5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner, (as in this weekend, I hope you're ready) and this year is going to be extra special. Today, we shall focus on fun little gifts that show your mom just how much you care. I am a firm believer in "activity" gifts over material gifts, as think memories last longer. So, for your reading and inspirational pleasure, I present to you 5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas:

1. Take your mom out to lunch/brunch/dinner: This idea is an oldie, but a goodie. Make sure the meal is planned ahead of time. I have found, in my experience, that when put on the spot and asked where you want to eat, it's way harder to pick a place. Do your research and find out where your mom has been wanting to go or try. It might be a new place or a place she's been 100 times, but plan the meal ahead of time and the experience will be much more memorable. I also believe in making the meal last. Don't rush the meal in an hour, but turn your restaurant date into a three hour event. Start with drinks and talk! Order an appetizer and eat the whole thing before ordering your entree. Order dessert to share and have it with coffee or an after dinner drink. Make the meal an experience rather than something to get through. It will make your Mother's Day gift a memory that lasts fo-re-ver.

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2. DIY a gift: Over the years, my mom has told me over and over again, that her favorite gifts from me and my brother were the ones we made. She liked the crappy 4th grade painting I made her more than any sweater I bought her. Even though we are past the elementary school art phase (or are we?), you can still make something for your mom this Mother's Day. Last year, I made my mom DIY floating vases for Mother's Day and she loved them! Every time she looks at those vases, she thinks of me and Mother's Day 2012. So for you, I have composed a list of DIY gifts that I think any mom would love, especially if it's your blood, sweat and tears that goes into making it: Braided Rug, Marbled Tumblers, Chalkboard Cheese Platter, Tea Bags, Candle Holders, Sharpie Mug Set, Crystal Necklace or Camara Strap (if your mom loves taking photos, like mine does).

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3. Frame pictures or make a photo album: In my opinion, photos actually are the best memories. I could look at photos/albums for days because I love remembering the time they capture. Give your mom this same gift. Find a special picture of you and your mom, it could be current or old, and frame it! I found a bunch of cool, old photos in my parents house last year that I discretely made digital copies of and then later photoshopped into something special. If you don't have photoshop on your computer (like I don't), most printing shops and libraries have photo editing programs you can use for free or at a low cost. Edit your photo, change it to black and white (my favorite), blur the background or just improve the overall quality. Then matte the photo and frame it and it will look like a million dollar gift. Another option is the photo album. I just discovered a cool new company, called Artifact Uprising, that allows you to make digital photo albums on your computer at home, then ships to your door. Plus all their paper is from Colorado beetle kill trees, so your totally saving the environment and moms love that. A last idea that I am considering as a Mother's Day gift this year Stickygrams for the fridge!

3. Take a class together: Classes are all the rage these days and I have found them to be really fun and memorable gifts. A couple of Mother's Days ago, I bought my mom a gift certificate for two at Canvas and Cocktails, which is a group painting class with cocktails. It was one of my favorite gifts I have ever given my mom because not only did we get the experience and memory of attending the painting class, but we made an actual painting we got to take home with us. It was a really fun thing to do together, and every time I look at that painting, I think of my mom and that day.

5. Plan a trip somewhere: Trips are my most favorite gift to give, but they can be expensive. If you are rolling in the dough, plan a weekend trip somewhere with your momma. Ask her ahead of time when she has a free weekend and plan a Friday-Sunday getaway. Although I have never be able to afford a trip like this for my mom, I have always thought a mom/daughter trip to Seattle, Portland or Chicago would be awesome. If you want a more affordable trip, plan to go somewhere in your own state. Take a trip to the city, where you can stay at a hotel and shop and eat. Take a trip to the mountains and spend a day hiking or weekend camping. Find cool places in your own state that your mom hasn't been and go explore. I would love to take my mom on a weekend getaway to visit the Palisade wineries, Ouray or Telluride or take a day trip to shop Pearl Street in Boulder. The important idea of this gift is that you plan the whole thing, date included, so it's ready to go. I know from personal experience that if you don't, the trip probably won't happen, so plan ahead and have your trip booked before you give it as a gift.

Bike riding in Belgium on our last mother/daughter trip! Best. Time. Ever.