Memorable Mother's Day Gifts on a Budget

Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, chocolatiers and the card industry as everyone rushes to thank mom for all the wonderful things she does. However, this can mean a full plate for her but an empty wallet for everyone else, and it doesn't have to be.

Flowers

A $40 bouquet of roses is beautiful for a week. But live flowers stay beautiful longer, for significantly less money. Hanging baskets for the doorway, small potted indoor or outdoor plants, a rose bush, or even flats of annuals will be colorful reminders of how much she is loved well past Mother's Day.

Food

Food that someone else made - and cleaned up - almost always tastes better. But instead of making a reservation, pick up dinner from an establishment specializing in ready-made meals and pop it in the oven for home-cooked smells with minimal effort. Give a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant or a gift card with just enough money on it for her to celebrate a mid-week Mother's Day with her favorite coffee and baked good.

Pictures

Both photographs and drawings are time-honored gifts for Mother's Day. For approximately $20, on-line services such as Shutterfly and Snapfish offer sturdy and attractive photo books as an alternative to individual prints or albums. Or crafty mothers might enjoy a new scrapbook started with children's artwork. Update her digital picture frame, or give her a framed picture of a place that is meaningful to her.

Pamper Products

Though a spa day is luxurious, it is out of the budget realm of possibility for many Mother's Day gift-givers. Instead, bring the spa to her with sensuous bath products, a new lipstick or nail polish (check her current supply first for her brand preference), or other items she wouldn't buy for herself. Or, give a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial.

Time

Just spending time together is an important gift that costs no money. Instead of just Mother's Day when it is expected, give a certificate for future outings or carved out time to work in the garden together. Provide a promise of one hour a week for "me time" or "we time," whichever she prefers. In today's busy world, the gift of time is priceless.

Even children and significant others who want to give traditional Mother's Day presents can creatively and inexpensively honor Mom with a little thought and creativity.