What Would Your Mom Really like for Mother's Day?

Do you dread shopping for a Mother's day gift?
Are you stumped when it comes to choosing an appropriate gift for your mother?
Could you use some helpful tips?

Look no further! As a daughter who has given many Mother's Day gifts, and as a mother who has received many Mother's Day gifts, I think I can steer you in the right direction.

First, you need to take a good look at your mother- make an inventory of sorts. Use the following list of questions and gift suggestions to help find the perfect Mother's Day gift this year.

Does your mother have any hobbies, such as sewing or painting? People with hobbies never have enough "stuff" to support their particular hobby. If your mother likes to sew, perhaps she would like a new sewing basket, filled with fancy notions, She would appreciate a gift certificate to a fabric store, and an offer to take her there if she doesn't drive. If she paints, splurge on new brushes for her. Whatever her hobby is, there is sure to be something related to it that she doesn't have, or needs replaced.

Does she collect anything? Most people collect something; Hummel figurines, rare books, coins, vintage jewelry, stamps, etc. Check around your mother's house, see what she has, then add to the collection.

Does she enjoy a particular kind of movie - comedy, mystery, suspense, thriller, etc? Buy her a couple movies, some microwave popcorn and a beverage. Make a date to come over and watch the movie with her.

Does she like to go to the movie theatre? Buy your mom a gift certificate to the local theatre, or better yet, take her!

Does she enjoy live theatre? Look for events within driving distance. If she doesn't drive, buy a ticket for yourself also, and take her out for the evening.

Does she enjoy eating out? There are many restaurants to choose from, and gift certificates are often available on-line. Include fast food certificates for days when she is out and about, and needs a quick lunch. Certificates for pizza are great too; your mom can order in.

Does she like to cook? Cooks never have enough cookbooks! And there are also always new kitchen gadgets available that she might like to have.

Does she not like to cook? Give your mom a gift basket of "minimum cooking required" foods like Rice-a Roni, Noodles Romanoff, OnCor dinners, frozen pizza, etc. Stick in some pretty paper plates and napkins, because if she doesn't like to cook, she probably doesn't like to clean up either!

Does she have a favorite television program? Perhaps you can find the entire series on dvd or tape.

Does she have a favorite author? Make note of the books your mom has already, and then buy her the latest book by her favorite author. Give her a box of flavored tea and a mug to go with it.

Does she like a particular type of jewelry? Perhaps she has a favorite designer, or likes vintage jewelry. Second-hand shops and antique stores are great places to find vintage jewelry.

Does she have a favorite type magazine? A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. Every time an issue arrives, your mom will smile and think of you!

Does she like perfumes and body products? She may have a favorite fragrance or manufacturer. Often department stores offer special prices and bonus gifts for Mother's Day.

Does your mom like antiques? Make a date to take her "antiquing." Treat her to lunch in the process.

Does she like flowers? Perhaps a gift certificate to the local florist would appeal to your mom. She can have the pleasure of choosing her own Mother's Day gift.

Would she prefer a flowering plant rather than cut flowers? Give her a gift certificate to the local nursery, and then offer to plant the flower for her.

Does she like to garden? Again, she would enjoy a gift certificate to the local nursery.

Does your mom need help with something? Perhaps you could offer to spring clean for her, prepare and freeze some meals she can use when needed, wash windows, prune shrubs. There are probably many things she needs help with, but doesn't want to impose on anyone by asking.

These are all things you can find out discreetly, usually just by observation. Your siblings may be able to offer suggestions also, and often the cost of something that seems too expensive can be shared.

But the one thing most mothers enjoy, and can never get enough of is spending time with you. Whatever you decide to buy your mother for Mother's Day, plan to deliver it personally, and stay awhile. Anticipation is a great mood lifter, give her a call a few days before Mother's Day and tell her you will be stopping by. You might even consider bringing dinner! Another great gift is to surprise your mom by bringing along a couple of her old friends for dinner. They will have a wonderful time reminiscing.

With a little thought, you can give your mom a meaningful Mother's Day gift and create a special time she will long remember.