Shopping Surveys For Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Fathers don't generally make a big to-do out of the Father's Day date like mothers might have done a month earlier. While mom might tell you she could use some potted plants, new dish towels and a day at the spa, dad is far more likely to reply with something more quixotic, like "All I want is a little of your time" or "I don't need anything."

Deep down, your dear old dad may have a few things he'd like, although he may not say it. Recent surveys of Fathers Day gift ideas can help you gather a few ideas and a better perception as to what others are doing to celebrate.

Given that we're still in a recession, the National Retail Federation believes spending on Fathers Day gift ideas will still be low for Fathers Day in 2010. Last year's survey revealed that the average U.S. consumer planned to spend about $90.89 on dear old dad, which was down 4% from 2008.

Top gift ideas included dinners, sporting events, clothing, electronics, books, CDs, home improvement items and sporting goods, the survey found. "Along with the usual ties, gift-givers will be looking into items that Dad can enjoy with the whole family," commented Tracy Mullin, president of the National Retail Federation. "Retailers will offer specials on new grill sets, sporting and gardening equipment and even electronics as the holiday rolls around."

The Discover Card survey also found that Mother's Day is more celebrated than Father's Day for some reason. Consumers planned to spend an average of $31 on Fathers Day gift ideas, compared to $41 on Mother's Day gifts. Research conducted by www.pricerunner.com and Amplitude Research also echoed this sentiment: 67% of daughters and 49% of sons planned to buy Fathers Day 2010 presents.

"More research needs to be done about why females seem to spend on a Father's Day gift more often than males," said Martin Andersen, General Manager of www.pricerunner.com. "Perhaps men are less comfortable about gift exchanges between son and father, versus son and mother." Their survey found most respondents (39.6%) planned to spend $25 to $49 this year.

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Stories Outlining The History Of Fathers Day

Because of the rigorous commercialization of Fathers Day cards and gifts, the third Sunday in June is often referred to as a "Hallmark Holiday." In fact, some of the most passionate supporters for creating an official Father's Day campaigned against the emphasis on gift-giving and purchasing consumer goods, rather than attending special commemoration masses.

There are many stories about the history of Fathers Day, but the official celebration is most likely a culmination of work undertaken by several different people over the years. Here are some of their stories.

Some say the history of Fathers Day begins in Fairmont, West Virginia back in the summer of 1908. As her deceased father's birthday neared, 41-year-old Grace Golden Clayton was feeling the pain of her loss.

In 1907, 250 fathers were killed in the tragic Monongah coal mining accident. She urged her pastor to hold a special commemoration service for fathers, which was held on July 5, 1908 -- the Sunday nearest the birthday of Clayton's father.

Soon thereafter, the Father's Day date became overshadowed by Independence Day festivities, the death of a teenage girl from typhoid fever and financial difficulties. "They had other things on their mind," explains Thomas Koon, president of the Marion County Historical Society.

"The original sermon was lost... It just seems as though no one thought it was a great deal at the time. No one jumped on the bandwagon and went to the City Council for a proclamation. No one got on the governor. No one went to Congress," he says. "Mrs. Clayton apparently thought it was not lady-like for someone to go out and toot their own horn."

It finally became a national holiday years later after "a number of other people chewed on it like a pit bull," he adds, but that still does not mean we should forget some of the earliest campaigners.

Woodrow Wilson and his family had their own personal Fathers Day activities as early as 1916, in response to some of the inspiring celebrations he witnessed across the country.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge decided to make his own mark on the history of Father's Day by creating a National Father's Day Committee to explore ways to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children, and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations."

However, the official Father's Day date was signed into law in 1972 by President Richard Nixon. In 1974, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World's Fair in Spokane, just four years before she died at age 96.

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Celebrating Your Mother On Mothers Day UK

There is the assumption that Mothers Day UK is the same as Mothers Day in the United States, and while there are many similarities, there are some differences.

It is easy and common for individuals living in America to assume that worldwide events like Christmas, mourning rituals, and other common practices will be done in the same way as how they are done in the States, but this is usually not the case.

The history of Mothers Day and how it is celebrated between the two nations is similar but not the same.

Mothers Day UK is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of the church calendar of the season of Lent. Lent is the time when Christians prepare for baptism, or those who have been baptized reflect upon their lives and try to either give up something that is bad for them or spend time in prayer.

The question, "When is Mothering Sunday?" is the same as "When is Mother's Day in the UK?" Since the date for Easter always changes from year to year, the dates for Lent and thus Mother's Day in the UK will also always be different.

So Mothers Day UK does have some differences from other countries, but ultimately it is quite similar. Aside from the date it occurs and a few specific traditions, it is hard to see any real difference between this when this holiday is celebrated in the UK, and when it is celebrated in America.

Mother's Day gifts will still be purchased and given, regardless of the country, and hopefully the children will take the time to remember what their mothers have done on their behalf.

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Better Choice For A Gift On Mothers Day US

When Mothers Day US began, it was meant to be a special day set aside to remember, honor and show appreciation for all mothers. When it was created, most mothers didn't work outside the home, and their responsibilities with raising children, maintaining the household, cooking and cleaning weren't recognized as real work.

This special day was created to show appreciation for all that mothers do each day. However, it soon became a commercial holiday where Mother's Day flowers, chocolates and small gifts became the source of appreciation.

It soon became a duty to fulfill once a year rather than a day set aside to really honor and show how much you do acknowledge and appreciate all the hard work that your mom does each and every day.

Florists and other related businesses that deal with flowers make a good profit on Mothers Day US. The shipping and delivery of flowers for mothers is probably at its highest in the weeks leading up to Mother's Day. While some will purchase a bouquet of flowers, others may combine flowers with another gift.

Any of these gifts will be graciously received on Mothers Day US by your mother. Yet, the commercialism of the holiday does take away a bit of the true spirit of the holiday. Mother's Day crafts are greatly appreciated, but even craft stores make a profit during this holiday.

In many cases, the day is just another day for mothers. A card, flowers, chocolates or a small gift may be given, but that is the end of it. While a breakfast or dinner out is a nice break for mom, it can't replace what the holiday began as.

Honoring and reflecting upon all that mothers do each day can't be summed up in a gift unless it is a personal gift that is truly given from the heart.

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Better Ideas For Mother's Day Gifts

Most children learn about Mother's Day when they are quite young, and the Mother's Day gifts tend to focus around small items. When the children are very young, the father will arrange to have them present their mother with something special.

In preschool and elementary schools, time is usually spent making crafts to give to mom on her day. There are a great variety of gifts that a mother will receive over the years from her children.

When children are still young, a Mother's Day gift tends to be some kind of homemade craft. Children will spend hours assembling jewelry, photo frames or stands, and other types of ornaments that would seem too bright and colorful for any other purpose than a Mother's Day gift.

These Mother's Day crafts are usually made at school, though resourceful kids will spend time at home creating something special for their mother.

Young children love to make things and with Mother's Day gifts, it provides them with an opportunity to make something special for their mom. Mother's Day crafts are fun to do and mothers appreciate them as gifts, as they are specially made for them by their child.

As children turn into teenagers, the gift giving may change, but it can still be a gift that is from the heart. Most mothers will cherish all the handmade gifts that she receives over the years, and many will keep the cards that are either bought for them by teenagers or made by younger children.

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Satisfy Your Mum With Her Mothers Day Wish

A mom's Mothers Day wish tends to be time to spend with her children. This can sometimes be difficult when the children have grown up and are living in far away locales.

If the mother and her children are unable to meet face to face for dinner or some other shared event, then the children tend to rely on Mother's day gifts as a solution, and perhaps a phone call. There are some modern solutions as well.

Another Mothers Day wish for moms who live far from their children might be for pictures and other memories of the lives that their children are currently leading. Photos can easily be sent by email and even slide shows of images can be put together to make it a more special event.

Some websites offer to make it a happy Mother's Day for a mom by providing stylized wallpaper for her desktop. This is often personalized with pictures or other detailed information about the mother.

No matter where you live, your mother will want her Mothers Day wish to be answered with something that shows you care. If you cannot be there in person, then take advantage of technology to provide her with a gift that is personal.

Mothers Day flowers and chocolates can always be sent, but if you really want to make the day memorable, then look at the modern solutions available. Think hard about what you can do to make this a day that will show that you appreciate all that she has done for you.

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Thanksgiving Gift Basket For A Day To Remember

Thanksgiving gift basket is an ideal and thoughtful gift to give to family and closest friends, being together at this special time of the year. Even though Thanksgiving is only a few weeks before Christmas, there are times when some family members cannot all be together for Christmas and may come to celebrate the festive season for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Some families, like to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, to bring everyone together to the one location. They may even arrange for Thanksgiving to be in one location and Christmas Day in another location.

You can buy a thanksgiving gift basket online or look at what is available in many stores. I like to see the product infront of me before I hand over my money. So I buy all my gift baskets from my favourite stores, even though I may be paying a couple of dollars more, rather than taking advantage of online specials.

I want to keep my peace of mind, knowing I will be buying exactly what I want for my friends and family.

I have heard stories from friends who have bought a gift online, and were disappointed with what they received. Unless you develop a relationship with a website, and you know they are reliable, then you can continue shopping online.

Spending time together with family and friends, giving and receiving gifts, helps to make the day much more enjoyable when giving out a custom made thanksgiving gift basket.

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Better Tips And Ideas For Holiday Gift Baskets

Holiday gift baskets should always include the best gift ideas to suit the preferences of the recipient of your gift. There are many ways you can make a gift interesting and unpredictable.

If the recipient of your gift is a guy, then you may not want to give him what every one else will give him on Christmas Day like a bottle of cheap after shave. You should make an effort to find out what he really wants for Christmas, and then include it in your gift basket.

The same thought should be given for any recipient. I have received gifts that I have never used from people that do not know me very well and looks like they did not make the effort to find out what I really wanted as a gift. Those that did make the effort, I was pleasantly surprised.

My husband knows I love chocolate covered strawberries for Valentines Day. Every year, he surprises me with a box of my most favourite delicacies. He does not tell me he is about to buy them for me, but he never ceases to surprise me when he presents me with my most favourite gift. Even though we have been married for a few years now, he still buys me the best and most pleasant Valentines present.

There are times when you may not know their preferences, so you need to make discreet enquiries without letting the cat out of the bag. For example, you can ask general questions about favourite food choices and then include those in the gift basket.

Making the effort to make a custom gift basket, shows the effort you have gone to please the receiver of your gift. Rather than giving the same dull gift as everyone else has given, you have instead given a thoughtful gift that will surprise the recipient.

After all, the best surprises always make the best holiday gift baskets.

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Shopping For Better Holiday Gifts

Before you begin shopping for holiday gifts, take a deep breath and relax. Now, spend a moment pondering the essence of the person you're buying for. Is this person a reader, a writer, an artist, a workaholic, a coffee lover, a pet lover, a world traveler or a high-tech guru? Try searching for hobby-related gifts and accessories for a thoughtful purchase.

Also, ask yourself what this person values. Is it time, money, a simplified lifestyle, relaxation or staying connected? Lastly, ask yourself if this person has dropped any hints this year. If you're really stumped over Christmas day gifts, here are some suggestions of top 2009 gifts.

Choosing holiday gifts for in-laws can be nerve wracking, especially if you're a little strapped for cash this holiday season. You can try a magazine subscription like Readers Digest, GQ, Esquire, Cosmo, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, Newsweek or The New Yorker.

Music CDs are another Christmas present idea for under $25 that could show thoughtfulness. You can try opera, holiday albums, ancestral folk music or oldies, to play it safe. Audiobooks could be a safer bet if you're really not sure what your in-laws' interests are. If they're particularly computer savvy, sites like www.audible.com offer monthly subscriptions and unlimited downloads.

Gourmet coffees, gift baskets, Christmas plants or edible arrangements also make a nice treat. Spa certificates can pamper your in-laws and are something they wouldn't usually buy for themselves. At www.amazingclubs.com, you can send monthly wines, cheeses, ice creams, beers and a number of other goodies in the mail, although this is a little more expensive.

A 2008 study by Home Electronics Journal found surprising similarities in affluent holiday gifts lists and the under $100,000 income bracket lists. A quarter of those making more than $100,000/year are hoping to receive flat panel plasma TVs this Christmas season. Another quarter would like a laptop and 25.1% would like a DVR/TiVo.

For those making less than $100,000, the preferred gifts are flat panel LCD TVs (31.4%), laptops (27.2%) and flat panel plasma TVs (23.9%). "Consumers have more interest than dollars to spend," says Roy Weiss, publisher of Home Electronics Journal.

To read more Shopping For Better Holiday Gifts

Before You Go Shopping For Father Day Gifts

Father Day gifts are always tough to choose. After all, how many ties does one man need? Instead of opting for boring, tradition gifts, or worse yet, cheesy novelty presents, why not give dad something he'll really enjoy?

Before you go shopping, make a list of your father's favorite activities or things that he enjoys but would not indulge in for himself. Look into tickets for great sporting events, concerts, shows or exhibits.

If your dad is into computers, then get him that software program he has been talking about or a hardware upgrade. If he likes golf, then a set of balls, tees and a golf shirt is perfect. Add a personal touch by getting the grandkids to decorate them with markers. He'll think of them every time he uses one.

If you're worrying about whether your dad will love your gift, then think back to when you were a kid and he was delighted with your homemade family portraits. Any presents for dad will be a hit if they come from the heart.

So, focus less on the gift and more on how you will spend a special day with him. A fun filled day as a family is truly is the best of all Father Day gifts.

To read more Before You Go Shopping For Father Day Gifts

Wonderful And Unique Gifts For A Happy Fathers Day

Treating dad to a special day doesn't have to cost a lot of money. With some creativity and a lot of love, you can make a memorable and unique Fathers Day gift. Don't think you're the crafty type? You don't have to be! In this article, we've got some great tips for the perfect homemade gift to make it a Happy Fathers Day.

Never underestimate how wonderful a homemade gift can be. It says that you care enough to give of yourself. To make this a Happy Fathers Day, give your special dad a stack of homemade coupons.

He can redeem them for hugs, a car wash, getting his shirts ironed, taking out the trash or cleaning up the garage. This really is a gift that keeps on giving because he can use them long after Father's Day is over. Without spending money, you'll let your dad know how much you care.

Having a Happy Fathers Day doesn't mean being unhappy with your bank balance. Start shopping early and keep on eye out for bargains on your dad's favorite things. Read flyers, keep an eye on online sales, and even consider going in together as a family on one big gift instead of several small gifts.

Reducing the cost doesn't mean reducing the value of how much you care about dad. Just remember that your love and time are the only gifts your father needs.

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Do You Know When Is Fathers Day?

Do you find yourself staring at the calendar every June wondering when is Fathers Day so that you don't get caught without a gift at the last minute? Even with good intentions, most of us wait until the eleventh hour and then panic about Fathers Day gift ideas, or lack of them!

Before you panic because you forgot when is Fathers Day and buy the first golf shirt you can get your hands on, think about the things that your dad really likes. Any Father's Day gift that he can use for his hobbies and passions will be an instant hit. If your dad's a sports fan, then treat him to tickets to a game.

For the outdoorsman, you can't go wrong with gadgets like a GPS, a fish finder or a compass. If your dad enjoys sampling fine wines, then you should know that many wine stores and vineyards offer beautiful Fathers Day gift baskets that come complete with wine, glasses, candles and cheese.

When time and money are at a premium, "When is fathers day?" may be a question you ask with trepidation. However, there is no need to get stressed out. Fathers Day gift baskets, theater or concert tickets, a couple of great books and delicious gourmet foods are all readily available at reasonable prices. Family is the most important thing about Father's Day, so relax and enjoy the celebration with the people you love.

To read more Do You Know When Is Fathers Day?

Fathers Day Gifts For The Sports Fan

Would your dad rather let the house burn down than move while his favorite team is on the tube? If your dad is a loyal sports fan, then you have plenty of options for great Fathers Day gifts. Personalized jerseys are great, yet we'll tell you where to find other knockout gifts no matter what your dad's passion is.

True fans want to know everything about their favorite sports and teams. That's why sports books, magazine subscriptions, documentary DVDs and movies make terrific Fathers Day gifts. There are tons of sports books out there and all are sure to make a good read.

In addition to books about a sport, you can get autobiographies and biographies about the world's greatest athletes. Documentary DVDs are a great addition to a sports fan's collection because they offer visual insight and sometimes an inside look at what's going on behind the camera and in the locker room.

You don't have to fall back on the same old Fathers Day gifts you've been giving your dad since you were four. To show your love and appreciation, get him something that is meaningful yet still fun.

Even if you can't get your hands on prime playoff tickets, you can still go to games played in the junior leagues. Besides getting the chance to watch his favorite sport, your dad will cherish the time spent with you.

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Finding The Better Fathers Day Gift

Choosing the perfect Fathers Day gift can be an exercise in frustration. What do you get for the guy who has everything? If your dad definitely doesn't need another shirt, power tool or barbecue utensil, then what are your options?

Choosing a Fathers Day gift for the dad who is a sports fan can be a lot of fun. Once you realize how many cool gadgets there are out there, you may end up shopping for yourself! If your dad enjoys a cold one while he watches the game, then perhaps a set of glasses, coolers or a beer dispenser with the logo of his favorite team would be fitting.

On the website www.gifts.com, you can order hilarious gifts for fathers, like a chips 'n dip set shaped like a football helmet and NFL team grill covers. You can even buy a fan stock share!

This year, make a vow to get creative with your Fathers Day gift. Think about things that your dad really enjoys and cater your gift to his tastes. Get him something that he's put off getting for himself or something he'd never splurge on. So long as it is comes from the heart, your Fathers Day present will be a hit.

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Finding Unique Gifts For Fathers Day

Finding just the right Fathers Day gift can be a tough task if your dad's the kind of guy who has everything. This year, forget the tacky tie and think outside the box for a gift that will show your love and appreciation. In this article, we'll suggest some great gifts for fathers that your special dad is sure to love.

Shopping for the outdoorsman for Fathers Day can be a lot of fun. If your dad would love nothing more than to spend Fathers Day fishing, then treat him to a new rod, reel or tackle box packed with interesting lures and gadgets. One great gift is the Penn Captiva series spinning reel.

Depending on the size you choose, prices range from forty to sixty dollars. If your dad has a boat, depth finders will allow him to measures the depth of the water if he's cruising in the shallows. A GPS is also a great gift for boaters, as it allows them to see where they are and what direction they are heading in.

If your dad is an avid golfer, then gifts for his game are bound to be a hit. You can order personalized golf balls, tees and hand towels from sports shops. At www.findgift.com, you can find fun gifts for golfers like a beverage dispenser shaped like a golf club, naughty golf tees, a backyard flagstick and hole, or a stunning personalized crystal driver.

Just by being thoughtful enough to remember how much your dad enjoys this activity, you'll make this Fathers Day something that he'll always remember.

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Tips And Ideas For Fathers Day Activities

Want to do something special this Father's Day but can't come up with any creative ideas? Finding fun Fathers Day activities is easier than you think. With the help of a pencil and a piece of paper, you can plan a memorable event that the whole family can enjoy.

To make Fathers Day special, you should choose activities that are an indulgence for your dad. Make sure that you don't choose an activity that you want to do and hope that he'll enjoy it as well. For instance, take the music loving dad to a concert.

Take the outdoorsman on a family camping trip. You can't beat a Fathers Day golf game. Whatever activity you choose, make a day of it. Treat dad to a great homemade breakfast complete with gourmet coffee or fresh pastries before you head out. After your Fathers Day activities, unwind with one of his favorite movies.

Times are tough, so don't feel that you have to spend a mint on Fathers Day activities. Simple can be lots of fun. Treat dad to a great breakfast, spend the day with him at home doing chores, watching sports, or horsing around in the backyard.

Wrap the day up by cooking a great meal together as a family or having a fun barbecue with unique dishes, like barbecued salmon with sun dried tomatoes, grilled ribs with cranberries and pineapple, or shrimp with orange and ginger sauce. For your loving dad, the best part of the day will be sharing it with you.

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Shopping Online For Mothers Day Gift Ideas

"What moms really want on Mother's Day is some peace and quiet, at least according to a very unscientific e-mail survey of mothers I know. The best gift would be a day off," says mother-of-two Kathy Georgopoulos of Arlington, Massachusetts.

A break from bottle making, butt wiping, toy cleaning and incessant chattering is what most mothers secretly crave, she confides. But, since you can't buy that online, moms are more than willing to accept a weekend getaway or a day at the spa for Mothers Day.

Another option for Mothers Day is to bring the spa home by purchasing a foot spa. At www.drugstore.com, you'll find a nice selection of Homedics home foot spas for $46.99, including "the rejuvenator" with eight shiatsu massage rollers, "the elite," which comes with a remote control and the "bubble spa pro luxury," which has extra foam.

Sometimes you can catch a great sale at www.overstock.com, www.outpost.com or www.amazon.com for as low as $20. Conair, Dr. Scholl's and Homedics are all trustworthy brands to consider as a special gift for mom.

Some mothers say that they'd like you to come with them to the spa for Mothers Day. Many spas have special deals when you come with someone and offer combo package deals with pedicures, manicures and massages that can be purchased for $200 or less.

Or, if you'd prefer, you can save the money and make do-it-yourself face masks and nail painting. There are a number of ways to make Mothers Day special if you're up to the task!

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Celebrating Mothers Day Around The World

In Civil War era America, Mothers Day was intended to be a day of peace and tranquility, a humble recognition of what mothers bring to society. For Julia Ward Howe, this day wasn't about gifts for mother, but rather, a day to call for disarmament, peace and pacifism.

Mothers who lost sons in war would gather together for strength and support. Masses would piously thank mothers for their sacrifices. The history of Mothers Day is a far cry from the sort of commercialism we see today, with Mother Day flowers, cards and gifts commemorating this special day.

Ironically, Anna Jarvis grew to detest the very holiday she helped to create. Hardly nine years after Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mothers Day a national celebration, Mothers Day card sales and profits of Mother Day flowers were skyrocketing.

The National Restaurant Association reports that Mother's Day is the most popular dine-out occasion of the year, even surpassing Valentine's Day. According to IBIS World research, Americans spent $2.6 billion on flowers, $1.53 billion on pampering gifts and $68 million on Mothers Day cards in 2008. The jewelry industry reported that 7.8% of their annual sales come from Mother's Day too.

A number of countries celebrate Mothers Day, although not necessarily on the same day or in the same way. Mothers Day cards and flowers are also popular in the UK, but in Spain it's more of a low-key religious celebration.

In America, the holiday has become a day of gift-giving and supreme pampering. In South Africa, child and mother switch roles. As the child cooks and cleans, the mother sits back and watches her favorite TV shows or has a relaxing bath. In almost every country, the importance of women as procreator and nurturer is celebrated each year.

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Thanking Mum With An Online Happy Mothers Day Card

"Our research shows most people don't want to economize on their mothers," says Carlton Cards manager Susy Miranda. "Although we do offer value cards priced at 99 cents to $1.99, the more elaborate cards consistently outsell them every year." In the store, a Happy Mothers Day greeting card might mean sifting through colors, fonts, graphics and textures.

Yet online, you can choose from videos, music, insert your own photos and decide whether you'd like to print it, mail it, email it or post it online. The versatility and customization allowable with e-cards online has become such a hit that many of the traditional card craftsmen have offered their selection on the internet with flexible annual memberships to service all your card giving needs.

At www.ecards.plaxo.com, you'll find a large selection of professional Happy Mothers Day greetings similar to what you may find in a store. Whether you want pictures of cute animals, funny cartoons, artistic flowers or a personalized creation using your own photo, it's all here.

You can choose the colors, messages and fonts on each card. When you sign up, you'll receive a free 30-day trial and then you may choose whether or not to continue at $19.95/year.

If you just want to wish a "Happy Mothers Day" and you don't want an annual membership, then there are plenty of free e-cards to choose from. There are sixteen free Mothers Day cards at www.egreetings.com, 30 Mothers Day greetings at www.123greetings.com and 13 free cards at www.hallmark.com, for instance.

However, most of the greeting card sites offer free one-month trials, so you can send your card and cancel if you wish; or you may find that subscribing for a year saves you a lot of money on conventional cards and gives you a good excuse to keep in touch with everyone.

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Giving Your Time With Surprising Mother Day Gifts

While you're perusing the seemingly endless selection of Mother Day gifts, you may have a feeling that this is all so been-there-done-that. Flowers, again? Mothers Day brunch was nice but maybe she'd appreciate a little variety.

It's no secret that moms work a lot of unseen magic around the house, so it's a great chance to return the favor and help her out around the house a little. After all, the best gift you can give to someone is your time.

A number of moms have cited "coupon booklets" to be one of their most memorable past Mother Day gifts. You can include "gift certificates" for cleaning, like floor mopping, laundry, dishes, vacuuming or tidying the living room. You can give your mom an "at home spa certificate" for a massage, a pedicure or a manicure.

Many moms love Mothers Day gift ideas that include coupons for a day of errand running, cooking, gardening or babysitting, which are all tasks she could sometimes use a break from. Then there's always that coveted "anything-for-a-day" certificate that let her decide your duties.

Generally, craft ideas are best for younger children. As we get older, particularly in our teen years, services become increasingly more important. Maybe one day we'll be able to afford a trip to the spa for mom, a weekend getaway or a diamond necklace.

Today, the best Mother Day gifts are the thoughtful ones, within your means, that aim to make mother feel special and appreciated. Since moms are constantly guilty of putting the family first, it'll feel nice for you to make her #1.

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