We all have at least one of those incredible women in our lives.  You know the one who read you bedtime stories, changed your diaper, cheered you on at all your baseball games or ballet recitals.  Yes, mom.  Some of us are lucky enough to still have our mom's with us, some of you will celebrate with the mother of your children, don't forget grandma's and mother-in-law's too.  It's that one day of the year that we are reminded to stop and thank mom's for all that they do.  So I thought I would so kindly make some suggestions of do's and don'ts for mother's day gift ideas.

Thoughtfulness counts more than money.  Here's an idea.  This year instead of buying her a card, make her a card.  Yes, even if you are 38 years old, you can make your mom a mother's day card.  I guarantee she will treasure it as much as your plaster hand print from kindergarden.  If you're a dad, get out the crayons, scissors and papers and put those kids to work.  If they are too little to sign their names, trace their handprint.  That is completely and totally adorable. 

Mom really doesn't want a new appliance.  Let's save the vacuum and blender purchases for another day.  This rule applies double if it's an amazing invention that will make her life easier as seen on an infomercial.  Ask how many mom's still look with fondness at those salad shooters, vacuum sealers and food dehydrators.  My guess is zero.  That doesn't mean that she didn't squeal and act thrilled when she opened it but think back how many times did you actually see her use it?

Most of us moms are extremely sentimental.  We love personalized gifts.  If you are considering a personalized gift, you had better get that order in now or be willing to pay later.  See how I'm looking out for you by posting this article a couple of weeks ahead of time.  Here are some fabulous personalized mommy gifts that I know I would love. 

The mom bracelet.  I recieved one as a gift and I adore mine. 

http://www.mothersbracelets.net/index.cfm?track_id=411&gclid=COK975WS_5ICFQhusgodXmmqFw

or a similiar idea is the custom name keychain

https://secure1.securewebexchange.com/keytomyheart.net/cart/keychains.php

A mother bird necklace

http://www.polkadotwhale.com/itemview/viewbrand/134//view/5992/last_updated/All/All/All

Another don't would be the "self-improvement" gift.  Don't even think about buying her a self-help book, a gym membership or a cosmetic surgery procedure.  This is NOT the day for it and it would take a better woman than me to not feel like it was a statement that you don't like me the way I am.

Now a pampering gift that's completely different.  We all love to be pampered.  If she gets pampered all the time then it probably wouldn't be a big deal to her but most mom's would love a spa day, a pedicure, a facial etc.  This is my one exception to the "a gift card is a cop out" rule.  I will say that presentation also matters.  If you do get a gift card, it's still nice to have something to open even if it's something small.  I think it is also important to get a personal recommendation of a good salon.  My friend recieved a spa day from her husband and the salon was horrible.  It was even worse because she knew how much her husband spent and didn't want him to feel bad. 

How is this for an unusual idea, a day or night without the kids for mother's day.  Okay this doesn't have to take place on the actual mother's day but I know many mom's who are in the thick of raising kids never seem to get a grown-up moment without them.  So take the initiative to make all the plans for a day or evening out.  Buy the tickets, make the reservations and most important of all ARRANGE the babysitter. 

Time will pass you by and a great way to freeze the moment is by having a professional family portrait done. 

I hope you find these suggestions helpful and I would love to have some input as to what your favorite mother's day gifts were, whether you were the giver or the receiver.