Mother’s Day is on our doorstep and the gift guides are everywhere we turn. Don’t get me wrong, fancy gifts are awesome, but for me, the best Mother’s Day prezzies don’t have a price sticker on them. So, for my lucky number 13th Mother’s Day (and with three kids to celebrate it), here are my five gift ideas to give any mom on her special day. And they’re all totally free.

Priceless gift ideas for Mother’s Day:

1. Macaroni art says “I love you” like no other pasta.

Yes, really. Especially when your eldest is thirteen and your youngest is nine. That’s when you long for the days when gift ideas were simple and handmade crafts just came home with the littles. I miss macaroni hearts, misspelled lists, and family portraits drawn by a four-year-old. And I remember the way they looked up at me, so excited to see how much I loved their gifts. Those were the greatest presents of all time, because the love was built right in.

2. Spaghetti & Red Sauce isn’t half bad with parmesan.

I love to cook and to bake. I love trying new recipes, and I really love making up my own. I enjoy pulling together a huge dinner and sitting down to enjoy it with my family and friends. I meal plan every week and have our routine running like a well-oiled machine. But sometimes, like everyone, I get tired of it. So, every year I take a Mother’s Day-cation from preparing meals, and I let my family cook for me. Whatever it is, whatever they make, I’m happy. And generous with the compliments.

3. Mommy Time Outs are really, really awesome.

I love my kids, and I like to spend time with them. They’re smart, they’re funny, and they give the best hugs. If I hadn’t had them, I would not be showered with these amazing gifts and extra hugs on Mother’s Day. That said, sometimes I want to be by myself. Give me a quiet corner and a good book for thirty to sixty minutes on that Sunday and I’m one very happy mom.

4. 2 Dishwasher Unloads, 1 picking my toys up, 5 free hugs.

My kids are “good kids.” And don’t take my word for it, all of the neighbours will vouch for them. But, when it comes to helping out around the house, the attitude really kicks in. So when they give me a booklet of coupons that are thought up and soon-to-be delivered by them, I’m over the moon with joy. And when I do cash in the coupon, they’re excited to fulfill it and I’m thrilled to have one less bedroom to clean. As gift ideas go, this one really hits home.

5. No alarm, no kids, no chores = the best mommy nap ever.

Two jobs, one husband, three kids, and all of the other stuff squeezed into this thing called life and honey, I’m tired. Like my eyes never fully open tired. Moms know: there’s absolutely nothing like a quiet, empty house, and not one thing to do but lie down for an afternoon nap before being presented with a super exciting dinner (that you didn’t make) with the family that you actually had a chance to miss.

Free? Yessiree. Priceless? You know it.