Find the route to success when shopping for moms

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By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer Updated 12:41 PM Sunday, May 6, 2012

Unlike dads, who we will attempt to tackle next month, buying presents for most moms can be pretty easy.

If you watch your mom or wife or grandmother for an hour or two, you will pick up on five or six things that she might want or need. (In fact, it might not even take that long. Most moms get done in an hour what some folks take all day to accomplish.)

Also, buying for a mom is simple in that many of the best gifts come in a variety of prices — from basic and cheap to elaborate and pricey.

And, if the gift comes from the heart, most moms likely will love whatever version you choose.

Here are some Mother’s Day ideas to fit multiple budgets to get you started:

Clean house: This can mean anything from putting away the winter clothes before she does to literally cleaning the actual house. This will cost you nothing (except time) and can be a huge gift.

If you want to go the pricier route, hire a professional.

Make it memorable: Find something she uses every day and make it personal. Buy a blank canvas tote bag at the craft store and have the kids decorate it. Include the traditional hand- and footprints. If you make several bags, she can use them for shopping.

Frame it: If the mom in your life has a favorite picture or drawing, put it in a nice frame. If you want to get fancy, have the picture blown up or made in black and white so she can hang it on the wall in style.

Also, digital frames make good gifts for moms. To complete that present, upload the pictures before you give it to her.

Jewelry and clothes: Many moms like feeling pretty, so getting her a necklace or a nice top can be good and can be found at a wide range of prices. If you go the clothes route, though, check her closet for sizes first.

Flowers: If your nose leads you to the florist, make sure your mom in question likes getting flowers. Some might love them, and some might find a big bouquet to be a waste of money.

Plants also make good gifts, and they last longer.

Items that pamper: These can be anything from a bottle of wine to a massage (professional or personal). Candles, fuzzy socks, even a box of chocolates can do the trick as long as the gift makes her feel relaxed and happy.

Books, music, DVDs: Show your mom that you not only know her, but that you aren’t embarrassed to be seen purchasing books with titles like “The Undomestic Goddess,” or CDs by artists like Michael Buble.

Gift certificates: Since moms are often the shoppers in the family, she may know best what to buy — even for herself. And sometimes just admitting you don’t know what to get and saving her the time of returning it is a gift in itself.

If you do choose this avenue, just make sure you have a personal, heartfelt card to go with it.

Make time: This is the cheapest gift and can pay the biggest dividends. But make sure it is time she wants to spend — not just asking her to join you at the ballpark.

Moms are famous for letting their needs get trampled for the greater good of others, so ask her to pick the restaurant, the movie, the fun.

Mothers work hard year-round to make the lives of their families better. So, if you can, make her day special.

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