Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It’s time to show her how much you love Mom and appreciate everything she does for the family each and every day. So off you go to the store looking for something she might like: Maybe a shirt, but what size? What about some perfume? Will she like the smell? Flowers and chocolates? Been there, done that. With all the possibilities, your head is probably starting to swirl. Don’t panic: You don’t need to waste time or money roaming the stores for that perfect gift. I’ve got you covered.

Here are five things Mom would love to get that won’t cost you a dime:

1. LEAVE HER ALONE IN THE BATHROOM

It seems simple enough, but little ones think the bathroom is the perfect place to get some quality one-on-one time with Mom. If you know she is headed in there, make sure the kids are not joining her, knocking on (or asking questions through) the door, or even sticking their chubby little fingers under the door. Let Mom have some alone time to do what she needs to in there, uninterrupted.

*Bonus points: Put a towel in the dryer when she starts her shower. When she gets out she’ll have a toasty warm towel to use.

2. BE HER PRESS AGENT

In our house, this is how it goes: My kids will want something to eat. Instead of asking my husband (who is standing in the kitchen), they will go on a massive manhunt searching every room until them find me to ask if I can get them a banana. Really?!

When you hear your children calling out Mom’s name, pretend to be a guard at the White House protecting the president. Field all the questions and requests. Only DEFCON Level 1 situations need to be brought to Mom’s attention today.

*Bonus points: No questions are allowed from Dad, either. Instead of asking her if she wants help with something, just do it for her. Not sure where she put something? Take a look around; I’m sure you’ll find it.

3. TIDY UP

Now don’t freak out here: I’m not suggesting that you scrub the toilets. I am just saying that you can help the kids clean up their rooms (or wherever they have all their toys scattered). Don’t leave the dishes in the sink. Put them in the dishwasher and start it. Instead of taking off your clothes and dropping them a foot from the laundry basket, extend your arm and make sure they go in. I’m not telling you to clean from floor to ceiling. Just pick up, put things where they belong, and make it look presentable.

*Bonus points: Actually scrub the toilets. It’s a nasty job that no one likes to do.

4. BE THE CHEF

Take over meal preparations. I don’t care if you give the kids cold cereal or a five-course meal: Mom would love to take off the chef’s hat for the day. Sorry to break the news here, but this also includes doing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen afterwards (see above). “I’ll get to it later,” won’t cut it today.

*Bonus points: Make a dessert. It can be as simple as a boxed cake mix, but the effort you put into it will make it one of the best cakes she’s ever had.

If for some reason you are unable to do any of the other suggestions I’ve given, then PLEASE at least do this last one:

5. TELL HER

Sit her down, look her straight in the eye and tell her exactly how you feel. Try and be specific when you tell her how much you appreciate everything she does for you and the family. Tell her what a wonderful job she is doing as a mother, and how she impacts the kids’ lives. Remind her how much she is loved, valued, and needed. If saying it out loud is uncomfortable for you, then at the very least write it down in a card.

*Bonus points: Do something to help her relax. Rub her back. Draw her a bath. Tell her to go read in her room. Let her unwind for an hour, and I know that she will be grateful and happier afterwards.

So here’s to all the hard-working moms out there. Motherhood is a journey that we love and enjoy – at least most of the time.