Christmas Gift Cards for Moms and the Special Women in Your Life

A mom's life centers around her family, but even the most dedicated mother needs some downtime once in a while. I've found that a little time off--alone, or with my girlfriends--recharges my batteries, and helps me refocus and relax. Gift cards are meaningful Christmas gifts that give me the freedom to do or buy something I really love--with no added pressure on the gift-giver.

One of my favorite things to do is head over to Barnes and Noble to browse. A few good books, a couple of magazines, and a great cup of coffee from the cafe can really perk up my afternoon. A bookstore gift card is an ideal Christmas gift for book lovers. Pair a bookstore gift card with a gift card for bath products from a store like Bath & Body Works or The Body Shop, so mom (sister, girlfriend, etc) can choose some relaxing body products, draw a warm bath, then soak in the tub and read. You can't put a price on that!

Of course there's nothing better than someone to do the pampering for you (in my opinion, anyway) so also at the top of the list is a spa gift card. You can purchase Christmas gift cards at most spas for either a specific service or for a dollar amount. If you're not sure which spa is her favorite, a gift certificate from Spa Finder allows her to exchange the gift card for treatments at her favorite local spa. A gift certificate to a salon for a great haircut and color is also a wonderful gift for a woman who deserves to be pampered. An Aveda gift card is a great option, with nearly 7,000 spas and salons around the world. Plus, she'll enjoy little extras (at no extra charge), such as a cup of comforting tea, and choice of a stress-relieving hand or neck and shoulder massage.

When you look good, you feel good, and a great outfit can complete the picture. Moms often put their families first, so a shopping gift card will be a much-appreciated Christmas gift. Choose her favorite women's clothing store, such as Lane Bryant, J.Jill, or Anne Taylor Loft, so she can shop for herself, guilt-free.

Sometimes there's nothing more a girl needs than to spend a couple of hours with her girlfriends over a good meal. A Christmas gift card to her favorite restaurant will warm her heart as well as her stomach.

Still not sure which gift card to choose for Christmas? Ask yourself if she has a hobby or something she really enjoys doing: a gift card to a craft store for the scrapbooker, a gift card to the pro shop for a golf enthusiast, a Blockbuster gift card for the movie buff. Moms, sisters, aunts, girlfriends...all of the special women in your life will appreciate a thoughtful gift card for Christmas.