6 ways to honor the like-a-moms in your life

Sometimes people in our lives are like mothers but may not have raised us in the traditional sense.
By Chelsea Frisbie  on 
6 ways to honor the like-a-moms in your life
Grandmother kissing granddaughter Credit: Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive

Sometimes people in our lives are like mothers but may not have raised us in the traditional sense. Grandmas, aunts, maybe even a high school teacher — we're calling these special individuals our "like-a-moms." 


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Credit: Mashable Composite, Leonardo Wong

Whether they mentor you, care for you or just always seem to be there when you need them, like-a-moms embody many versions. If you have someone like this in your life, maybe it feels natural to honor them on or around Mother's Day.

Like many mothers, like-a-moms will love anything you give them. But if you want to go beyond a Hallmark card or a crayon drawing, here are some ideas for the person, or even people, who are your beloved mother bonuses. 

1. Give them messages of thanks.

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Credit: tribute

Consider specifically thank your like-a-mom for opting to be in this role, even if it's an unofficial one. If the person you're thanking has multiple honorary children, we love the Tribute service. Users upload video clips and put together a montage of people expressing their gratitude and love. It's the perfect level of sappiness for Mother's Day. 

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2. Make a digital photo album, and a real one.

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Credit: smilebox

Photo albums are a great way to take all the memories you have with your like-a-mom and put them in one place, rather than just on Facebook. If they miss the days of people taking "real" pictures, use SmileBox to make both a digital and physical version of your gift.

3. Dinner date, I'll pay. 

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Mom & daughter using smartwatch while having meal Credit: Getty Images

There is no cooler feeling that finally being able to give your like-a-mom a night out — maybe as a gesture for all the times they provided you a meal. Check out these apps to help you find local events or places to eat you may have not thought of, and, of course good deals. 

4. Buy or teach them tech they'll actually use.

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Credit: Getty Images

As simple as tech seems to millennials, things like Amazon Echo may not be the best option for our less techy like-a-moms. Instead, choose tech to enhance the devices they're already comfortable using. The Prynt photo case is a fun option for selfie lovers, and these pastel tech accessories make wonderful springtime gifts. 

5. You can't go wrong with flowers. 

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Credit: bouqs

An oldie but a goodie, flowers are something simple that mean so much. The Bouqs has a flat rate of $40 for gorgeous floral arrangements, and are all from sustainably farmed local artists. 

6. Share something they've taught you.


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Mother and daughter hugging and cooking in kitchen Credit: Getty Images/Hero Images

Whether they taught you a killer tennis swing, involved you with a local charity or passed on some mean parallel parking skills, take your like-a-mom on a tour of all the things you've learned. This will resonate, knowing they've made an impact on you and the community. 

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.



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Chelsea Frisbie

Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.


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