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Gifts That Will Make Mom Smile

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[5]By Erika Weisensee,
Milwaukie mother and daughter

Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 9th—is right around the corner.  This will be my fourth Mother’s Day. At three-years-old, my son still doesn’t quite grasp the concept of Mother’s Day, but that won’t stop him from hugging me all day long. That, in and of itself, will make my day special. Of course, I wouldn’t mind sleeping in, breakfast-in-bed, and an hour-long massage.

While I’m on the topic, there are lots of ways to make moms feel loved and appreciated on Mother’s Day. Here are gift ideas sure to make mom smile:

Is mom sentimental?

•      Enlarge and frame a photo of you and your mother, or a photo of her grandchildren. If she is sentimental about her own mother, enlarge and frame an old picture of your mother with her mother.
•      Write a poem or letter to your mother and consider framing it. Avoid writer’s block by speaking from the heart and keeping it simple. “Mother, you are a blessing to your children and grandchildren” is a nice beginning.
•      Create a CD for your mom that includes songs that remind you of her, or songs that will remind her of special memories.

Does she need some pampering?

•      Pedicures. Facials. Massages. You really can’t go wrong if mom is a fan of spa treatments. If she would enjoy the company, join her on the outing and combine it with lunch or coffee.
•      For a more affordable option, buy some of her favorite lotions, bath gels, and candles and present them in a basket or other attractive packaging.
•      Make your mom a delicious meal. Whether, it is breakfast-in-bed with a rose on the tray or dinner with multiple courses, what mom wouldn’t enjoy a break from meal preparation? If she would prefer eating out, make reservations ahead of time to avoid an extra-long wait on Mother’s Day.

What does SHE love?

•      Is she a gardener, a cook, a reader, a runner, an entertainer, a chocolate lover? Buy a gift that reflects her favorite things or activities.
•      Thinking about what your mom loves can lead you toward a great gift idea. For Mother’s Day, stay away from the super practical (towels) and go for the super indulgent (artisan chocolates, beautiful hanging flower baskets, gift cards to favorite stores).
•      Combine the gift with a sweet hand-written message in a card that you pick out or make yourself and you cannot go wrong.

### Erika Weisensee, a writer and native Oregonian, lives in Milwaukie and teaches journalism and communication courses at the University of Portland.