This Holidays

Writen by Kathy Burns-Millyard

Despite the occasion, the best gifts for single moms are those that save her time, money and energy. Although a gym membership or a gift certificate to the local spa are both thoughtful gestures, single moms rarely have time to indulge themselves in such activities. You're probably thinking that it's only an hour or two out of her day. Well, an hour to the average person winds up being half a day of fiasco for a mom who is responsible for all household duties - including kids! There's getting the kids ready to go, dropping them off at the sitters, driving to the gym or spa, working out or getting a message, changing and taking a shower, driving back to pick up the kids, stopping for gas, driving home, etc. etc. It's exhausting! So next time you're faced with having to buy a gift for a single gal, think practical - everyday living. What would help her out the most? Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Cleaning Service: Single moms are pressed for time, yet in many instances they cannot afford the expense of having someone else clean for them. So consider giving that special lady a gift certificate for housecleaning services. Only use reputable professionals that you have or currently use or ask for friends, business associates or family members for referrals.

Babysitting Service: Most single moms have only a moment to catch their breath every now and then. They usually have very little time to themselves and take the kids everywhere they go, including shopping, doctors appointments and to do the laundry. Give them a little free time by hiring them a babysitter for a day. Encourage them to spend some time doing whatever they want - maybe going to see a movie with a friend or playing a round of golf.

Filing her Car with Gas: Stopping to get gas cuts into a single mom's busy schedule. It can also turn into quite a project if she is toting all the kids. A great gift idea is to pick up her vehicle and get her a full tank of gas. Maybe you can do this routinely for a week or a month. Even just one time will be greatly appreciated.

A Week's Worth of Dinners: If you are handy in the kitchen, a terrific gift for a single mom is a week's worth of ready-to-cook dinners. Casseroles and soups are good selections. Make sure she has room in the fridge or freezer to store the dinners. Or drop one off to her daily for a week. Maybe you can even cook the meal for her and have it sitting on the dining room table when she gets home!