Trying to find the perfect gift for mom can be challenging.  Instead of flowers or perfume, try some of these great ideas that cost little or no money but will be long lasting treasures

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REPLACE HER PRECIOUS CHINA

Does your mother have some prized china?  Inevitably a cup will be broken or a plate will get chipped.  There are services that will replace those pieces with the exact same item.  An online search will reveal several companies to choose from or start with your local china retailer.

MAKE A FAVORITE MEMORIES LIST

Write down ten of your favorite memories of you and her together.  Have them nicely printed and put in a frame with the date.  You can both spend Mother’s Day reminiscing about all the wonderful times this list reminds you of.  A favorite memories list costs nothing but your time and a small expense but is a very touching Mother’s Day gift idea.

EDIBLE BOUQUETS

If you want to send something different than ordinary floral arrangements, try an edible bouquet.  There made from a variety of foods such as fruits, candy and baked goods.  Cleverly designed, they are a charming treat and make a great Mother’s Day gift idea.

REASONS WHY YOU’RE GLAD SHE’S MOM

Using your age as a number, write down one reason why you are so glad she’s your mom.  This Mother’s Day gift idea is great for kids too.  If you are 25 then write 25 reasons, etc.  You can either have it framed and dated or just include it in her card as a surprise.  This will be a cherished Mother’s Day gift she will treasure forever.

MAKE A PHOTO ALBUM

Create a photo album or scrapbook with pictures of you and her together from infancy on up.  Add some comments and loving memories under the pictures.  Now mom has a gift she can sit back and relax with anytime she wants.  It can be the start of a tradition, every Mother’s Day you can add more pictures.   A truly “never-ending” Mother’s Day gift idea!

KEEP MOM SAFE

This Mother’s Day gift idea can really be important.  Does your mother like to surf the internet?  How much does she know about staying away from scams and insecure sites?  She may be vulnerable to the ever growing problem of internet schemes and security issues.  If you’re not sure how savvy she is about staying “internet safe” then hold a little “seminar” for her.  Teach her about email scams, “phishing”, what to look for on a safe web site, etc.  This issue is especially important if your mom is elderly as they are easily targeted.

The perfect Mother’s Day gift does not have to cost a fortune.  You have a treasure trove of memories which create an endless bounty of great Mother’s Day gift ideas.  Gifts that come from the heart are truly the best and most treasured gifts of all.  Happy Mother’s Day to all you well deserving mothers!

Brenda Prevost is owner and founder of http://www.allholidaytreasures.com which sells lights, decorations and costumes for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, July 4^th and other holidays.