Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Busy Moms

Being a mother today is no easy feat. Moms today are expected to be the ultimate multi-taskers: private tutors, chauffeurs, chefs, personal shoppers, nurses, laundresses, household managers, vacation planners, computer and media monitors, schedulers, cheerleaders and overall household managers. Whew! When we finally do get a little time to relax and unwind, we always resort to our favorite pastimes. If you're a busy Dad in search of the perfect holiday gift for the mother of your beloved children, review this list prior to your annual trek to the mall. I hope it saves you time, energy and money in your quest to find that Christmas gift that says, "Thanks for all you do! You're appreciated."

1. Bath Products

Nothing says "time to chill" like a nice hot bubble bath. You can find inexpensive bath salts and bubbles at any corner drugstore, like Walgreen or Rite Aid. Bath and Body Works is a delightful store found in most malls and carries the most aromatic bath products. These are sure to bring a smile to the face of any busy Mom. A Bath and Body Works gift card would make a great stocking stuffer.

2. A Homemade Coupon Book

I have made these for both my husband and children, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. You can make one on your computer, or even handwrite one. Good ideas for coupons include: One Full Day of Total Control of the Remote, Three Uninterrupted Hours of Reading Time, One Full Day of No Whining, One Free Foot Massage, etc. Make it completely personal, and she'll treasure it.

3. New Pajamas and Slippers

After a long, hard day, slipping into warm, cozy PJ's and slippers helps stress fade away. Kohl's, Sears and JC Penny all carry a good selection of affordable sleepy time luxuries.

4. The Latest Best Sellers

Nothing helps a busy Mom escape life's daily pressures like a good book. We can get wrapped up in the trials and tribulations of someone else without having to come up with the solution. Like Bath and Body Works, a gift card to Barnes & Noble is a fantastic stocking stuffer.

5. Certificate for a Manicure/Pedicure

Because we spend so much time managing the family, little time is actually spent on ourselves. A few hours of pampering with a manicure and pedicure will surely lift our spirits. You can get a gift certificate at any local nail salon.

6. The Magic of Candles

When the sun goes down, the soft scent and glow of a candle can calm nerves and renew spirits. Target carries a good selection, however Yankee Candle Co., found in most malls, carries the best. These can also be helpful for setting the mood after the kids go to bed.

7. Dinner and a Movie

This is quick and easy to do. Go on your computer and type up a certificate that says "Dinner + Movie Gift Certificate". Then include a "Rules for Redemption" paragraph. The rules should include that the Mom gets to pick the restaurant and movie. The coupon cannot be redeemed for any movie rated G. It must be redeemed within 90 days of receipt. This insures that you will both get around to the date night sooner than later. It also states that the male of the household must make babysitting arrangements. Place the certificate in an empty popcorn container, and as easy as one-two-three, you have "Date Night in a Box!"

8. Perfume

Back in our single, dating days, we actually wore expensive perfume. We still may do so occasionally, but only on special occasions. A bottle of our favorite perfume is a thoughtful extravagance that we wouldn't normally give ourselves.

9. Girls Night Out

Go to the video store, and purchase one of the following DVD's: 27 Dresses, The Devil Wears Prada or Sex and the City. Find a nice basket around the house, and put in the movie, 2-3 bottles of our favorite wine, microwave popcorn and a certificate for free babysitting. There you have it - the gift of a fun girls' evening at home for your loved one. No interruptions are allowed!

10. A Spa Certificate

This is the ultimate pampering gift. You can google your closest spa, and study their website for pricing and specials. A day, or even half day, is enough to renew our spirits and senses until the next holiday season!