Best Gifts for Mom This Christmas

I always agonize about what to get my mother for Christmas. But, this year, I decided that things were going to be different. I've planned ahead and researched the best gifts for mom that won't break my budget. I've included the five gifts that are sure to bring a smile to many moms' faces this Christmas.

Plan a Trip

If your mother is like mine, she took flight once all the chicks were out of the nest. Get her 1000 Places to See Before Your Die, Patricia Schultz's great new book that highlights some of the great places in the good old U.S. of A. This book offers enough trip ideas to last a lifetime or two, and maybe you and your mom can even take some of these trips together! Check out www.barnesandnoble.com for more details on this $14 gift.

Plant a Tree

If your mother likes long walks in the park, gardening and other outdoor activities, then she will love the Trees-To-Be-Kit. Wrapables offers Gingko and Tulip tree kits that can be planted for your mother in her or your yard. These two types of trees are not only beautiful to look at but they are resistant to every type of disease, pest and fungus. The guys at Wrapables include an aluminum tag that can be placed on the tree with your mother's name that will last as long as the tree does. Check out www.wrapables.com for more information on this cheap ($27) gift.

Make Her Feel Special

Give your mom the gift of relaxation this Christmas with the All-Natural Burt's Bees Skincare Collection. This cheap ($30) bath kit is chock full of relaxation aids like a body brush, cuticle crème, body lotion and shower soap. And it all comes in a cute little sauna bucket. Check out www.gifttree.com for more information as each kit offers slightly different (but equally relaxing) products.

Give Her a Buzz

If your mom is a coffee lover, give her a good buzz this Christmas with the gift of fair trade coffee with an engraved scoop. This Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee is heavy with bright acidity and spicy notes of vanilla and fruit. And the scoop can be engraved with your mother's initial which will remind her of you every morning when she brightens her day with a conscious friendly cup of joe. Check out www.gifttree.com for more information on this $30 gift.

Tell Her She's Beautiful

Send your favorite picture of you mom in to www.myDaVinci.com and one of their professional artists will create an elegant work of Pop Art based on the photograph. They offer over 60 styles, and allow you to preview your artwork online. Satisfaction is guaranteed, and this cheap Christmas gift will only run you $20 but really let your mom know that you care.