Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, or for any other occasion, the New York Times’ Wirecutter site reviews and recommends the best and “perfect” gifts. Food, clothing, subscriptions to services, travel gear . . . and gadgets for any possible life situation, they’ve reviewed it. Well, you can keep scrolling right past their recommendations, because I actually know the best gift, the perfect gift for Moms and Dads at any time of the year.

So, if you are in your 20’s, 30’s, 60’s (or anywhere in between),
and if your mom or dad is still living,
and you just don’t know what to get and give them,
and if you dislike shopping,
and you don’t like to wrap presents,

I can recommend the perfect gift for you to give to your parent(s). And, and it doesn’t cost money!

In my 2024 Mother’s Day card, my son Michael, wrote, “For your Mother’s Day gift, I would like to invite you to join me for coffee and conversation once a week during the summer months.” And every week he sent me a text suggesting a day and time for coffee. Each week, I anticipated and enjoyed this one-on-one time with my son. Thank you, Michael, for this gift which continues to make my heart smile as I remember those times together.

Here’s another great gift—given to me when my son Jeff calls to chat each week. Those conversations help me stay connected to his life, and I am further blessed because he asks me about various aspects of my life.

Years ago, I asked a group of parents: What are some of the specific gifts you would like your children to give you? Their answers were all about the gift of time. One parent said, “We want TIME: Visit us. Call us. Invite us to lunch or dinner. Help us with a project.” In other words, spend time with us.

I am hoping that in May I will again get the perfect gifts from my sons: Time with them.