Well, it’s that time of year again. A time to honour our mothers for squeezing us out and taking care of us for 18-odd years.

I’ll give you the lowdown though: this is a marketing scheme. Really, it’s all about making money off people’s sentimental feelings. While honouring your mom seems like the warm and squishy thing to do, you should be doing it all the time, not just once a year.

Mother’s day actually has a bit of history to it that hearkens back to pre-Christian times. Many cultures would honour the mother, both your real mommy and the mother goddess(es) of that particular culture’s pantheon. Anyway, you can look all this up for yourself on Wikipedia.

The important part here is that marketers like me have sunk our claws into this “special occasion” and made it a reason to go out and buy stuff or otherwise spend money on Mummy Dearest. Hmm… much like Christmas/Yule. We marketers are perverted bunch indeed.

In the spirit of consumerism, I am honouring my mom by spending money on her, since I’m not going to be home to actually do anything nice for her. Last year I discussed how I was forgoing the usual spa package and opting instead for high tea for two at the Windor Arms Hotel. That went over swimmingly, BTW.

This year I’m trying something even more different–bucking the trend, so-to-speak. I don’t have a lot of cash (again) but want to get her something cool and different. So I’ll tell you what I’m going to do.

Donate.

One of my favourite charities lately has been the Oxfam Unwrapped program. Oxfam has made it ridiculously easy to donate to their programs via purchasing a “gift” for your loved one. Essentially you take a look at their “catalog” and choose the gift you would like to send on behalf of your recipient.

This is totally perfect for the person who has everything. Two years ago I “bought” my brother a goat through the program, and some chickens for other people. When you purchase the item the money goes towards the purchase of a goat (in my case) for a 3^rd world family in need. Not only do they receive a nanny goat, they also receive education on how to care for it properly, produce more goats and build a business so that they may become shepherds in the future and earn enough income to support themselves.

You can buy livestock, hygiene kits, water buckets, bags of seeds, educational classes for women or children… the list goes on. It has really come a long way from the original concept, you used to only be able to buy a chicken, goat or donkey for a family. Now there are all kinds of ways that you can help.

When you buy your goat, you can either have an e-card sent to the recipient, or a printed card sent that informs them of the donation that was made in their name.

Personally I love the concept, the idea that not only am I helping others, but my loved one is, too. Plus it is much more appealing to me to know that I am getting exactly a goat for someone, and my money is not just being funneled into administrative overhead costs or something ridiculous (though I’m sure a portion of it goes there anyway). Attaching an actual item to your purchase makes it much more “real” for me.

Anyway, this year I have decided to purchase 6 bags of seeds for my mom. She loves gardening and growing things so I thought it would be a good choice for her. If I had more money I would probably buy some hygiene kits or schooling, too.

What are you planning for your life-giver?

If you’re interested in learning more about the Oxfam Unwrapped program, click here.

I would also recommend CanadaHelps.org as another great way to give a unique gift. You can purchase gift cards that your recipient can use towards the Canadian charity of their choice! How thoughtful!