Million Dollar Momma

I love to read the New York Times on Sundays, but sometimes I wonder who, exactly, the newspaper staff is writing for. Certainly people with a heck of a lot more disposable income than I have. Case in point: the story in today’s Style section that features Mother’s Day gift suggestions.

For the new (or nearly new) mom, the Times suggests “Cartier’s new diamond love bracelet with brown toile de moire strap” available for pre-order at just $2,550. Without diamonds and on a leather strap, it’s an even better bargain at $1,300. Excuse me? $2,550 is about a year’s worth of daycare on my budget. Give me that, and I’ll love you forever.

Or, if you want to get something more practical for the mom-to-be, how about a Louis Vuitton diaper bag? That’ll set you back $1,870. Now I consider myself a pretty stylish mom, and I just got a couple of summer bags that can carry my stuff and my daughter’s — we’re talking a Vera Bradley for $44 and a Liz Claiborne for $20 on sale at Macy’s. Probably very declasse as far as the NYC crowd is concerned, but I also could afford to buy groceries this month.

What else does the NY Times recommend this Mom’s Day? For the “Real Life Mom,” you could give a pair of Prada gold aviator sunglasses for $265. Or a pair of pajamas for $95. What real life is she living anyway? Certainly not mine. Or, for the “Earth Mother,” a tee-shirt made of “earth-friendly” bamboo. The price tag on that beauty? $90.

Don’t get me wrong—I like expensive gifts as much as anybody, but when my husband gives me something extravagant, my first thought is, “How much did he (and therefore we) go into debt for this?” For my Mother’s Day, the best gift I could receive is a little time to myself. Maybe a good book I’ve been wanting to read, and a dinner out at someplace nicer than O’Charley’s.

Of course, just having a great husband and beautiful daughter are gifts enough. I wouldn’t know what to do with a Louis Vuitton diaper bag, anyway. I certainly couldn’t take it to the park… Guess I’m not really a million dollar mama, after all.

More Mother’s Day musings

• The Mother’s Day Wishlist: Many moms don’t really care about material things like flowers or candy. Here’s what we REALLY want.
• Unique Mother’s Day Gifts: Personalized options and intriguing ideas for mother’s day gifts that beat the same-old, same-old.
• I Am Glad Mother’s Day Is Over: I think I bought into the Mother’s Day hype a little too much. Despite the practical realist who dwells deep within me, my inner romantic dreamer hoped against hope for a relaxing, pampered Sunday.
• Mother’s Day: Tips for Managing Expectations: Expectations concerning Mother’s Day can get out of hand, for many reasons. Check out these tips for managing expectations, and planning a great day.
• Open the Red Envelope for Great Mom’s Day Gifts: Getting your own mom a Mother’s Day gift can be tough. We’re either busy moms ourselves, or it’s hard to find something we think she’ll will like. Here’s an easy solution.