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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| After a seemingly endless winter, spring finally sprung. April showers bring much more than May flowers. On May 14th it brings the ritual of celebrating that most important center of the family – Mom. How will you celebrate Mother's Day? For some, coming up with the perfect gift ideas comes naturally. For many, however, it is a challenge to choose the perfect gift for Mom. In an effort to assist this latter crowd (though even gift giving pros are welcome to partake), read on for a gift guide that I hope will spark ideas for the perfect gift. No matter your budget there are wonderful gifts to be found for the Mom on your list. The key to all gift giving is choosing something she would like. Even if something is not your taste, if you know it is hers, you will be on stronger ground. A gift may be an item, but it may also be an experience. Keep your mind open to both as you shop. For an experience, consider an evening of dinner and a show – either at a local playhouse or one of LI's many venues bringing in top performers. On a tight budget? Try a certificate good for pizza and two tickets to see a movie she has been talking about. The time together and the thoughtfulness are what she will love. Home delivery services are very popular right now. A subscription to one may be just the thing. If mom appreciates fabulous food, try Blue Apron (blueapron.com) or Hello Fresh (hellofresh.com). Each offers the ability to customize based on food preferences, budget and the number of people for whom you are cooking. If she is a beauty buff, Ipsy (ipsy.com) can send a monthly make up kit, and Birch Box (birchbox.com) can send a combination of skin care and make up to her door. If mom is a fitness buff, consider a new Fit Bit to track her activity level, some workout gear (a yoga mat, weight set, etc.), or a new work out outfit to add some pep to her step. Whether your budget allows for Lululemon or Fabletics, you will have a great selection from which to choose. What is mom’s favorite beverage? A tea set with her favorite blend, coffee with a great new mug (and something sweet to dip), or her favorite wine with two new glasses all make great gifts that say you thought about her. I love gift baskets. They can cover a wide range of items with a theme. You can have a book lover’s basket, chocolate lover’s basket, crafting basket, scented candle basket and more. Each is stocked with the main items you would expect along with the small accoutrements that bring it all together. You can buy all of the items you need and put it together yourself or call a basket making service to do it for you. They will work with your budget and build the perfect gift. The most important thing about Mother’s Day is that it is simply one day to highlight to the mom in your life how much she means to you. The gift may come on May 14th, but remember to tell her how important she is to you all year long. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 