Mother, Mom, and Mommy: A Guide to Mother's Day Gifts for Every Type of Lady

By Emily Dovi, dealnews Copy Editor

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and trust us, even if she says she doesn't want anything, she will appreciate a token of your love for her on this day. What that token should be, however, really depends on the kind of lady your mother is. Besides being a caretaker and confidant, does Momma like to cook or sew? Or is she a fitness fanatic? Perhaps she's the crafty and eclectic type. We've put together a few mom profiles and came up with a variety of Mother's Day gift ideas that span all price ranges, from trinkets to trips, in the hopes that you don't just send her a card this year.*
^{*But if you do go the Hallmark route, at least throw in a few lotto tickets!}

The Hip Hostess
This mom knows how to make a mean lasagna, and dinner is at 6 pm every night — and you better call by 4 if you can't make it! She also whips up award-winning birthday cakes.

To compliment her style in the kitchen, take a peek at our top kitchen wares for a little something sweet for Mom, whether it be a retro apron like the Women's KayDee Classic Apron ($19.77 via coupon code "MOTHER40" with $4.93 s&h, a low by $4) or fresh baking sheets. If you're in the all-too-common situation where someone (who shall remain nameless) broke some of Mom's favorite special pieces of glassware, then consider a new set of four Oneida Latitude Double Old Fashion Glasses ($15.12 via coupon code "DH11" with $6.99 s&h, a low by $4). Of course, you can also treat Mom by taking her out of the kitchen with a pre-packed Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Basket with Four Place Settings in Red ($66.99 with $2.95 s&h, a low by $19). Just remember to bring along the matching red and white gingham blanket.


The Timeless Beauty
The Timeless Beauty values immaculate grooming; she always has her nails painted, and there isn't a wrinkle to be found on her face.

Indulge her senses with lovely lotions, soft slippers, a new robe, or a Mainstays 5-Piece Candle Value Set 4-Pack ($34 with $2.97 s&h, a low by $6) to replicate a day at the spa. But why not go all out with an actual spa visit? Call up her favorite beauty salon or keep watch on our local deals page for credits that will make massages, facials, and the like a more affordable gift. But if you'd like to boost her relaxation beyond just a day, try the Therma Spa 4-Person Inflatable Portable Hot Tub Spa ($493.99 with $2.95 s&h, a low by $52) and let her relax all year long.


The Fashionista
Like the Timeless Beauty, the Fashionista always puts her best foot forward, from head to toe. Not a hair is out of place, even when she's gotten no sleep, and stylish clothes and accessories are a must.

Consider an always-lovely Cultured Pearl Double Strand Bracelet ($44 via coupon code "S20M1" with free shipping, a low by $11), which is understated but adds a splash of interest to any outfit. If she doesn't normally wear a bracelet, then also consider springing for a ring or necklace instead. For an exceptionally chic mom though, consider a universal accessory: the silk scarf. Perfect for the change in season, the Fossil Cindy Floral Scarf ($44 with free shipping via coupon code "FREESUMMER2012", a low by $9) adds a touch of sophistication to her wardrobe.


The Techy Mom
She knows what RAM is. She has a work Blackberry and an iPhone at home, and they're both synched to her computer.

Combining the wants of a tech-savvy mom with a fashionista, you're likely to impress her with this Sony Ericsson Women's Evening Classic Bluetooth Watch ($44.99 with free shipping, a low by $7). It features a caller ID display and vibrates when you receive a call or text message. Or, go bigger (literally) with an iPad 2 or tablet — a perfect gift for your technologically inclined mom, if she doesn't have one already! We recommend going for a refurbished unit from Apple, because it comes with a full warranty and will look good as new. Plus, there's no blemish a colorful iPad 2 case can't cover.


The Eclectic Mom
She likes artifacts, the off-beat, hand-crafted goods, and vintage-inspired décor. Or maybe she's just a free spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum. (See: Björk, pictured.)

The Time Warp Melting Shelf Clock ($11.85 with free shipping via Prime, a low by $5) pays tribute to one of the most eclectic people ever, Salvador Dalí. This piece of art will stand the test of time (rimshot!) as interesting décor for her personal space. For a Mom who appreciates both art and the environment, consider the fair-trade Mitra Bali Multi Strand Beaded Necklace ($24 with $7.99 s&h), which is made with sustainable wood and was handcrafted in Bali. Lastly, if she's artsy because she actually creates art, then a gift that celebrates her work is a thoughtful gesture. Transfer her art into a canvas print — and make sure she signs it!


The Jetsetter
The Jetsetter is not only travel-savvy, she's a Mom On-the-Go. As such, she's got everything she needs to get from A to B in her handbag.

But if her everyday bag has seen better days, consider purchasing a similar purse during one of these handbag sales. And keep in mind some of our tried and true tips on picking out the right gift for her, to make sure the finer points are perfect. A true jetsetter of course travels quite a bit, so also inspect Mom's luggage to discern if she needs a gear upgrade. A set of bags from our collection of luggage deals should fit her every need. Then, give her a reason to use them by sending her on a cruise; she'll not only break in that new travel gear, but relax for back-to-back days and nights while sailing the ocean blue.


The Fitness Fanatic
She's a Mom On-the-Go, but sets aside time almost every day for her own health. She hits the gym or the pavement in her running shoes and works out all the stresses in her life through exercise.

This Tree of Life Yoga Kit ($44 with $7.99 shipping, a low by $12) keeps organized all the tools she needs for achieving inner peace. But if yoga is too sedate for your fast-paced mom, the Tom-Tom Nike+ Sports Watch GPS ($169.99 with free shipping, a low by $7) can instead help her keep track of all her fast-achieving goals. Or if "fitness fanatic" really means "sports fan," hop online to StubHub and take her out to a ball game!


The New Mommy
She has that new-mom glow and smiles widely when she so much as thinks of her baby.

Keep these precious memories alive with a new digital camera, or treasure the photos she already has by jumping on photo service deals like this offer for 25 4x6" prints from Walmart (free) or discounts on photo books. It's very thoughtful to start a tradition on Mother's Day that you can add to each year.


Gifts for Every Mom
If your mom doesn't quite fit into any of these unofficial archetypes, fear not! You can still show her how much you care in a more traditional gift-giving way. First of all, buy chocolate. Enough said.
Flowers, like these 30 Assorted Tulips Bouquet with Vase and Chocolates ($31.99 with $12.98 s&h, a low by $28) are also a thoughtful and bright gift, presumably a lot like your Mom. And who doesn't love perfume? If you know what scent she wears, pick up a fresh bottle of parfum at Parfumnia. And if none of these seem right, you can always fall back on the obligatory "MOM" necklace and take her out to dinner.


But no matter which way you decide to show your mother that you care this Mother's Day, be sure to tell her that you love her dearly.

Front page photo credit: Best Holiday Sale
Photo credits top to bottom: The Crafty Retailer,
Juice in the City, Paris-Air, Madame Noir,
Bjork.com, Nannies on the Go, BlitheExpression,
Belly Itch Blog, and Delta Dental

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