Mother’s day is just around the corner. Families everywhere will get dressed up to go out to eat – that’s what most people do. Doesn’t your wife deserve something more? If you were to ask your wife (and maybe even your mother) what she wants most, her answer would likely be time: time with you, time to get other things done, time to enjoy something without cutting it short. Keeping this in mind, I’ve put together some gift suggestions that will give your wife (and maybe even your mother) the gift of time.

If the woman in your life doesn’t get much time with you, then consider a date night as a gift. Buy tickets to something she will enjoy, find a museum where she can walk hand-in-hand, or schedule a couple’s massage – it doesn’t matter. Just be sure to arrange for suitable childcare if you have children at home. If you’re on a tight budget, team up with a friend. Ask him to take your children on your date night in return for taking his on another night. Then you can have quiet time at home without interruption or expense. Schedule the date night for some time other than Mother’s day, so your children don’t miss out on participating in the day, and so she sees you planned ahead. A woman wants to feel important enough to get on your calendar, so protect the date no matter what. When your date night arrives, give her a night of your full attention. Reminisce about your dating days. Tell her she’s still beautiful, and don’t forget to put your phone on vibrate. You may not be able to turn it off, but you don’t have to allow an audible beep remind her of your other obligations that night.

Does the woman in your life have trouble keeping up with all her meetings, events, school events, etc? A blackberry or some other electronic toy might be the answer. A blackberry enables her to schedule appointments on the spot, check current obligations, look up directions, respond to emails, and much more. If you give this gift, go the extra mile by taking pictures of yourself and other family members, so they are already there when she receives the gift. Install any software that comes with it, if possible, and download her calendar ahead of time. Don’t forget to contact your carrier and request unlimited minutes and internet, so you don’t rack up extra minute charges every time she turns it on. Also, talk with your secretary about including your wife on any appointment notifications so your calendar is available to her. Women value communication and a blackberry provides better communication of everyone’s activities so she can be efficient.

Would the woman in your life hate to have a housecleaner come to the house because she would spend the day cleaning first? Then a concierge (hourly personal assistant) might be the perfect answer. A concierge can pick up her dry cleaning, research daycares, price caterers for a charity event, make a grocery run, and much more. This gift enables her to selectively choose the tasks she hands over to someone else, and gives her the most relief to her schedule. Some personal assistants require a minimum dollar amount and may provide a certificate or voucher that you can present to your wife. If the service provider doesn’t normally provide one, either create a certificate yourself or hire the personal assistant to do it for you!

If you would like to do all these things and just don’t have the money, give her a promise. Promise to do something that is important to her. Remember that a promise is your word to act on or refrain from something. Not doing what you promise is like taking back the blackberry or concert tickets you just wrapped up and gave her. This gift has the highest price tag and the best return on investment. Your promise might be to record every check and withdrawal you make (if you haven’t been doing so), or to put your dirty clothes into the laundry basket (if you’ve been a slob), or to help clear the table (if you have had an eat-and-run habit). You know the sore spots in your marriage, so choose wisely. If you feel you aren’t able to make a daily investment in a promise, promise something you can save for and then every holiday present her with a bouquet of flowers made out of dollar bills. Have a vase ready to begin collecting the flowers and explain to her that as the bouquet grows you both are one step closer to the goal (a vacation, a car, vacation, baby…). Here is a “guy” video on how to make a flower out of three one-dollar bills.

Do you have suggestions for Father’s Day? I’d like to hear from you.