Ideas for Making Stepmothers Feel Appreciated on Mother's Day

My stepmother has always said that the term "stepmother" reminds her of the evil stepmother in the Disney classic, Cinderella. It bothers her terribly to called "stepmother." But I disagree; I think stepmothers are wonderful.

I never had the greatest of relationships with my mother, and when my stepmother came along it gave me a whole new understanding of motherhood. We have so much in common that I feel like she could have been my own mother. She opened her heart and welcomed me as her own daughter from the day we met, and that is why I want to celebrate her for Mother's Day.

I have so many ideas for celebrating Mother's Day in a blended family that I simply cannot do them all. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for step-siblings and half-siblings to come together and celebrate the special women in their lives, strengthening their relationship together as well as with their stepmothers.

An easy choice to celebrate stepmother is to simply take her to her favorite restaurant for dinner. To have all her children, whether birth children, adopted children, or stepchildren, present for a wonderful meal would make any Mom-figure feel extra special. Adult kids could foot the bill, younger ones may have to defer to Dad. I recommend a more upscale restaurant where you can have plenty of space to share memories, such as The William Penn Inn in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania.

My stepmother loves jewelry, and I know that a special necklace from all of her dear ones would warm her heart. She might enjoy a locket, or a ring with everyone's birth stones set in it. A bracelet with a pearl symbolizing each member of the family would be especially touching. For those on a tight budget, Kohl's Department Store has great sales and beautiful jewelry, but if money is obstacle, a jewelry store such as Kaye Jewelry or Littman's has a wonderful selection of precious gems. Better yet, find a local jeweler who can handcraft a piece especially for your stepmother and this will be a year to remember forever.