Mother’s Day.. Your Guide to Buying That Special Gift for Mom

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. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

    There are few words that can say ‘love’ quite the way ‘Mom’ does. Being a Mom is not a job you have until your child turns 18; it is a labor of love for a lifetime. Moms hug their children when they are scared, cheer them on at every success, kiss fingers when they are hurt, and put their children ahead of themselves all of the time. In honor of mom and their tireless efforts, the second Sunday of each May is set aside for celebration.  Buying the right gift can be a daunting task.  Fear not, read on for ideas and suggestions for the right gift that will make her smile.
    Think of what your Mom likes. Gift giving is about the recipient, not the giver. If your Mom loves floral patterns and you prefer contemporary, remember the gift is going to her. Always choose a gift with the recipient’s taste in mind. That is the beauty of wedding and baby gift registries. The recipient is taking the guess work out of it for you by showing you what things they like.  For Mom, set a budget with which you are comfortable and set out for something she will find thoughtful. 
    Consider a personalized Mom-styled piece of jewelry? More and more options are now available for necklaces, bracelets and rings, featuring the birthstones of each of her children. Styles range in price and are available in gold, silver, stainless steel and other materials to meet every budget. Having her children (or grandchildren) close to her heart makes for a very meaningful gift.
    Perhaps mom is a true traditionalist, loving chocolates and flowers. Consider a twist on this with a classic orchid or a mini lavender tree paired with a gift basket of her favorite sweets. If she loves to garden, you could bring her flowers for planting.  She will have all spring and summer to enjoy your flowers throughout the season with you in mind. Indoor or outdoor plants are another longer-lived option. Remember, if Mom has pets in the house, be sure to check on the safety of certain plants and flowers for her four-legged babies.
    A new fragrance for her is a great idea. From Hanae Mori to FlowerBomb to Black Orchid, there are literally hundreds of scents from which to choose. Before walking in to the store, try to have an idea of whether she prefers vanillas, florals, etc. What about a basket of scented bath products, including bath bombs, shower gels, lotions and sprays. She will have fun working her way through all of the items in the basket.  If she loves hot tea with her robe and slippers while reading a good book, you can create a customized tea basket at almost any price point that will simply delight her as she unpacks each item. If putting a gift basket together is not your forte, no worries.  There are plenty of local professionals who offer this service  that can help. For those who know that she  would love getting a package in the mail each month, consider a subscription to Birchbox in her name. Each month her little package of hair, makeup and skin essential samples will arrive. Every woman I know with a subscription considers it a favorite day of the month. At $10 per month, it is economical and a long lasting gift.
    Is the mom in your life a techie or modern professional woman? Consider some technical or business options. Tablets are still one of the best-selling gift items on the market, with iPads, Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy topping the list. From cases to keyboards to headphones, there is an array of accessories also to consider. 
    For the mom that has it all, treat her to a wonderful experience for her to remember. How about tickets for a local playhouse with dinner, a spa day, a night at a wine and cheese or wine and chocolate pairing, a game featuring her favorite team, a package of yoga classes, dance classes, tickets to a ladies night featuring wine and painting, appetizers and a concert and many more.  What is the activity she would most like to do? That’s the certificate she should find when she opens the box.
    Handmade cards and gifts from my children are simply the best. Take a moment and write a letter to Mom and tell her what she means to you.  Include that note with the gift of your choice, and you are sure to give her a Mother’s Day to remember. But, remember, she is your mom….call her often, tell her you love her always, and make sure she knows how special she is 365 days per year.