Wall hooks for the kitchen or bathrooms, mixing bowls if she likes cooking, additional phone charger for one more place in the house, ginseng tea, a small jade statue, a nice blanket…
Advice without context is complicated. "can buy most things she wants but won’t bc she wants to save money" = the chance to get her something (don't know the list) thats just making her life better every day (by remembering you, making things easier, etc) For my mum it was simple magnifying glass...
Can only speak from Korean immigrant experience but a great rice cooker you ‘got a deal’ on is always good, used nearly every day? Dang I can afford to replace my own old one but I don’t. If she misses where she immigrated from, maybe a gift subscription to Chinese tv app like iQIYI?
This is weird but hear me out: a bidet. I’ve gotten my mom way more expensive things but the bidet is still her favourite gift from her daughters lmao. Everyday in the first month she texted me “It got used x times today already. So worth it. So clean.”
A nice plant or flowers, combined with maybe something of your own creation or cooking. And of course spend quality time with her. On the day, and in general ☺️
two options: (1) buy her the thing she wants the most but won't purchase; (2) give her "time" via "experience coupons" (ie redeem for one hike, redeem for dinner, etc - lets mom choose what/when and she knows you will say yes)
you could get her a cool ornament depicting whatever "year of the ..." , that she was born in - every time she looks at it she will remember that bit of thought
I dunno if your moms is especially spiritual in any way, but my Viet MIL is similar about money and also deeply Catholic.
I get her stuff like a Saint Francis bird fountain or figure of Mary or whatever and since it acknowledges what she cares most about, she doesn’t complain we spent money.
My Korean mom just wants money from us these days (no more flowers, no more handbags, no more "gifts for mom" I bought off a list from Wirecutter or NYMag)
I'd recommend finding some old photos (maybe from childhood) that will hold sentimental value- where she grew up, friends, her and you/your siblings as children. Digitize, restore, print, and frame them!
Idk how old your mom is but I sorta have the same mindset as a middle-age immigrant… so maybe she’d appreciate useful stuff that is better quality? Like a good brand rice cooker if she’s still using an old or cheap one.
Buy her something on sale that has the original price and the discounted price stickers on it. Do not take off the stickers. She will appreciate the bargain, guaranteed.
Take her somewhere special, memorable. Experiences always beat things. I recently took my aunt to the restaurant she had her first job at when she came to the United States, 50 years ago.
I surprised her and brought 3 of her friends who knew her then. Then I just listened to stories all afternoon.👍
Time. A day out just the two of you. Somewhere fun. Take a craft/ art lesson together, followed by a picnic in the park.
When you have lots of ‘things’ more things don’t bring more joy. The most precious thing one can gift, is their time
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1. Sentimental framed photos.
2. Plating fancy takeout(the plating is important for whatsapp chat bragging).
3. The 24 box set, bought on discount - over 10 yrs later and she still talks about her crush on Jack Bauer.
(Things that my mother-in-law like.)
- postcards from your travels. Optional: put messages on the back or pictures or stamps
- two tickets to mom's movie choice buuuut give it in a very big heavy package, they may think its sthg else!
I get her stuff like a Saint Francis bird fountain or figure of Mary or whatever and since it acknowledges what she cares most about, she doesn’t complain we spent money.
https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/fresh-mothers-day-gift-ideas-for-your-chinese-mom/
I surprised her and brought 3 of her friends who knew her then. Then I just listened to stories all afternoon.👍
Maybe an activity like getting a mani/pedi; getting her a pamper; car wash. Acts of Service tends to be many Chinese moms’ primary love language.
When you have lots of ‘things’ more things don’t bring more joy. The most precious thing one can gift, is their time