Top 5 Christmas Gift Cards for Mom

Everyone either has one to buy for, or knows one that could use a break. Here are the top 5 prepaid gift cards that you can get for Mom this Christmas.

1 - Mom needs relaxation. Pamper her with a gift card from Spa Finder or Spa Wish. You can purchase them on their respective websites, www.spafinder.com and www.spawish.com. The process is simple. You purchase the gift card on their website in any denomination, and when Mom wants to redeem it, she simply logs in to the website to find the spa and salon nearest her that will accept it. Spa Finder boasts more than 5,000 spa locations that accept their gift cards, and Spa Wish boasts over 3,500 locations. Before you purchase this gift card, simply check the website to make sure it is redeemable at a salon in your area.

2 - Mom needs a night out. Restaurant gift cards, such as Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and Romano's Macaroni Grill offer prepaid gift cards available for purchase. The added bonus with this idea is how easy the purchase is. They, along with many other restaurant gift cards, are sold at both local supermarkets and CVS drugstores nationwide. It has never been easier to treat mom to a night out.

3 - Similar to the previous suggestion, because mom really needs a night out. Why not purchase a gift card to the local movie theater? Both AMC Theaters and United Artists Theaters offer prepaid gift cards that will cover not just the cost of a movie ticket, but a big box of candy as well. These are available in many different denominations for purchase both at the movie theaters themselves, and through the Gifts.com website - follow their "gift card" tab (www.gifts.com). Want to really sweeten the deal? If mom has young children, offer to throw in babysitting.

4 - For the mom constantly on the go, both Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts offer prepaid gift cards. Available at the retail chain locations (and occasionally found at your local drug store), not having to dig through her wallet for change at the drive-through saves mom on-the-go time. Plus, she'll know you were thinking of her as she sips that piping hot coffee.

5 - Mom can always use a Target gift card. I've never met a mom who didn't like the store. Offering everything from crafting supplies to makeup and electronics, mom is sure to find something for herself. Target prepaid gift cards are available through Target stores. If mom isn't a shopper, but is a reader, purchase a Barnes & Noble gift card. It is available in their store, through the Gifts.com website, and at both your local supermarkets and drugstores.

Another great idea is the purchase of prepaid gift certificates to the photography websites Shutterfly and Snapfish (www.shutterflly.com and www.snapfish.com ). This allows mom to purchase pictures of her loved ones, and even have their photos placed onto items such as coffee mugs, calendars, mouse pads, etc. What a fantastic way to capture those Christmas memories!

Have fun shopping for Mom this Christmas. Give her the gift of choice - a prepaid gift card. Happy Holidays!