Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas (EVER)

I was reading Family Circle Magazine yesterday and I saw this:

Feel Happier: Spending money on experiences with others-like going to concerts or the movies-rather than material possessions for yourself, brings you more joy, suggests new research from San Francisco State University. Shared activities (even cheap ones, such as grabbing coffee with friends) connect you socially and provide memories that can last forever.

I knew it! I am so freakin' brilliant! This is exactly what I said when I suggested Christmas gifts in a post appropriately titled "Are You Experienced?" I would highly suggest you keep this in mind as you shop for Mother's Day this year. Of course, wonderful girl that I am, I have come up with a list of helpful hints... so if any moms are reading this, you can conveniently leave the computer open to my page for all persons-in-charge-of-purchasing-mother's-day-gifts to see.

#1 for any mom would probably be a trip to a spa for some pampering. It's not an original idea, but hey, it works. I have researched in NH and the spa that consistently gets 4.5 out of 5 start is the Common Man. Reviews here and here.

#2 A nice tour of a winery would be fun. Give her a day that she can go with a girlfriend for a little down time. And, no, you don't need to live in California. NH actually has some fantastic wineries. Here is a directory to get you started.

#3 Cut flowers just won't do it. Come on, they are pretty for a day and then we have to watch them die a slow death on our counter. Spring is the perfect time to get her a plant she can put in her garden. If you're really good, you'll ask the nursery for one that blooms in the spring and one in the fall so that she can have beautiful color for months. To make an experience out of it, why not get her a hammock and make her her own special corner of the yard, put a nice drink on the stand next to the hammock, give her her favorite book and let her relax for a few hours.

#4 Buy her tickets to her favorite event... if you're lucky she'll take you! New Hampshire has some great venues with some great shows coming up. You can see Don McLean or Blues Traveler at the Capitol Center for the Arts. You can see anyone from Brad Paisley to Blondie to Willie Nelson at Meadowbrook. Dane Cook is actually playing on Mother's Day at the Verizon Wireless... how fun would that be to give her the gift and take her out that evening???

#5 I know jewelry is an old stand by, but if you're going to do it, go original. Buy from Etsy and you are sure to have a one-of-a-kind. There are great necklaces you can have the kids name stamped on, hand stamped charms, gorgeous quote necklaces (love this idea), or just a simple ring (really cool too!)

In light of the fact that it is 'Mother's Day' why not get her an heirloom that she can pass down? These handcrafted measuring spoons would be so great to pass on to your daughter as she grows and moves into her new life. Also, you could look for aprons or handcrafted mixing bowls... anything unique that will remind a child of their time with their mom would be great.

If you have any ideas to add to the list... please share.

I also just wanted to mention that I saw this contest where you can enter a mom to win a $2100 makeover in Nashua. How great would that be????


IT'S IN THE BAG: DAY 25 OF THE EARTH HOUR TO EARTH DAY CHALLENGE
I know it's an old idea... but use reusable grocery bags for God's sake! I go to the grocery store at least twice a week and I rarely see people using the bags. I keep a set in my truck and one in the car (usually right in the front seat) so that I will remember to bring them in with me. It is so easy and it truly does save resources.