5 Ways to Thank Mom on Mother's Day

Shopping for Mother's Day gifts can be just as overwhelming as shopping for Christmas. Thank goodness each of these holidays only come once a year! You want to show your Mom just how important she is to you, how much she is loved, and how much of a blessing she is in your life. Here are 5 ways to express your gratitude on Mother's Day.

1. "Old Reliable." You just can't go wrong with the "tried-and-true trio" of flowers, candy, and a card. You can find lovely arrangements that can meet anyone's budget on www.ftd.com or www.1800flowers.com. You can also choose pre-written cards, but I've always found that creating your own sentiments makes a nice touch. Can't think of the right words? Most florists' websites can offer suggestions to help you along. And, if your mom is diabetic, many times you can find sugar-free varieties of her favorite decadent treats.

2. Pamper her. Book an afternoon at a local day spa, or get her a gift certificate so she can indulge herself at her leisure. Many spas will run a "Mother's Day Special" in anticipation of her big day. In Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Living Waters Day Spa (www.livingwatersdayspa.com) offers three different Mother's Day packages, ranging from $149 to $312. Mom can enjoy any number of facials, pedicures, manicures, massage, and body treatments.

3. Brunch, anyone? Mother's Day is almost synonymous with brunch, being that they're both on Sundays. Take her to her favorite resort for mimosas, fresh fruit and eggs benedict. Or, invite some of your girlfriends and their mothers to your house and host your own brunch! Make it "pot luck" and have each daughter bring a dish (Mom shouldn't have to cook ~ she does every other day of the year!)

4. Bedazzle her. Moms usually never expect to get jewelry from their children. So, the look on her face when she gets it is absolutely priceless. If cost is an issue and you have siblings, have everyone pitch in and give one gift. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; a simple bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings can be an elegant touch. One year, we gave our mom a mother's ring, with all of our birthstones on it. Splitting the cost four ways, it didn't "break the bank" and she sure loves it.

5. Get creative. Short on cash? Can't think of what to buy? Don't! Making a gift yourself is far more valuable than anything you could ever pick out in a store. Find an old unfinished wooden picture frame, and decorate it with craft paint, rhinestones, or any decorative appliqué. Place a picture of the two of you in it, and…voila… a gift she'll treasure every time she looks at it. Good with words? Create a personalized poem on how much she means to you and what joy she has brought to your life. Print on decorative parchment paper, frame it, and she'll have a keepsake that is sure to warm her heart.

Mom is the one who kisses away boo-boos and the one that makes sure the boogieman vacates your closet. She is the one you can always turn to when things are at their worst, and at their best. She is your gossip columnist, your confidant, and your biggest fan. This year on Mother's Day, treasure her, celebrate her, and most of all, thank her for all that she's done for you in your life.