What will you give to the working mom in your life this Christmas? Oh, you’re not sure? You want to pamper her with practical gifts she would never buy for herself? Look no more! Here is a list of six gifts to treat your favorite working mom (and work-at-home mom) this Christmas. You will quickly realize that this is my Christmas list in disguise and is subtly yet publicly addressed to my husband. Happy shopping, Sweetie!

For Her Wifely & Motherly Self

1. A week (or go crazy and do a whole month!) of meal planning or house cleaning

My husband does most of the cooking. But I buy the groceries and attempt to meal plan each week. Which looks something like this:

Monday: Tacos

Tuesday: Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: I give up!

It is a source of frustration and failure for me, so if somebody surprised me with a week’s worth (or any amount of time’s worth, really) of healthy, delicious meals that were already planned for me (if not already prepared), I would probably die. Of happiness and relief.

The Grateful Chef—right here in Des Moines—provides homecooked meals to order. She has gift certificates and you can order online! I have heard great things about her meals.

If keeping the house clean and tidy is a frustration for the working mom in your life—check out Merry Maids! There is a coupon to save $100 on five weeks of cleaning with Merry Maids right now! Word of mouth is also a good way to find a great house-cleaning helper.

2. A class to attend with the kids

One thing working moms miss out on is the chance to take the babies to fun daytime activities like story hour and music class. Give her the gift of a weekly date with the kiddos—these programs offer evening and weekend classes! I know I’m a sucker for a structured, kid-friendly activity or two!

These organizations offer weekend and nighttime classes for kids and parents:

• Iowa Youth Chorus
• Songs and Signs, LLC
• Des Moines Arts Center
• Des Moines Public Library (The library even has special programs on the weekends that mom and the kids could enjoy.)

For Her Working Self

3. Gift cards to her favorite coffee shop (or at least the one closest to her job)

You cannot go wrong here! It’s always a treat to stop and get a hot drink before, during, or after work.

4. A working mom bag

We need a place where we can fit diapers, wipes, a box of raisins, and that file folder of work we’re bringing home with us. Here are a few ideas for some mom-friendly multitasking handbags—HOBO’s is cute, there’s always Coach, and Orla Kiely has some cute new designs these days.

5. Cute office supplies

So, I might get giddy about office supplies. You don’t!? A great day planner, maybe even a feminine and fancy one, will warm any office supply lover’s heart. Kate Spade makes planners, yes she does! Etsy is a great place to find cute desk accessories for that lovely working mom in your life—like this desk calendar, this pencil holder, or these coasters.

For Her Self Self

6. A reminder of how special she is

We moms are hard-working ladies. I know a spa day might seem like a cliché gift, but if that would make the mom in your life feel special, go for it. If a pedicure and a massage doesn’t fit the bill—just give her time. One day, my husband spent the day with our daughter and I went (all alone) to antique shops, ate (all alone) at my favorite coffee shop, and stayed there (all alone) for a few hours reading and journaling—it was exactly what I needed to feel rejuvenated.

Happy shopping! And Happy Holidays!

What gift ideas for the working mom would you add to this list?

Meet Guest Blogger Jennifer Lewis

Jenny is wife to a cookie-baking entrepreneur, Dereck (www.ThelmasTreats.com), mom to Marlo Sylvia (August 2012) and a new baby (expected May 2015), daughter, sister, friend, and full-time attorney at a local insurance company. In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with her family, reading, writing, water-skiing, and learning how to maximize life’s little moments.