The Mother's Day Idea Place

by Sam Serio

Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother’s Day, but there are pitfalls, especially if you rush at the last minute. Procrastination and a lack of knowledge can be rewarded with overpaying for a piece of jewelry or even worse, being ripped-off.

A gift of jewelry can be expensive. Asking friends, family and co-workers if they can recommend a website, brick and mortar store or local crafts person can help. Checking with the better business bureau is also a commendable approach.

When you are shopping, ask the salesperson to write down any information you might rely on to make your purchase and before you buy, ask for the store’s refund and return policy. When ordering online, keep printouts of the web pages with details about the transaction, including refund and return policies if you’re not satisfied.

Six Smart Shopping Tips for Mother’s Day and Beyond

1. There’s a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

2. If you’re buying a watch, determine whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers. Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and repaired.

3. Know the difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look must like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments– such as heating, dyeing or bleaching– can improve a stone’s appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone’s value.

4. Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention; and irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and expensive. The cost depends on the size, usually stated in millimeters, and the coating or “nacre” on a real pearl, which gives it its iridescence.

5. When you’re buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes “graded” on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a “D” may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color of the diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

6. One final tip, Mom’s love longer (i.e. 24″) gold or sterling chains with gemstone pendants. And you can almost never go wrong with the very popular omega-style chains in various widths in sterling silver or gold.

by Cynthia Marcano

Here are a few great gift ideas for that special mother in your life on Mother’s Day.

10. Weekend Getaway. A weekend retreat to a ski lodge could be great for the mom who needs a weekend to unwind.

9. Digital Camera. For the new mom, this makes a great gift. Children grow up so fast, catching those fleeting moments are important. With scrap booking becoming so popular, digital cameras also make a great gift for the scrapbook lover.

8. Charitable Donation. For the mom who never stops giving, she would be honored to know that a donation was given to her favor charity in her name. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

7. Buy a Tree or Star. Have that special mom immortalized for years to come. Have a star named after her or buy a tree in her name. With God’s love that star and tree will be around even if we are not.

6. Night Out. New mothers would surely appreciate a night out of the house with some adult conversation and atmosphere. It’s a simple request, yet such a grand gesture for those moms who just want an evening as an adult. This works well with the morning and afternoon spent with the children. That is what Mother’s Day is about in the first place.

5. Spa Day. Most mothers I know could use a spa day. Whether her children are at home or have long since moved out, a spa day is great choice. Spa Days range from a whole package of all the goodies like mud baths and lunch or just a half hour of massage

4. Jewelry. A great idea would be give her a pendant with picture of her child/ren in it or a bracelet, ring or necklace with the birthstone/s of children or grandchildren.

3. Gift Baskets. You can find Gift baskets that contain any and everything. There are baskets that are specifically designed for Mother’s Day, but other choices include gourmet and fruit baskets, spa bsakets and candle baskets. Many places also make custom baskets.

2. Flowers and Plants. This is the most common of Mother’s Day gifts. It’s the obvious choice for that bouquet lover or for a very picky person.

1. The Star Treatment. Being a good mother is the hardest job in the world. Offering that special mom the star treatment for a day is a great gift. Start with allowing her to sleep in. As if that weren’t gift enough, breakfast in bed and cleaning the house is just what the mom ordered. Lunch and dinner preparation should be included along with bathing, feeding and dressing the children. Basically don’t allow her to left a finger. Supply a good book or time for her to do what she wants. What mother wouldn’t want a day to recuperate?

by James Zeller

Mother’s Day comes and we are often at a loss for selecting a gift that shows we care, yet also is one of significance. Mother’s Day flowers and cards are nice, but a Mother’s Day Gift that she uses each day will be a daily connection of thoughtfulness.

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. — Tenneva Jordan

There is a name that often has the same effect as soothing balm on a tender wound. Many can go through life saying she doesn’t matter, but it is the wounds of life that require the ministrations that only a mother can provide.

Surely you’ve had those moments when you desire the closeness of mom although you might indicate you’d rather not see her. We can all be grateful that moms see through our inner turmoil and willingly stand with us when the need is greatest.

The most selfless individuals on the planet are mothers. They are often the first ones up and the last to bed. They serve your needs without asking anything in return. They suffer through the abuse of adolescent children and willingly welcome us home when we come to our senses.

When the second Sunday in May rolls around it is the true essence of gratitude that brings us to the doorstep of mom’s house with gifts in hand, from hearts that have begun to catch a glimpse of thankfulness.

Mother’s Day gifts come in all sizes, fragrances, colors and styles. Most often these gifts are simple flower arrangements and gift cards. Moms will never respond unkindly, but perhaps it is time to consider a gift that is a thoughtful indicator of the love and appreciation you have for your mother. A gift of considerate choosing that takes your gratitude to a level that will surprise and delight the very one who gave you life.

Mothers spend a great deal of time in the kitchen and a unique kitchen gift or a gourmet gift of elegance and style will be remembered long after flowers fade, wither, and are summarily discarded.

Imagine a time in the future; your mother sits down for a cup of tea and traces her finger across the top of the European Glass Teapot she received as a gift from you. She remembers special long ago moments she was certain she had forgotten. A thoughtful, daily used gift can provide a personal ongoing connection between you and your mother. Best of all – her thoughts will be toward you – not the gift.

This in no way diminishes the effectiveness of the gift; it actually enhances the overall gift giving experience. You see, a well thought out Mother’s Day gift is as much for you as it is for her; useful and appreciated – with memories attached.

When the second Sunday in May rolls around, consider a kitchen gift or a gourmet gift that conveys to your mom that you believe Mother’s Day is more than a special occasion – the day is a moment of insistence that she be held in the highest esteem. It may even be a moment when strained relationships can be mended and old offenses forgotten.

The second Monday in May will find your mom back in her daily routine. Why not give her another reason to think of you each day.

She will, you know.

Get ideas and shop for Mother’s Day gifts, flowers, cards, crafts, baskets, jewelry and more at The Mother’s Day Idea Place.