Thoughtful Gift Cards for Mother's Day

So, it's that time of year again. Mother's Day is coming and you need a gift. And perhaps it's doubly hard because you're far away from her. And perhaps the budget would have difficulty bearing up under rising postage rates. And maybe you just aren't as sure what it is Mom likes anymore, since you've moved away.

Gift certificates answer a lot of these questions. But then it must be decided...which one?

(1) Generic Safe Bets: If Mom is reasonably computer-savvy, online gift certificates to a large general-interest website like Amazon or eBay are the simplest solution of all. They can be purchased online and emailed to Mom, giving her the chance to browse through a wide selection. The eBay gift certificates work best when Mom has a Paypal account as well, as more and more eBay sellers are choosing Paypal over other payment methods.

(2) The Bookworm: Does Mom love to read but you have no idea who her current favorite author is? Besides the aforementioned Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Powell's offer gift cards that can be purchased in the store or online. It's just as convenient to spend them: Mom can browse and buy online or in the store or place her order by phone.

(3) Home Cooking: If nothing makes Mom happier than cooking and baking, then a card to Williams Sonoma may be the answer. From high-end appliances and cutlery to yummy ingredients and beautiful dinnerware, Mom can take her card to the store or shop online for the perfect gadget missing in her cabinets.

(4) A Break from the Stove: However, if Mom needs a relaxing dinner out, then a gift card to her favorite restaurant may be the perfect fit. Or would you like to offer her something new? You can do either or both and save money at Restaurant.com. This wonderful site includes a list of restaurants searchable by zip code and the chance to purchase gift certificates at a deep discount. You can buy a $10 gift certificate for $3, $25 for $10, or $50 for $20, depending on the specific restaurant. Please read the fine print before you buy - many of the restaurants have individual restrictions on when and how the certificate can be used.

(5) A Little Crafty: Does Mom like to make things? Is it hard to picture her without a needle & thread , a ball of yarn, a tray of beads or a lapful of photos and paper? Then a gift card to a craft store is the solution. The three largest chain stores offer gift cards that can be purchased online. However, of the three, only JoAnn permits the cards to be used for online purchases as well. Gift cards for Michaels and A.C. Moore must be used in stores at this time.

(6) Fashion Forward: Maybe it's time Mom got something new for her closet. The reputation for excellent service at Nordstrom carries over into its gift card program, as one can purchase either a traditional gift card or a virtual one and both versions are redeemable online or in the store. There is also the Macy's traditional gift card or E-Gift card; either version may be used online or in the store and come with many options to personalize it.

(7) Get Moving: If Mom is the athletic type, perhaps she needs a new outfit or a new bit of equipment to improve her game. Title 9 Sports carries a large line of high-quality sports apparel for women and offers gift cards that may be redeemed in-store, online, or by phone. If she needs a replacement tennis racket, a new golf club, or better running shoes, then Dick's Sporting Goods offers gift cards redeemable online and in its stores.

(8) Gilding the Lily: Who can resist a nice piece of jewelry? Whether it's smooth silver, warm gold or sparkling stones, a bit of finery will make Mom feel extra special. And now she can have something from Tiffany & Co. without having to travel, since Tiffany gift cards may be redeemed online and by phone as well as in the store. Reeds Jewelers also accepts its gift cards in all three methods: in-store, online, by phone. Kay Jewelers accepts its gift cards in stores and online. Gordon's Jewelers offers both traditional and email-only gift cards, but only the traditional card may be redeemed in-store and online; email-only certificates must be spent through their online store.

(9) Spa Time: Could Mom use some down time? A bit of relaxation? Her day of pampering awaits her through Spafinder.com, where one can purchase a gift certificate starting at $50, to be redeemed at any of over 4000 locations worldwide or at their online boutique of home-spa goodies. The Body Shop offers gift cards accepted both in its stores and online. Bath and Body Works has a traditional gift card redeemable both online and in-store as well as an Egift card that is only available and redeemable online. A large variety of bath and body products from wonderful small e-tailers can be found at The Soap Box Company, with gift certificates in various amounts to be redeemed through its store.

(10) Sweet Treats: If you think Mom would like a little extra something special to savor, it can be found at the landmark gourmet store A Southern Season. Gift cards can be purchased to spend in its incredible store in Chapel Hill, NC, or redeem over the phone for catalog purchases, or even toward cooking classes and dining in the Weathervane Café. Mom can indulge her inner chocoholic at Pure Imagination, using her gift card online to have chocolates delivered to her door or at its flagship store in Columbus, OH. Or if ice cream is more to her taste, you can send her coupons for pints of Ben & Jerry's delicious ice cream, to be used anywhere Ben & Jerry's is sold.

And to get a running start for next year, ask Mom to fill out a virtual wish list, such as Hintbug, so that you can shop for her exact wishes online next time.