Choosy Moms Choose Gift Certificates

Being a Mom I think I can put together a few ideas on gift certificates for Mother's Day! I can only base it on what I would like to receive myself or would give to my own Mom. First I have to get this thought out, lest I be condemned for being too material! The best gifts I've EVER gotten on Mother's Day have been the things my kids make for me, including a breakfast of their cereal & milk, nothing says "I love you Mom" like purple marshmallows. But face it, we all expect their Father's to shell out a little cash and effort to celebrate our day. And if you are over the age of 18 and have a job you really should buy your Mom something...even if she says not to.

I personally love to give and receive gift certificates (or cards) as gifts. I'm sure there are some people who think it's impersonal but I say it's a very thoughtful gift. You have to know a little about the person before you decide on where to buy. While I would LOVE a Lowe's gift card, other's might not be so appreciative! Although I'm sure most Mom's could find something there!!!

The best thing about gift cards is that they fit the gift givers budget, what ever they can afford they can get, from $10 to $500, it's all up to the giver.

I'm pretty sure we know you can't go wrong with a Wal-Mart or Target card, but I like to be a little more creative.

It may be weird to some but second to Lowe's on my list would be CVS (cvs.com). If you have one of these near you most likely Mom shops there. And personally I'd love a gift I can use to boost my household budget a little and if Mom is a savvy shopper she can turn your gift into perpetual shopping using their Extra Care Buck program.

If Mom is into gadgets and already has an MP3 player music downloads would be most appreciated. Itunes cards are a standard gift in my family! Of course there are other music download sites, even Wal-Mart has MP3 downloads.

One of my favorite places to shop for myself and my family is Old Navy (oldnavy.com). I always seem to be able to find something online or in the store.

What Mom doesn't like a little pampering. Certificates for nail salons, spas, hair salons, massages are all gifts that have been well received, even requested by my Mom and myself.

What Mom doesn't like a little jewelry (even if it's just a little). I have a favorite local Jeweler, but there are countless places at the local mall that have beautiful jewelry. Zales Jewelers and Kay Jewelers are two of my favorite chains.

If you are not sure what plants your Mom likes, how about a gift certificate to the local nursery. Garden plants are such a personal choice why not let Mom make it for herself. I prefer plants to flowers, especially for this occasion. Flowers will have to get tossed eventually, plants last longer!

I know my Mom loves to get a night off from cooking. Maybe a nice restaurant for a date or more casual for a whole family outing.

I know in our area the County Chamber of Commerce has a generic gift certificate program that offers access to a variety of local businesses. The participating businesses range from golf, restaurants, shops and of course salons. So even if you don't know who does Mom's hair you could give her one of these. The best part of this is that you are shopping local!

If you are still stumped for ideas march yourself into Wal-Mart or Target and buy a gift card, we'll love it & think of you as we use it as we wander around chanting to ourselves "I must spend this on ME!"