Birthday Gifts For Mom

When you skinned your knee, who was there with the bandage and ointment? When you were sick, who brought you chicken soup and apple juice? When you broke that lamp while playing hockey in the house, who lovingly grounded you for a week without TV? Yes, Mommies are complicated women, but no one loves you more. Don’t let her special day pass without showing how much you appreciate all the little things she did -- and how you're really sorry about that lamp.

For the Kitchen

One of the things that many children love most about their mother is her amazing culinary talents. Nothing reminds the starving college student more of home than a bit of mom's home cooking. For those who have moms who really truly enjoy the art of cooking, good gift options have something to do with the place that everyone always flocks to regardless of the occasion -- the kitchen.

To make the gift as personalized as possible, consider her favorite dish. Maybe she adores pineapple upside-down cake  or say she has a passion for paella.  You can get her cookware to make those things she loves. When it comes to cookbooks, the same rule applies. If she's a fan of Asian  cooking, get her a cookbook that specializes in Thai  food, for example. If she already has a bookshelf full of cookbooks, consider a monthly magazine subscription to Gourmet  magazine. Also, don't forget food goodies, such as fine olive oil,  cheese,  chocolate,  coffee,  and tea  gift baskets.  You can even get her a certificate to a monthly club for wine,  tea,  coffee,  fruit  and the like.

Fruit of the Month Club	Heart Shaped Measuring Spoons	Apron	Cookbooks	Fondue Set

Another food oriented option that doesn't require choosing a particular gift is to take her out to dinner at her favorite restaurant. Accompany a lovely night out with some birthday flowers and you have a simple gift idea for the woman who hates cluttering up her house with more "junk." Alternatively, check out Xperience Days and Signature Days for a gourmet masterclass  in cooking, cheese and wine tasting in New York,  a personal chef for a day  or a dinner cruise.  If the high prices make you tremble, think about making her your own master dinner of her favorite type of food. It would be even better to throw in some quality wine or champagne and some friends of hers to celebrate the occasion (just keep it hush-hush until the big day to make it a surprise).

Finally, for the woman who loves to entertain, but isn't necessarily a fan of cooking or cleaning up might appreciate some of these gifts, focused on gourmet tastes, exquisite style, and a flair for being a lovely hostess.

Barware	Floral-Print Coasters	Japanese Tea Set	Espresso Machine	Tea Mugs

For Peace of Mind

Sometimes you can't keep up to her because she is always so busy, either with work, community activities, sports and outdoors, or her home. Whatever it is that keeps her so energetic and bursting with energy all the time should be rewarded with a nice bit of down time. Getting a day off to relax is a lovely way to spend your birthday. However, staying healthy all year round is important too, and of course, mothers know best. So in honor of staying healthy and balanced, offer her some of these nature inspired gifts that will help take the edge off and return her to her state of peace and tranquility. Other gifts to consider are sets of essential oils  and a diffuser,  herb garden starter kits,  incense,  massagers,  foot baths,  foot pampering kits  and the indulgent gift certificate to a day at the spa. 

Lavender Stones	Tranquility Fountain	Aromatherapy Candles	Hammocks	Mini Zen Garden

Okay, so maybe she is too busy to relax, much less have the patience to sit still long enough to spend a day at the spa. What do you get her instead? Something to help her burn off that extra energy. If your mother loves sports and fitness, here are some great motivational gifts to keep her on her toes.

Pilates Mat	Pedometers	Satellite Radio	Kayak	Puma Sneakers

For the Gardener

Besides cooking, another thing that moms are often known for is their green thumb. If when springtime comes, all she can think of is her plans for landscaping, new flowers or vegetables she plans on growing, then a gardening gift is the perfect choice. Here are just some most basic options. Don't forget that fresh flowers, plants  and trees  are all good options for the gardener especially if she has been mentioning getting something particular for the last few months, such as a Japanese Maple,  bonsai tree  or orchid.  Other options include a self-watering plant system  for when she goes on vacation, birdhouses,  Home and Gardening magazine subscriptions,  fountains  and watering cans.  Don't forget a nice vase  to put her cut flowers in even outdoor planters. 

Gardening Tools	Gardening Gloves	Gardening Books	Garden Accessories	Pruning Sheers

For Outdoor Entertainment

Women work so hard on making their living space look nice. Should their outdoor space be any different? Since mom always works so hard at keeping the place spick and span, get her a gift that will allow her to enjoy her time relaxing in the pristine place that she has created.

Outdoor Table Sets	Wind Sculpture	Gardening Stool	Outdoor Fireplace	Porch Swing

Fool-Proof Options

Candles	Photo Album	Picture Frame	Bath and Body Gift Set	Flowers