Unique and Inexpensive Gifts for Mom

What do you get the woman who gave birth to you, the one who gave you her all during your formative years...and the person who seemingly has everything? Wouldn't you like to give her something that won't get stuck in the linen closet or boxed up and delivered to the Salvation Army thrift store once the holiday is over?

Here are some gift ideas for your mom that are unique as well as versatile:

A vase may sound like a ho-hum gift, but this is a vase of a different color...well, many different colors, actually. The Hope Forever Blossoming plastivase (plastic vase) from The Future Perfect in Brooklyn is unbreakable, collapses for storage when empty and looks like a beautiful glass vase when it's filled with water. It's perfect for mailing and only $12. It's also available on-line at http://www.thefutureperfect.com/detail.php?id=60

Mom will love clear lucite napkins rings which double as mini vases on her dining room table. Measuring 2.25 inches high by 2 inches wide by 1 inch deep, the napkins rings are rectangular in shape with a an oval opening to insert napkins. Beside the napkin opening is a slender opening to insert a tea rose or other small flower. The rings blend with any color scheme and add that special something to a dinner party. Available at www.piecesinc.com/lucite-napkin-ring, the napkin rings cost only $4.50 each.

Does your mom love purses? Then she will love a Miche bag system. When mom sees this unique accessory she will wonder why she didn't think of it herself! The system consists of a base bag and outer shells which can be removed to change the whole look of the purse. Shells and bases are equipped with strong magnets which secure the shell to the base for a whole new look at a moment's notice. You can buy mom a base purse and a basic shell (black or brown) for Christmas and follow up with other shells on her birthday, Mother's Day and many other gift-giving occasions to come! Base bags cost approximately $35-40 and shells are sold for $25-30 each. Miche bags are available in boutiques everywhere and at www.michebag.com.

The Lillian Vernon catalog offers a 6-in-1 cake plate set. The two clear glass pieces in the set can be put together to make a punch bowl, covered relish tray, pedestal cake stand, chips-n-dip server, covered cake plate and salad server. The set will match any color scheme, is dishwasher safe and sells for under $30. Just think of all the storage space this versatile serving set will save in mom's kitchen! You'll find this great gift at http://search.lillianvernon.com/EasyAsk/lillianvernon/results.jsp.

If you want your siblings to finally understand why mom always liked you best, give her one of these unique gifts.