Last-minute gifts for your magnificent mom!
Stumped for an original way to say ‘thank you’ on Mother’s Day? Don’t fear — Judy Gordon is here with some great ideas
![]() R. J. Graziano Mom's a star: Vintage-style pins are in. |
Judy Gordon The 'Today' show Style Editor • Profile • E-mail |
SPECIAL SECTION |
![]() |
SLIDE SHOW: GIFTS: MOTHERHOOD: |
It’s one of America’s most celebrated holidays. And it’s in honor of one of the most beloved figures in our society: Mom, of course. But what to get her? Flowers? Been there. Candy? Done that. (And she’ll thank you for the extra calories … not!). No worries. We’ve rounded up some of the most sure-to-be appreciated – and trendy – last-minute gifts in the latest edition of our weekly fashion report.
Gotta get away!
What does Mom really love? A recent survey by iVillage reveals the number one gift on her list is personal time, whether it’s spent alone, with friends or with her significant other. So if you want to tap into this red hot trend, give Mom the “gift of time” — an hour, an afternoon, an entire day or even a weekend, all to herself! She’ll love you even more — if that’s possible — after a relaxing, rejuvenating treatment or afternoon at a day spa, an evening at a hotel (even if it’s nearby), a weekend away on a blissful tropical island or a whirlwind trip to somewhere like Paris. Add a special touch by equipping her with the “tools” she’ll need to make her escape. A brand new piece of luggage, an oversized weekend bag or colorful new lingerie are sure to stoke her wanderlust. 
Trend Tip:
A thoughtful twist on the gift of time is an “IOU” note offering a day or evening of babysitting, along with a gift that encourages a hobby or interest she loves but probably neglects. Suggestions: a set of tools and plants for the garden lover, theater tickets for the culture vulture; a digital camera for the shutterbug … you get the idea!
The royal treatment
What mom doesn’t deserve 5-star treatment? A trip to a fabulous luxury hotel is always welcome, of course. But don’t worry if that’s not in the budget — these days it’s easy to give Mom hotel-quality luxuries that she can enjoy in the comfort of her own home. Start with serving her breakfast in bed. Surprise her with her favorite foods, gourmet coffee or exotic teas. And, of course, present the breakfast on an elegant tray with a small crystal vase displaying one perfect flower. Add to the “goodies” by giving her a luxe present such as slippers, 400 count pj’s or sheets. Don’t forget that most haute stores such as Porthault have some items for under $60.
Trend Tip:
Want to really thrill your Mom? How about the gift of an at-home service call? Ideas: masseuses, manicurists and hairstylists and make-up artists often will make house calls. And many Moms would be thrilled with a visit from a professional cleaning service. Or how about a chef? (Just be sure to account for childcare as well so she’ll truly enjoy the treat.)
Make a memory
Want Mom to remember exactly when and where she received your gift? Make it memorable by personalizing it with her name, initials or an engraved message. (Many stores offer this as an in-store, same day service; you can also arrange it through the Web or in catalogs.) A traditional Mom will instantly light up when presented with a sterling silver picture frame or a chic leather photo album. If Mom is the fashionista type, then she’ll love a monogrammed jewelry box, an initialed handbag or piece of luggage. You’ll find options at all price points of the spectrum from the luxe, wear-it-forever classic beauty of a leather bag (a la Hermes) to an au courant beach-ready tote. And what woman wouldn’t appreciate the timeless appeal of a personalized piece of jewelry? Consider a romantic locket adorned with her initials or an engraved watch that she’ll treasure every day.
Trend Tip:
What good is a picture frame or a photo album without family photos in it? If Mom has your family’s precious memories stored up on her digital camera, then she’s likely to flip for a brand new home photo printer that turns digital photos into lab quality prints – all at the touch of a button.
Star power
Does Mom love to be “in the know” about the latest fashion and beauty products? Then she’ll adore a gift that comes with “bragging rights” — a this-minute, must-have item associated with her favorite celebrity! So what’s hot and a great gift? Kate Beckinsale and Molly Sims are toting Coach handbags (their summer-ready straw basket-style bags are fabulous looking!)… Paula Abdul swears by the CutieKit salon-quality manicure/pedicure kit to keep her fingers and toes in camera-ready snapping and tapping shape… Jessica Simpson is often seen holding it all together with a colorful Pucci scarf worn as a headwrap or belt. If price is no object – and if Mom adores J Lo and Victoria Beckham — than go for rings, earrings and necklaces from Jacob and Co.
Trend Tip:
Get Mom in on the hottest celebrity makeup trend. It’s a pure mineral makeup called bareMinerals from Bare Escentuals and it’s a favorite of Alicia Keys, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. Or, if your Mom loves bath and beauty goodies, pamper her with the Escentual Gift Box which has over 150 signature blooms. The scent — another celebrity favorite — is never the same twice, so it’s unique, just like Mom!
Last-minute luxuries
Really down to the last minute? Don’t worry. Some trendy little luxuries are as close as your local mall or supermarket. Give her a healthy selection of herbal or flavored teas paired with a lovely set of china teacups. This way you’ve helped Mom create a soothing ritual she’ll enjoy day after day. Or go for the gift of pearls or pins — always stylish and especially trendy right now. Look for pearl necklaces tied with a feminine grosgrain ribbon or vintage-type pins in the shape of flowers, leaves or stars, bursting with colored stones. (Versions are in every department store). If Mom’s a wine connoisseur, an Australian Shiraz is the way to go (seems like everything from Down Under is “in” at the moment). And when all else fails, diamonds — and flowers — are a girl’s best friend. Add a hand-written. from-the-heart note — priceless!
Trend Tip:
For the men out there, one of the best last-minute luxuries you can give your wife is the gift of romance. Oh, come on now! Cocktails on the terrace… a home-cooked meal… dinner for just the two of you with room service on call… or a night of dancing under the stars are all gifts she’ll thank you for again and again. Go for it!
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.
firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM MOTHER'S DAY GUIDE |
| Add Mother's Day Guide headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide


