning email promos from mom’s favorite brands, you might just find the perfect product and save some money while you’re at it.
Shop online for free return shipping
Be prepared just in case mom wants another color in that cardigan or a lilac-scented candle over a lavender one. By shopping with retailers who offer free return shipping, no one pays extra to make sure she gets precisely what she wants.
Coordination is key
Siblings may not always get along, but if you’re going to pick one day of the year to put aside your differences, Mother’s Day is the one. Getting together to select presents and nail down a reservation at the perfect brunch spot is key for making her happy. She’ll be more touched by your teamwork than the gifts themselves.
Assign the family treasurer
According to NRF, the average shopper in 2014 planned to spend $163 on Mother’s Day gifts and activities (ibid). That sum may be hefty for many sons and daughters, so budgeting beforehand helps to eliminate unwanted spending surprises when you’re totaling final costs. Tap the best budgeter in your family to track gift prices and collect contributions once the shopping is done.
Tally the total
She’s unwrapped her presents, smelled her bouquet of lilies and cleaned her plate at the brunch table. Give yourselves a pat on the back while you tally the total costs of your Mother’s Day plans. The PayPal app makes it easier than ever to send money between family members so everyone can chip in to make Mom smile.
[1] “Survey: Three in 10 Shoppers to buy Mother’s Day gifts online”- NRF (April 2014)