5 Thrifty Mother's Day Surprises

Mother's Day celebrates the one person who not only keeps our lives from toppling into slovenliness and disorder, but singlehandedly also makes all the other holidays of the year magical.

So it is only fitting -- and perhaps imperative -- that we mobilize on Mother's Day with an all-hands attempt to serve unto Mom the magic she so richly deserves.

But what about the sobering reality of the limited funds in your bank account?

Take heart, sisters and brothers: While it is assumed that you will not let that woman a) prepare a meal, b) wash a dish or c) touch a vacuum or broom on her one special day of the year, you can also surprise her with one of these five frugal gift ideas.

Here's one surprise she won't see coming: Take Mom dancing with the whole family!

If she's one of the few moms out there who does dance regularly, you'll already know her favorite spots. If she hasn't danced since disco, even better. Ask friends and check online for a fun Sunday night venue in the style she most enjoys, whether it's ballroom, Latin, country line dance or big band piano-lounge romantic.

If she happens to be a "DWTS" fan, here's a fun idea: Have family members seated at a table when Mom arrives, each holding a homemade mask of a judge, host or dancer from the TV show.

Even if she claims to be the world's worst dancer, she'll be touched that you cared enough to take her dancing and will enjoy your attempts to prove that a sense of rhythm is not a recessive gene.

If much of Mom's life is spent in her car -- commuting to her job, ferrying the troops to soccer practice, dropping clothes at the cleaners and making grocery runs -- chances are her ride looks it!

As an alternative gift this Mother's Day, surprise her with a flash mob car wash. It's just like those staged "spontaneous" public events only with buckets, sponges and a hose.

To prepare, scout out a car wash location she'd never expect, assign scrub duties and dream up a reason for her to take a ride with you in her car.

When you reach the location, family and friends will suddenly descend from all directions and usher Mom to a makeshift throne. From there, she'll watch as her loved ones vacuum, clean her upholstery and windows, wash and wax the exterior and sign the back window of her shiny new ride with "World's Greatest Mom!" All while singing the theme to "Car Wash."

If you lack an able-bodied car wash crew, arrange for the next best thing: a mobile auto detailing team to arrive on the big day and detail her ride.

She'll never forget it.

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