Happy Mother's Birthday

We love celebrating every day here.  Below is a guest post on Celebrating that special Mom in your life on her birthday.

Celebrating Your Mother's Birthday - She is Unique - Her Birthday Gift Should Be, Too
Guest Post by Andrea Porter

No matter your mom’s personality and passions, simple observation and communication can help find a gift that will speak directly to her on her birthday. She will appreciate your genuine thoughtfulness — Mom doesn't get many days throughout the year that are all about her. Make it special with these gift ideas:

She-Has-Everything Mom

Obviously she has everything — she has you, right? But if you still want to give her something more than your beautiful smile and loving self, hire a personal chef who can cook up and serve her favorite foods for the evening. Complement the gourmet meal with a wine- or chocolate-of-the-month club subscription or bouquet of red roses (long-stem of course).

Foodie Mom

For a woman who loves to eat out, equip her with a “mobile foodie kit” that includes spices and seasonings to guard against sub-par meals. Does she love to play chef at home? Present her with a specialized spice rack or a novel serving dish, such as a chalkboard cheese platter or cone-shaped pizza service kit.

Green Mom

Visit Etsy.com to shop for frames and home decor crafted from vintage bike parts and recycled-bottle wine glasses. Totes and tablet covers made of worn clothing are also re-purposed items an Earth-conscious mom would enjoy. Still stuck on those roses? Give her a bouquet made from elephant poo (yes, elephant poo paper roses) that last and look beautiful longer than real flowers.

(Over)Working Mom

Clean her house — or hire someone to do it for her. Could she use some tranquil time for herself? Send your mother off for a spa day. If the price is too steep, put together an at-home spa basket with bath oils, salts, body lotion and an aromatherapy candle. Add a bath tray that holds a book, candle, wine glass or other items mom would want within reach while she relaxes in the tub.

Fit Mom

For the avid runner, give mom a gift certificate for a sports massage, especially if she has a long race coming up. A yoga mom will love a personalized tote bag that has straps to hold a mat. Accessories also make excellent gifts, such as a trendy water bottle with an insert for adding flavor to her hum-drum hydration.

Adventurous Mom

Join your mom on a hot air balloon, roaring river or scenic day cruise excursion. Cooking, golf or art lessons can also broaden her horizons. For the truly fearless mom, send her on an extreme adventure. Go skydiving, drive a race car, hang glide or fly as a fighter pilot for the day.

Sentimental Mom

For the nostalgic mom, wrap up a journal or Moleskine notebook that you can write in and send between yourselves to keep in touch. A journal is where she can jot down spiritual lessons learned from Church or document inspirations from personal experiences in her life that you and your children can refer to during challenging times. A necklace with representations of her children — by name or birthstone — can also keep you and your siblings close to her heart.

Where to Get the Gifts

• Uncommongoods.com: Reclaimed Slate Cheese Board ($48), Pizza Cone Kit ($25), Elephant Poo Paper Roses ($9), Mother & Daughter Letter Book ($38)
   
• Redenvelope.com: Bath Caddy ($50), Personalized Yoga Mat Gag ($70), Personalized Jewelry (from $50)
   
• Cloud9living.com: Visit website for cities and rates on hot air balloon rides, sky diving, driving and fighter pilot for a day experiences, and personal chefs
   
• FTD.com: Long-stemmed Red Roses (from $39.99)
   
• Wineofthemonthclub.com: Starts at about $31/month

Andrea Porter

A painter, mom, wife and photographer, Andrea always has material to write about. Finding the time to write is another story altogether.