Mums know the difference. Things like cowboy boots, sunglasses and even designer purses were among the items mothers said they didn't want in a survey.
Don't wait until the last minute to buy something. Put some thought into the gift so you can be sure you're giving her something she really wants, like a piece of jewellery, her favourite bath products, or an attractive scarf.
Give: A great meal outIt's easy to understand why dining out was on the list of most-wanted gifts for mothers in every geographic area surveyed.
What could make Mum happier than enjoying a great meal with her family and not having to cook it herself or clean up afterward?
Taking Mum out for meal is a time-honoured Mother's Day tradition and restaurants can be busy on the second Sunday of May so make sure you book in plenty of time. When choosing a restaurant, look for one that will please her palate with familiar flavours, good food and the kind of warm, comforting ambience she creates in her own dining room or kitchen. Family-style restaurants are a good choice because there's something on the menu for everyone.
Don't give: Practical kitchen items No matter how much Mum says she wants a new electric can opener or how much she needs a new set of pots and pans, don't give these items on Mother's Day. Mums are more than just the sum of the time they spend in the kitchen.
If she really needs and wants those things, why not give them to her at some other time of year, for no other reason than she's a great mother? Or, if you must give something kitchen-related for Mother's Day, consider something that's pretty and fun, too, like decorative serve ware.
Buy from a store that offers free gift wrapping services, making it easier to give a good-looking gift.
Give: Gift cards A gift card to her favourite store was another popular selection of mums. But don't think giving her a gift card is all you have to do. Research to find just the right card for her, and then offer to accompany her on a shopping excursion to her favourite store. That way, you'll be giving her two things she wants most - a gift card and time spent with you.
Don't give: Technology Do you really want to give Mum a smartphone that will be obsolete by next Mother's Day? Or a tablet so complicated she'll never figure out how to use it on her own? If your mother's digitally inclined, chances are she already has the tech she needs and wants. And if she doesn't, trying to choose it for her can be like trying to pick a pet for someone else - never a good idea. Instead, keep gift items simple, personal and nostalgic.
