What to get Mom for Mothers Day

Mothers Day is fast approaching, and I know I am already trying to figure out what to do for my own mom. The last few years have been financially hard on my family, and I haven't been able to do anything more than call that morning, telling her I wish I was there. This year doesn't look like it is going to be much different. But my mom lives 3000 miles away from me, so visiting isn't really an option, and shipping gifts generally costs more than the gift itself, and is prohibitive for me.

For mothers that are far away, there are a few stand-bys. If I had to guess, I'd say that sending flowers on mothers day is number one. I have found that purchasing from a local florist can save a bit of money, and the flowers are just as nice as if you go with some large company like FTD, 1 800 Flowers, or any of those other major flower chains. When I have had the money to send my mom flowers, I always go with The Pink Pelican in Sebastian, Florida. It is only a few blocks from my parents' house, and I have always been happy with the results. The one time I did try one of those online flower stores, I was completely disappointed and left scrambling trying to find local stores for my mom AND my mother law, who live on opposite sides of the country. Needless to say I was not happy and demanded my money back.

Gift baskets full of fruit, nuts and candy are always pretty popular as well. I really like those, and I'd love to send something like that to my mom, but I rarely have the money. She lives in Florida, so if I DID have the money, I'd send something other than citrus fruits. She can get grapefruits off the trees right there in their yard, and oranges and other citrus are readily available. So if you are going to send a gift basket, include things that she can't usually get at the local stores around her. It makes it a little more special, and definitely more unique.

If money isn't really an object for you, then your options are limitless. One of my favorites that I found online is a pocket-sized digital picture viewer. The one I found on this web page has 3.5 inch TFT LCD screen for about $100. If that is a bit too much, they also have a digital photo keychain that holds over 60 full color digital photos and has a clear, high resolution 1.5 inch screen. The USB cable and soft ware are included in the $40 price. You know moms love to show off their kids, why not help us do it in style?

Last year for Mother's day, the family gave me a Spa Finder gift card. In many areas, you can pick these up at gift card kiosks right there in your grocery store. I had a great time, although I had wanted to get a mani/pedi or a full body massage, but the closest spa in my area didn't offer that. So if you go with a gift card, you may want to check local providers first to see if Mom can get exactly what she wants. The great thing about ANY gift card is that there is just about everything any mom could want, and you control the amount on the cards. That same year, we gave my mother in law a gift card to a crafts store. It was inexpensive, and she couldn't have been happier.

I have come across only a few women in my life that don't like chocolate, or can't eat it for some medical reason. In the world of chocolate, your options are truly limitless. One of my favorites is customizable M & Ms. You pick the color combination AND what is printed on the candies! They are awesome. Who wouldn't love to get candies in their favorite colors and have a special message on them? Go to this web page to see the 22 colors are offered, and message limitations.

If you have a Mom who loves to eat great, gourmet food, but isn't a gourmet cook, you might consider a Dinner of the Month Club. At Amazing Clubs you have your choice of 3, 6, 12 or "Dinner of the Season" clubs, ranging in price from $72 up to $264 total. There are other great Item of the Month clubs at Amazing Clubs, so there's bound to be something you mom will like. For me personally, any of the sweets clubs would make my day. And the Hot Sauce of the Month club is pretty good, too.

The one thing that makes any mom happy and can usually be very inexpensive, or maybe not cost anything at all is home made gifts. Most schools are great at helping the kids make gifts for mom at school, but it is even more wonderful when Dad helps the kids make gifts. Home made cards have more value than the expensive cards at the store. A hand made photo frame made of dried pasta and popsicles and a hand drawn picture in side, or even better yet, a photo of the kids is amazing. Any gift that is truly from the heart, no matter how small and inexpensive is the best gift a mom can receive. Be creative and thoughtful and you will make Mom's day, and maybe even her whole year!

And don't forget the most inexpensive and most priceless gift off all:

"I love you mom!" followed be a great big hig and a kiss!