Ten Considerate Gifts for the Carpool Mom

Want some ideas for ten great carpool mom gifts? The carpool mom who helps out by driving several children to dance, sports, or school often has a relatively thankless existence escorting a handful of youngsters back and forth every week. Though parents often express how much they appreciate the carpool mom's assistance, taxiing little ones around the town is not the most glamorous of predicaments. Sticky hands, muddy feet, and the occasional accidental mess are sure to bombard her minivan or station wagon on occasion. But without the carpool mom, many working moms and dads would struggle to meet necessary schedules and keep little ones enrolled in activities. Here are ten great carpool mom gifts for that mom on the go:

1. Travel Mugs - Travel mugs are excellent gifts for moms who do a lot of driving. Choose a well insulated model with a snap-on spill proof lid so the carpool mom can sip coffee without worrying about accidentally dumping it on herself. For an added touch, consider one that has been personalized with her name or monogrammed with her initials.

2. Gas Cards for weekend getaway - Gas is expensive, but most likely you have been pitching into this expense for the convenience of the service to your child. But carpool moms often spend very little time on their own activities after a week's worth of library trips, brownie meetings, and taking the boys to soccer practice. A gift of a gas card for personal driving would be a thoughtful way to recognize all the driving the carpool mom has been doing, but be sure to include a note telling her that the card is so that she can take a trip for herself.

3. Taxi shirt - Personal Creations offers a great gift for that carpool mom. It is a white T-shirt that says Mom's Taxi Service. With a cute picture of a yellow bus and a place for up to six personalized passengers (kids' names, your choice), this $20 shirt is a cute and thoughtful way to recognize a carpool mom's dedication.

4. Carpool Mom Mug - Confection Collection carries a cute carpool mom mug for those relaxing evenings at home. The mug says "Carpool Mom on the Go!" and is a pretty blue and white striped mug with yellow brim and red-orange automobile.

5. Burt's Bees Queen Bee Kit - Burt's bees knows pampering, and the very best spa package online has to be the Burt's Bees Queen Bee Kit. It contains everything your carpool mom needs to give herself a spa-quality facial. Kit includes Royal Jelly Eye Crème, Shea Butter Hand Repair Crème, Herbal Milk Bath, Calm Balm, a candle, Pore Cleansing Refining Mask, and a luxurious Lavender Aromatherapy Eye Mask.

6. Carwash, wax, and detailing - Chances are the little ones have taken their toll on your carpool mom's vehicle. If she has a relatively new automobile, consider purchasing a gift certificate for a carwash, wax, and detailing service this holiday. It's a great way to let that carpool mom know that you appreciate the wear and tear she's been putting on her car. In addition, you might think about buying an oil lube gift certificate so her automobile's next oil change is on you.

7. Aromatherapy Candles - If you want a friendly way to say thank you, consider a candle. Aromatherapy candles can de-stress and rejuvenate, and they are found in relatively every gift shop across the globe. What better way to tell your carpool mom thanks this holiday season.

8. Books - Humorous books like Humor for a Mom's Heart (a compilation by several authors) and Jelly Mom by Lisa Barker are great books for moms who tend to think of the little ones before herself. Kids can at times drive a mom completely crazy. At times, it takes a saint to be a carpool mom.

9. Locket Keychain - For $25, you can buy a stunning symbol of your appreciation for your carpool mom. Things Remembered carries a lovely combination silvertone locket-watch keychain that can be personalized with the initials of the recipient.

10. Edibles - Edibles like chocolates and cheesecake are both highly regarded. Just be sure your carpool mom isn't diabetic or watching her weight. Chocolate is one of the most versatile gifts in literally thousands of varieties. Cakes and tortes are also lovely gestures a carpool mom can share with her family.

This holiday season think about purchasing a gift for that carpool mom who makes your life a little easier. After all, she improves your family's life by devoting her time. Doesn't that deserve a little recognition? Happy holidays!