1. For a thoughtful gift on a budget, pick out a couple new nail polishes for Mom – my suggestion, pick one color you know she’ll love and one that pushes her outside her normal comfort zone – and wrap it up with a gift certificate for a manicure and/or pedicure. For $25 – $35 you’ll be giving Mom an afternoon of papering that she’ll surely love.
Essie Polishes: Fifth Avenue and Play Date

2. The Great Gatsby comes out on May 10, perfect timing for Mother’s Day. So for the husbands out there, give your gal this sparkly 20’s-inspired sparkler (which I love because it’s a piece that won’t be out of style in a hot minute) wrapped up with two tickets to the movies. Get a babysitter to watch your kiddo(s) and enjoy a rare movie date (maybe they are just rare for me but I never want to get a babysitter just to go to the movies you know?), popcorn included.
J.Crew Crystal Encrusted Collar Necklace

3. Having a great hair day = having a great day. There’s just something about good hair that gives you that extra oomph you need to conquer any day. Treat mom to a good hair day and get her a gift certificate for a blow-out or that hair make-over she’s been needing. Box up the gift card with these embellished hair-ties. You could even include some magazine clips of hair inspiration for her to take with her to the salon. She’ll love it.
Anthropologie Crystal Hair Ties

4. Summer will be here in no time which means it’s officially pool/lake/beach season. Pick out a new suit for your mom and give it to her in a fab new beach bag. Add in a book she’s sure to love and she’ll be ready for a long day soaking in the sun. Husbands – if your wife has small kiddos, offer to watch the kids for the day and let her enjoy a relaxing day poolside.
J.Crew Polka Dot Bikini Top & Bottom, ‘DVF Loves Roxy’ Tote Bag (on sale now) and Where’d You Go Bernadette

5. There’s nothing like a new bag and this orange beauty will have Mom ready for a night out. Give it to her with a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant inside with a card with the reservation date/time. Mom will love that you’ve already planned a night out where you all can spend time together. It will be the girl’s night out your Mom will surely love.
Madewell Friday Clutch

6. If your Mom lives out of town, make sure to give her something that lets her know you’re thinking of her. A handwritten note will do more than make her smile (it will probably elicit one of those Hallmark commercial moments where a little tear wells up in her eyes).  Include it with a bouquet of her favorite flowers. I love giving this potted  hydrangea plant that she can plant and enjoy long after the holiday.